Close to you

Chapter 2

“Hey, I’m going to swing by The Brig so you can look around and meet a few people before you start next week. Are you ok with that?” Rose asks, as she turns on her turn signal. 

“Yeah, of course. That actually sounds great. It’ll help ease my nerves for my first day if I know a few people other than just you.” I laugh. 

We pull into a parking spot down the street from The Brig. I have been near this bar many times growing up near Venice Beach but I left before I was old enough to ever go inside. The view of the street as I step outside of the car is filled with people walking and riding bikes. You can hear music and laughter all around. The sun is warm and the breeze perfectly blows creating a blissful scene along the strip. 

As we walk into the bar, I immediately feel relaxed and at home. I look around and take everything in. To the right is a wall, creating a small divide between two rooms. There are two large openings on either side of the wall. In the far room is a stage, a red pool table and tables and chairs throughout. It has a glass garage door lift that leads onto the patio. The patio is covered with lights, firepits, cushioned seats and a few tables creating a more intimate feeling. To the left of the dividing wall is a full bar with kitchen behind, the cashier area, a hallway that leads to the bathrooms and employee lounge along with stairs that lead up to the VIP loft. There are a ton of tables and stools creating more of a restaurant look and feel on this side of the dividing wall. 

“Jordan!” Rose yells, catching me off guard. 

“Rose. Where have you been, mama? I have been waiting to see your gorgeous face all day.” 

His smile reaches across his entire face as he watches Rose walk towards him. He is very tall, I’d say 6’2 or 6’3. Tan and very attractive. He stands behind the bar wearing a blue muscle tee and a backwards hat. His eyes rake over Roses’ body, admiring her. Rose looks down towards the ground and I notice a smile form at her lips as her cheeks turn a slight shade of pink. 

Rose is beautiful, so I’m not surprised by his admiration of her. She looks like a model with her long legs, long brown hair and beautiful green eyes. She is also incredibly funny and flirty. She always had guys lined up at her feet awaiting their turn. I always wondered how she memersized them all. 

Myself, on the other hand. I’m only 5’5, medium length blonde hair and brown eyes. Nothing too incredible alluring about that. I always refer to myself as average. I’m not taking anyone's breath away because of my drop dead gorgeous looks. However, I am confident in my appearance and myself. 

“Jordan, this is Callie? Your new bartender and my best friend!” She giggles. “We just wanted to stop in and say hey before we hit the beach.”

“Oh yeah. Callie. I’m Jordan. It’s nice to meet you. I hope you enjoy the nightlife. It can get crazy around here sometimes. When is your first day again?” Jordan introduces himselfs.

“I believe it’s Thursday night. I’m excited to start. This place seems pretty amazing.” I pause. “So, how long have you two been dating?” I gesture between Rose and Jordan.

“We aren’t dating but not from my lack of trying.” Jordan laughs. “Rose likes to keep me begging.” 

“Jordan!” Rose groans. 

We all three laugh. “Do you ladies want a drink before you head to the beach?” Jordan asks.

“Yes, please.” Rose and I both say in unison. 

We take a seat on the bar stool as Jordan turns around to make our drinks. They are so cute together and seem very comfortable. I’ll have to get more details from Rose later on what's going on between them. I notice that Rose’s eyes follow Jordan as he makes his way around the bar. I nudge her arm letting her know I see what she is doing. She nudges me back and blushes, before turning back to see if Jordan has noticed our exchange. 

I cover my mouth and turn around to prevent myself from laughing when my eyes are drawn to the doors as an incredibly gorgeous man enters the bar. You can see his thick muscles flex under his white shirt with each step he takes in our direction. He is dripping with sweat as he runs his fingers through his wild brown hair. His smile is breathtaking and his piercing eyes drift slightly towards me. I bite my lip to keep myself from gasping out loud as I feel the temperature rising in the bar. Not realizing I pull my hair up off of my neck hoping it helps cool me down. The whole rest of the bar is a blur as he completely overtakes my senses. 

“Jordan.” The gorgeous man shouts from across the room, startling me out of my tranced state.

“Cody! Hey, my dude!” Jordan says, as they bump fists. “These beautiful ladies are going down to the beach, you think you want to come along?” 

“Yeah. Let’s do it! Give me a shot first.” he tells Jordan.

“Rose, you look good today.” He compliments. “Are you working today or just enjoying the view?” He winks, gesturing towards Jordan.

“Well, I’m not working.” She laughs, avoiding his other question before pointing at me. “I brought Callie by to see the place and meet everyone before we head to the beach. She starts working here Thursday.”

I feel flushed as Rose talks about me. Cody leans around Rose to see who she is pointing at. The moment our eyes lock I feel the chemistry between us ignite. His fiery blue eyes linger exploring my facial features. He is even more breathtaking closer up. I keep my eyes focused on his face, unable to speak or move. I am completely dazed by my attraction to him.

“Hey. I’m Cody.” He says, as he continues to stare.

“Callie.” I barely manage to say before biting my lip. 

He must notice my reaction because his eyes darken and he smiles before turning back to Jordan to get his drink.

“Rose, ready to hit the beach? I’m melting in here and ready to take a dip.” I ask before fanning myself with my hand. 

“Yes! Let’s go get our tan on. Bye boys, come find us later.” Rose says, as we both walk away from the bar. 

I turn back slightly as we walk out, trying to catch another glimpse of Cody. Cody's eyes follow me as I exit the door.