Finding Us (Interracial Romance)

Pints And Patience

Jeremy

I walk into the dimly lit bar, the familiar scent of spilled beer and fried food mingling with the distant hum of conversations and laughter. My brothers-- Dylan, Bradley, and Thomas' faces are glowing with excitement and curiosity. It's been years since I last stepped foot into this bar, and despite the pain that brought me back, their presence is a comforting reminder of home.

"Welcome back to the land of the living, Jeremy," Thomas teases, clapping me on the back as we find a table near the corner.

"Yeah, we thought New York had swallowed you whole," Bradley adds with a grin.

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Nah, just needed a change of scenery. New York was getting old."

Dylan raises an eyebrow. "And by old, you mean Hannah?"

I wince at the mention of her name. "Yeah. Her and Cindy."

Bradley whistles low. "Man, I still can't believe that. On your birthday, no less."

"Yeah, well, seven months is a long time to nurse a broken heart," I say, trying to keep my tone light. "And Los Angeles seemed like a good place for a fresh start."

We settle into our seats, ordering a round of beers. The familiar clink of glasses and the shared laughter feel like a balm on my wounded soul. Just as I start to relax, a voice calls out from across the bar.

"Jeremy? Is that you?"

I turn to see Noah, a great friend of mine from childhood, weaving through the crowd with a broad smile on his face. He looks the same as ever, with his easygoing grin and a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

"Noah!" I exclaim, standing to greet him. We exchange a quick hug, and he claps me on the shoulder.

"Man, it's good to see you. I heard you were back in town, but I didn't believe it until now." Noah's eyes flick to my brothers. "Hey, guys."

"Hey, Noah," they reply in unison, nodding their heads.

Noah turns back to me, his expression turning serious. "Listen, I've got some news. Sylvia and I are getting married next Saturday, and I want you to be my best man."

My eyes widen in surprise. "Your best man? Are you serious?"

"Absolutely," Noah says, his smile returning. "It wouldn't feel right without you up there with me."

I'm about to respond when I see a flicker of uncertainty in Noah's eyes. "What's wrong?"

He hesitates. "It's just... I'm not sure how Cecilia will react to seeing you. You know, after everything that happened with Hannah."

A pang of guilt hits me. Cecilia had been a casualty of my relationship with Hannah. I had believed Hannah's lies about Cecilia and our friendship had never recovered.

"I understand," I say quietly. "But I'd still love to be there for you and Sylvia."

Noah nods, a hint of relief in his eyes. "Great. We'll figure it out. For now, let's just enjoy the night."

We settle back into our seats, and Noah pulls up a chair, joining us. The bartender, a burly guy with a thick beard, brings over our beers, and we raise our glasses in a toast.

"To new beginnings," Noah says, clinking his glass against mine. "And to old friends."

"To old friends," I echo, taking a long sip. The beer is cold and refreshing, a welcome distraction from the complicated emotions swirling inside me.

As the night wears on, we slip into an easy rhythm of conversation, reminiscing about the past and catching up on the present. Dylan and Bradley recount hilarious stories from their recent road trip up the coast, while Thomas fills us in on his latest business venture—a gourmet food truck that's quickly gaining a following.