Just Colleagues

17. May Tensions Bring June Questions

Back to Briar's POV:

It's a Wednesday night, and Sarah and I hop into John B's Twinkie after finishing a day of work. Sarah, ever the chatterbox, immediately starts showing me videos of elaborate Midsummers proposals that she found on Snapchat. I can't help but smile at the creativity and effort that went into each one.

"That one's my favorite," Sarah says, pointing to a video of a beachside picnic setup with fairy lights and rose petals spelling out "MIDSUMMERS?" in the sand.

"It's so romantic," I agree, feeling a pang of envy at the thought of someone going to such lengths for their partner.

Sarah nudges me playfully. "You know, I just did a Midsummers proposal for John B today," she says with a proud grin.

My eyes widen in surprise. "You did? What did you do?" I ask, intrigued.

She launches into the story of how she organized a scavenger hunt for John B, with hidden letters scattered all over the OBX for him to find. "It spelled out 'MIDSUMMERS?' in the end," she says, beaming at her handiwork.

John B chuckles, flashing a grateful smile at Sarah. "I told you I'm the luckiest guy in the world," he says, reaching over to squeeze her hand.

The conversation shifts to Rafe as John B asks if he's going to ask me to Midsummers. I feel uncertain as I stutter out a response. "I-I don't know," I admit, feeling a knot form in my stomach.

Sarah's eyebrows furrow in concern. "Why not?" she asks gently.

I hesitate, unsure of how to articulate my feelings. "I... I told Rafe that I want to take things slow," I begin to say. "I don't want to rush into anything until I'm ready."

Sarah nods understandingly, her expression softening with empathy. "I get it," she says reassuringly. "But I bet he's hoping to ask you."

I smile weakly, grateful for Sarah's support. "I hope so," I admit, though a part of me fears that Rafe might misinterpret my intentions.

As John B drives us to the Chateau, Sarah's voice chimes in again. "Hey, don't worry too much about it," she says, her tone gentle and reassuring. "Whatever happens, happens."

The sight of JJ perched up in the tree catches us off guard as we pull up to John B's house. Sarah nudges me, her eyes wide with curiosity, and I can't help but share her intrigue. 

What on earth is JJ doing up there?

As we approach, we spot Kie standing below the tree, gazing up at JJ with a mixture of amusement and anticipation. John B, Sarah, and I exchange puzzled glances before calling out to them.

"What's going on up there?" John B calls out, his brow furrowed in confusion.

JJ's head emerges from the hollow of the tree, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. He holds up a piece of paper in his mouth, and my heart skips a beat as he begins to unravel it.

"MIDSUMMERS?- Kie" he reads aloud, his voice filled with excitement and disbelief. The realization dawns on us, and a collective gasp escapes our lips.

Kie's eyes widen in surprise as she looks up at JJ, her expression a mix of shock and joy. JJ nods enthusiastically, his grin widening as he confirms the message.

"I'm going to Midsummers!" he exclaims, his voice echoing with joy. We burst into cheers and applause as we share in JJ's happiness.

As JJ leaps down from the tree and wraps Kie in a tight embrace. I can see the relief and happiness written all over her face.

Amidst the celebration, I can't help but feel a bit envious towards the pogues. Seeing JJ and Kie's joyous moment only serves to remind me of the uncertainty looming over my own Midsummers prospects. But as I join in the cheers and laughter, I push aside my worries, choosing instead to join in the happiness of my friends. After all, tonight is a celebration – a celebration for Sarah and John B, and a celebration for Kie and JJ.

The atmosphere at the Chateau is relaxed as we settle in for the evening, the pogues and I gathering in the familiar comfort of John B's home. Amidst the chatter and laughter, I find myself drawn to Pope, and we soon find ourselves seated at the kitchen table, engrossed in conversation.

"Hey, Pope, can I ask you something?"

Pope meets my gaze, his expression curious yet attentive. "Of course, Briar. What's on your mind?"

I pause for a moment, gathering my thoughts before continuing. "Do you want to be asked to Midsummers?"

Pope shakes his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Nah, not really. I've got catering duty that night anyway, so even if someone wanted to ask me, I wouldn't be able to go."

His response catches me off guard, but I nod in understanding. "Fair enough," I reply, before hesitating for a moment. "Do you think... do you think Rafe will ask me?"

Pope considers my question for a moment before responding. "Well, Briar, from what I know of Rafe, he seems like the kind of guy who respects your wishes. If you've told him you want to take things slow, then he'll probably honor that."

His words resonate with me, but uncertainty gnaws at my insides. "Yeah, that's what I thought too," I admit, feeling a tad bit of guilt. "But part of me still hopes he'll ask me... even though I told him I want to take it slow."

Pope nods understandingly, his expression sympathetic. "I get it, Briar. Emotions are complicated, and it's okay to feel conflicted sometimes."

I sigh, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders as I confide in Pope. "Thanks, Pope. It's just hard, you know? Trying to navigate all of this."

Pope offers me a reassuring smile, his eyes warm with understanding. "I know, Briar. But just remember, regardless of what happens, you always have the power to take control of the situation. If Rafe doesn't ask you, you can always ask him for a dance at the event."

I think about the Heyward boy's words for a few seconds, and I find myself nodding in agreement. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Pope. I appreciate it."

-----------------

As John B pulls up to the Cameron house, Sarah and I bid him goodnight before stepping out of the Twinkie and heading towards the front door. As Sarah disappears upstairs to her bedroom, I catch sight of Rafe in the living room, a small smile playing on his lips as he waves me over.

Curiosity piqued, I make my way over to him, settling down beside him on the couch. "Hey," I greet him with a smile. "What did you get up to after work?"

Rafe shrugs, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, not much," he replies casually. "Just hanging out at Topper's with Kelce, trying to help those two find a Midsummers date."

I chuckle at his response, shaking my head in amusement. "Seriously? Those two need help finding dates?"

Rafe laughs, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, they're hopeless. But it was entertaining, to say the least."

Before I can respond, Rafe's expression shifts, his eyes meeting mine with a hint of curiosity. "Hey, Briar, are you busy on Friday night?"

I pause for a moment, considering his question before shaking my head. "No, I don't think so. Why?"

A smirk tugs at the corners of Rafe's lips as he nods in satisfaction. "Good to know," he replies cryptically, before bidding me goodnight and disappearing off to his room.

As I head off to bed, Rafe's words linger in my mind.

What does he possibly have planned for Friday night?