A Dance With The Devil

The bar

Kasey Rae Williams

Kasey's P.O.V

I was out for drinks with my best friend Hannah and her new husband Kolby. He's a mix of hilarious and a bit annoying, but he treats her and the kids wonderfully. Kolby mentioned that his older brother would be joining us tonight, fresh from a divorce, and we were all set to celebrate. It's a friendly split, and he got full custody since Amber decided to study abroad. Thankfully, my mom had all the kids for the evening, so we could let loose. As I walked in, I heard Kolby call out, "Kasey Rae Williams, get your cute self over here!" followed by his signature catcall. He told me that his brother was on the way, having just dropped the kids off at our mom's place. I waved over the waiter and ordered eight shots, to which Kolby chuckled and said, "Nice thought, but my brother doesn't drink." I felt my cheeks flush and insisted the waiter bring them anyway, saying that Hannah and I would take care of it. Kolby just shook his head, laughing, "You ladies are going to get hammered tonight!" As the shots arrived, we downed them—four for me, three for Hannah, and just one for Kolby. As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and laughter. The bar was dimly lit, with a warm glow emanating from the string lights overhead, casting a cozy ambiance that felt just right for a night out. I could see Hannah, her eyes sparkling with joy, as she playfully nudged Kolby, who was busy regaling us with one of his infamous stories. His animated gestures and exaggerated expressions had us all in stitches, even if his humor sometimes veered into the realm of the annoying.

"Seriously, Kasey, you have to hear this one!" Kolby exclaimed, leaning in closer, his voice rising above the chatter of the other patrons. I couldn't help but roll my eyes, but I was also grateful for his ability to lighten the mood. He had a knack for making even the most mundane moments feel like an adventure.

As we waited for his brother to arrive, I took a moment to glance around the bar. The walls were adorned with quirky art, and the scent of fried food wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of clinking glasses and laughter. It was the perfect backdrop for a night of celebration, especially after the whirlwind of the past few weeks.

Hannah leaned over, her voice low and conspiratorial. "So, what do you think of Kolby? I know he can be a lot sometimes, but he really does love me and the kids." I smiled, knowing that beneath his goofy exterior, Kolby had a heart of gold. "He's great, Han. You two are perfect for each other," I reassured her, and she beamed back at me, her happiness infectious.

Just then, the door swung open, and in walked Kolby's brother, Brantley.He looked a bit worn but had an easy smile that immediately put everyone at ease. I could see the resemblance between the two brothers—same hair and mischievous glint in their eyes lots of tattoos wide chests and big arms. Kolby jumped up, waving him over, and I felt a flutter of curiosity about this man who had just come out of a divorce.

"Hey, brantley Over here!" Kolby shouted, and brantley made his way through the crowd, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on us. "You must be Kasey," he said, extending a hand. "Kolby talks about you all the time." I shook his hand, feeling a warmth in his grip that suggested he was genuinely glad to be here.

"Only the good stuff" I felt my cheeks heat up when he mentioned that he had only heard wonderful things about me. The way he said it, with that deep, smooth voice, sent a thrill through me. He was a tall, tattooed guy with a beard, exuding an irresistible charm that made it hard to look away. His tattoos told stories, each inked design a glimpse into his life, and his beard framed a smile that seemed to light up the dimly lit bar. I could hear Hannah chuckling beside me, her playful teasing cutting through the moment like a warm breeze. "Girl, close your mouth; a fly might just land in it!" she quipped, and I felt my blush deepen, a warm rush creeping up my neck as I tried to regain my composure.