When Brandi woke up the following morning, she found she didn't regret her actions from the previous night. Perhaps she should, but as she drove to the beach, her heart raced quicker with each mile she got closer. She had to be honest with herself. Bradley still made her feel things the other men in her life could not.
She parked her Mustang near the Hard Deck and pulled her hair up in a ponytail, the California sun already beating down harshly. Stepping out of the vehicle, she glanced around for a familiar face. She finally saw Phoenix and they waved at each other before Brandi grabbed her bag and raced to join the others, the group consisting of Phoenix, Bob, Payback, and Fanboy.
"Anyone know what the hell we're here for?" she asked, once in earshot.
"We were hoping you'd know," Payback said. "Since, you know, you and Mav are pretty close."
Brandi shook her head. "He has always been spontaneous, but this is different."
Two more car doors slammed and Brandi turned to find Hangman and Rooster, their trucks parked on either side of hers. She smiled and took a few steps forward before stopping abruptly, she didn't know who to go to. So, she let the two come to her.
Rooster got there first.
He matched her smile, dropping down to her height to hug her. That was one of the many differences between him and Jake. He let himself stoop to her level.
But then he did something unexpected.
His arms tightened around her waist and he picked her up, so she was a head taller than him. A laugh escaped her and she momentarily forgot about the other surrounding them.
"Bradley, you just saw me yesterday!" she said throughout her laughter.
"I know," he said with a mischievous smirk as he placed her back on the ground. "Still missed you."
Hangman was quick to join her side, slipping an arm around her shoulders, claiming his rightful spot. Brandi could roll her eyes at him. "What did you two do that I was thoughtlessly left out of?" He smiled but Brandi easily spotted the contempt in his words.
She sighed, not wanting to stir the already boiling pot. But it seemed it wouldn't have mattered in the end because Bradley had beaten her.
"I took her out," he answered smugly, crossing his arms. "And then we took a drive."
