Darkened Roses [Complete][Book 1 of Roses Trilogy]

Chapter 3; Bars and Bedtime

*Caution; Ages 16+ recommended due to strong language*

(Rose's POV)

As Michael, Gavin, Ray, Geoff, Ryan, Jack and I entered the bar, the black haired waitress led us to a large table next to a large window. Ray sat down on the far end of the right side of the table. I sat beside Ray and Gavin sat on my other side. Michael sat beside Gavin and Ryan slid in to sit across from Ray, Geoff slid across from me and Jack sat beside Geoff and across from Gavin.

The waitress gave us the beer and wine specials and what they had for beers and wines. I glanced at the specials and then looked up at the others. The waitress had left their table to deal with a drunk brown haired guy who was causing an racket.

"Wow, that has to suck" I commented under my breath as a larger man came out and forced the man to leave the bar. The lads nodded while the gents made little "mmhm" noises. Soon the waitress came back and we ordered. I had a tap beer, Geoff and Gavin had a rum and coke mix, Michael ordered a tap beer as well, Ryan had a small rum and sprite mix, while Jack had a bottled beer and Ray had a water.

"So, Rose, what made you want to join our chaotic work family?" Ryan's deep voice sounded, and I looked up at Ryan after taking a sip from my glass.

"It may seem a little foolish, but at first, I had always wanted to work on video games or test the new video games, then a few months before I got my degree, during Spring Break, I watched the first Minecraft Let's play and then became addicted to AH and RT afterwards." I explained. As I finished my explanation, I saw smiles on each of their faces, though, my eyes slowed as I looked at Ray.

His features were soft as he took another sip of his water. He had a low smile and something twinkled behind his glasses. I felt heat rising in my cheeks as I turned away to look at Geoff. The gents began chatting about the upcoming video games GTA V and Battlefield 4.

Gavin and Michael started chatting softly together, heads leaned in close to each other. Ray turned to glance at me and I felt a smile creep onto my face.

"So Rose, you play video games right?" Ray asked me, and I felt my small smile grow wider as I locked my eyes with his. I felt my palms pick up sweat and my heart pounding against my rib cage.

"Oh, yes" I told him, as he nodded, taking another sip of his water. I picked up my beer glass and took a sip, the harsh tang slithered down my throat, as a sweet aftertaste worked its way behind the original tang.

"If you don't mind my asking, what's your gamer score?" Ray asked me, his right hand cupping his right cheek as he leaned on the table's top. He looked completely interested in me and our conversation. I couldn't help but think about how David or Jake never looked at me like that.

"I currently have a 350,000 gamer score" I told him, and felt a chuckle bubbling out of me as he raised his dark eyebrows.

"Really?" He asked, eyeing me with amusement flicking in his eyes, behind the black glasses. I nodded as he grinned at me, and my smile began to grow again. I set the empty beer glass down and the waitress came over. She refilled everyones, including mine, drinks and I let out a sigh.

<**€**>

After about 4-5 more drinks, more Q+A from the lads and gents and Ray constantly watching me and looking into my eyes, We began to get up. I stepped sideways as I got up, and I staggered out the door, my jacket in my arms and my purse slung over my shoulder.

I could feel myself wobbling and I let out a stupid laugh, watching as Ray came over to me. I felt myself smile at me with a big grin and a chuckle. As I went to get in my truck, he stepped in front of me, arms crossed, worry etched in his features. He noticed that Geoff wasn't bad, since he had only had two rum and cokes and was fine for driving. Michael, Ryan, Gavin, and I were pretty bad, and Jack was all right, and luckily, his house was within walking distance of both the bar and the office.