Happiness Unending

Chapter Four: Red Wine

"As a matter of fact, I do have a great selection, Audrey." OH GEEZ. He said my name. God I loved how it sounded. Shut up. Could I also tell my face to calm down? Good lord my face has never been so warm in my life! Without another word he went to one of his many cabinets and struggled to grab a bottle from one of the higher shelves. 

"Do you need any help?" I teased, starting to get up but he waved a hand at me in annoyance. 

"NO! I'm fine. Its just a little...higher up than I remembered." Jordan defended himself and I sat back down shaking my head. Finally he grabbed the neck of the bottle and set it down on the counter gently though he looked like he had been straining himself for far too long. 

"You...where did you get this?" I asked, my words practically gone out of the window. My shock couldn't have been any more obvious. I grabbed the bottle almost immediately, making sure it was real. The red label was more familiar to me than anything. Jordan looked worried but I smiled to make sure my reaction wasn't a bad thing. 

"Uh, Target why?" 

"This is easily my favorite wine. Wow. You have no idea how many memories this brings back from home." I gushed enthusiastically. It really was refreshing to see something so familiar in such an unfamiliar setting. I felt like I was...home. Ever since I moved out here I haven't felt this way since. I love California don't get me wrong, but there is just something you can't take away from your hometown and bring it with you. 

"I suppose we can cheer to that then." he set down two wine glasses and I was about to grab one, but he stopped me. 

"Cheers to what?" I heard from behind me. It was the light brown haired guy with glasses who spoke. 

Jordan glanced at me as if he didn't know what to say and I shrugged as well. He handed me my glass and I took it slowly. Our fingers brushed just briefly, making me blush yet again. What am I, sixteen again? It was just an accident. It doesn't mean anything. Does it? 

"Cheers to...I don't know man. I'm not good at toasts." We walked over to where the board game was taking place and the girl flipped her hair off her shoulder. 

"Oh guys, did you watch whatshernames video? Man she was ticked off about something." 

Uh oh. I sipped my wine nonchalantly, though Jordan looked like he choked on it but he recovered quickly. 

"Really? What did she say?" He asked, a smirk clear across his face. I tried to ignore the heat rising to my face once more and took another sip. The girl sighed, sounding exasperated. 

"Well as per usual in her oh so dramatic fashion, she proceeded to tell the whole universe about how this one girl ruined her relationship with you or whatever. That's all a bunch of BS because all of us know you're not in a relationship. EVERYONE knows you aren't! Besides, what happened anyway? You were hanging out with her after all." Jordan sighed and ran a hand over his face, also appearing to be just as exasperated. 

"It's a long story. Besides, I'd rather introduce you to my new friend" ouch. I cringed internally at the mere mention of friend but that's technically what we are. I shouldn't make this painful for myself. "everyone, this is Audrey. Audrey this is...well everyone." he added. They all stood up and introduced themselves kindly. They didn't seem to mind the sudden subject change as did I. 

The girl's name was Rachel, the light brown haired guy with the glasses was Ian, the dark haired one was Mark and the other guy whose hair was up in a small ponytail was Jason. They were all super friendly and polite which I appreciated considering I was a complete stranger. Rachel patted a spot next to her for me to sit down. 

"So you're new to town then?" she asked, her voice small yet commanded attention at the same time. She was super pretty with dark brown hair, a streak of purple near her ear. Her bright blue eyes were startling, but she pulled the look off rather well. 

"Somewhat. I've lived here for about six months." I responded, casually sipping my wine as we conversed. After that, everyone seemed to get used to me and topics of conversation weren't hard to come by. So far, no one dared go into the pool which was disappointing but that was made up by the fact Rachel rage quit mid way through a game of The Game of Life because of all the bad spaces she was landing on. 

"I swear I have the absolute worst luck when it comes to board games!" she exclaimed in annoyance. We all laughed and had a great time, myself already through a second glass of wine. We were all starting to wind down for the night and I started to yawn. I glanced over at Jordan and there was a spark in his eyes I didn't recognize. 

"What?" I said, hoping for a response. His smile only grew when I asked him and I shook my head along with the group. They already knew what was happening. 

"We have to at least get into the pool before it gets too cold!" Rachel simply rolled her eyes. 

"Why don't you just go yourself? That's way more entertaining." she teased heartily. Jordan however was not going to stand for it. He stood up and took our glasses to the kitchen sink and came back. 

"I mean, I did ask you guys to bring your swimsuits, did I not?" Jason stretched his arms and relaxed on the couch on the other side of Rachel. 

"Sure man, but its way too cold out this late at night, man. I'm not going." Everyone else was agreeing to stay inside, but for once I was going to be adventurous and try it out for myself. I didn't come here just to sit and chat all night. As nice as that is I needed to change it up. 

"I'll do it." I exclaimed. Jordan rubbed his hands together like an evil genius and practically skipped to the door which led to his deck and pool. There were some fairy lights and candles set up outside, the only other light was coming from the pool and even that was dimmed. It was a super romantic scene but I wasn't sure if I was quite ready for romance so soon and so suddenly. 

"Actually, we've gotta get going. We've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow, man. Thanks for having us over. I had a great time." Mark now stood up and yawned himself. Jordan hesitated at the back door, his hand on the doorknob but he walked back to say goodbye. Everyone was standing now and Jordan led them to the front door. 

"It was great meeting you, Audrey!" Ian spoke up, his voice low but calming. I smiled and nodded. The front door was now wide open and Rachel's eyes went wide. 

"Whose Mustang is that?" she half screamed in excitement. I really couldn't help myself. 

"It's mine." Everyone turned my way and stared at me in awe. Jordan especially looked particularly excited. I guess I didn't really pin him as an old car type but maybe that's just me overthinking things. 

"For real?" Ian questioned, his eyes wide with curiosity. 

"Absolutely. I've had it since I turned sixteen. It was a gift from my grandfather before he passed." 

"It's absolutely stunning! We should go on a ride sometime, see what that thing has." Jordan burst out. I smiled at looked at my car with pride. 

"I'd like that." I stated quietly, noticing his rather close stance to me. He backed off a bit though it wasn't much. 

"Alright, we'll see you soon. Text us when you want to go on another drive! Make sure Audrey hears about it!" Ian teased. Jordan smiled and shook hands with him quickly. 

"Will do man. Have a good rest of your night you guys!" everyone said their goodbyes and good nights and the door closed sooner than I had hoped. Now what? 

***You've made it this far! I'm hoping it's not too boring...don't worry. Things will start to get interesting in the next few chapters ;) Your feedback is much appreciated! Thanks for reading!***