Chasing The Impractical (Brian Quinn Story)

Just Friends - Apollonia

"And then he kissed you?" Kate gasped as we waited for coffee the next morning at work.

"You can't tell anyone, I don't want Colin finding out" I hissed.

"You and Colin have been on what one date and spelt together a few times. Don't stress about it, your still single and can date around" she laughed.

"Yeah, but that's not me. I really like Brian, he's a great friend and I think I'd rather have that instead. Plus Colin was around first" I sighed.

"Okay, but you might want to tell him then" she shrugged.

As lunch time approached I sent Q a message and told him what time I could do. He said that was perfect and we would meet me outside my building. So at 1pm I walked outside and met Brian.

"Hey you" he beamed.

I was about to speak when I heard someone call my name behind us.

"Colin" I laughed nervously.

"I thought we could grab some lunch, but I see your busy" he frowned.

"Yeah... tomorrow?" I asked.

Colin just nodded his head and quickly walked back inside.

"That was awkward" Q laughed when he was out of ear shot.

"Yeah, so where are we going?" I asked probably a little too impatiently.

"There's this deli around the corner, I thought that would..."

"Cool" I interupted and gestured for him to lead the way.

The walk was done in complete silence. I wasn't meaning to be rude, but I was crazy nervous. I really liked Brian, he was kind, funny and pretty good looking. But I needed a friend right now. Not another complications.

Once we had found a table and placed our order we continued to sit in silence.

"What's up with you?" Q laughed nervously.

"Is this a date?" I asked getting straight to the point.

I could tell Q was a little taken back by my bluntness. "I dunno, I just thought we could have lunch since we were both in the city" he shrugged.

"Because you keep kissing me. I just, fuck. Brian, I'm sort of dating Colin at the minute and I'm not the type of girl who can handle dating different men. I really fucking like you though, but right now I just need a friend" I sighed.

"Alright, friends it is" he smiled.

"That means no more kissing" I laughed.

"Well stop kissing me back every time and we won't have an issue" he teased back.

The rest of the meal went by quickly, too quickly really. I was having a great time hanging out with him. I had forced him into telling me some stories from his firemen days and did my best to avoid any questions about myself.

"I should be getting back" I sighed as I looked at my watch.

"What time you finishing, I'll give you ride back if you like?" Q asked as we began to stroll back to my building.

"Like 5" I shrugged.

"I'll meet you out here at 5 then" he smiled.

"See you later... friend" he laughed and playfully hit me on the arm before walking away.

I spent the rest of the day at my desk, writing up a few ideas for Wednesday's meeting. Every time Colin would walk through the office he would ignore me and close his office door. At 4:30 he left without saying bye. I was in no mood for stupid games and tried to keep my head in my writing as I waited for the clock to hit 5.