When the Past Becomes the Future

Emotional Rollarcoasters

Juliette stretched in her sleep. Her eyes were still closed but for some reason she felt so comfortable and even though her neck hurt from an awkward sleeping position she never felt more rested.

Then she finally remembered where she was; she wasn't home, she was at Brian's. It all suddenly came flooding back to her; the shots, the truth or dare game, and most of all Brian's final question; did she really wanna marry David.

Her eyes flew open and she immediately leapt off the bed. She really had slept on Brian's chest all night. Her only prayer at the moment was that Levi had been asleep all night and didn't notice, the last thing she wanted was to confuse him anymore than he already was.

Brian began to stir awake and when he opened his eyes and saw Juliette he gave her a small lazy smile. "Good morning." He whispered.

"Hi." She whispered back still freaking out on the inside.

"I got some stuff to do at work." She lied. "I'm gonna get going and come pick him up in a few hours." Before he could even respond she was out of the room making her way down the stairs. The night all started coming back to Brian however at the moment all he could do was turn to his side and watch his son sleep soundly next to him.

July 2010:

It was hopefully going to be a fun night. Brian was at his friend, Sal's, bar on Staten Island after a long shift at the firehouse. A few buddies from work suggested some beers before heading home for the next few days. Juliette was out to dinner with her aunt in Manhattan so Brian had texted  telling her meet him when she was done.

"Well well well look who finally remembered me!" Sal yelled over when he saw his longtime friend walk in.

"I knew you'd give me shit." Brian laughed taking a seat at his usual stool in the corner.

"Sup guys!" Sal greeted the other firemen. He then turned to Brian, "Haven't seen you in almost a month!"

"Don't feel bad, Quinn's been tied up lately. Doesn't have time for anyone these days since he met...Jules." Mike, one of the firemen, said in a sighing voice making fun of his friend.

"Wait...you're seeing someone and haven't even told me?" Sal asked taking the beer back that he had just placed in front of Brian.

"I've been busy, cut me a break man." Brian responded snatching the beer back.

"Doesn't even have time for our weekend softball games anymore!" Another fireman chimed in.

"That's not true!" Brian defended, "I went to the one before the 4th but when we took off to see my parents I didn't get back in time for the next one."

"Hold up!" Sal exclaimed, "We?! You brought her to meet your parents?"

"We went for the 4th." Brian said then noticed the look he was getting, "Don't look at me like that!"

Sal stared in total shock, "I'm just saying you bring her home to meet your family before she meets your friends. The last girl you brought home was...."

"I know who it was Sal!" Brian snapped not letting him finish his sentence. The last thing he wanted to think about was his ex-fiancé. That subject was long dead and buried as far as he was concerned. "Look you done busting my balls so I can go take a piss?" He asked getting up and heading towards the bathroom.

"Whats this girl like?" Sal leaned in asking Mike. After all he was the one Q was closest to at the firehouse.

"She's actually really great man. Don't tell him I said this but if you ask me, he's already falling for her...fast."
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Mike was certainly right, Juliette was great. She had been at the bar for less than an hour and Sal already loved her. She was the perfect combination of sweet and sassy, keeping Q in check but also stealing kissing every so often or nibbling on his neck when she thought no one was looking. And the girl could certainly drink. She was already on her third vodka soda and was buzzed but not an annoying drunk girl that got super loud and obnoxious.