The Step Brother

Chapter Thirty Seven

Three months later.

I sit at the bar of some run down pub that's right off of the UCLA campus, and I could think of a million places I'd rather be.

I take a long sip from my margarita and swivel on the barstool to spot Colleen in the crowd of drunk college students. I groan when I notice how she is just as drunk as the rest of them, if not more.

That'll be fun dragging back to our apartment.

"Long day?"

I turn to my right to see a man, or college student I should say, smiling at me. He must've heard my groan.

Long three months, I want to reply. But I smile and say, "No, just trying to think of how I'm going to get my roommate home."

Mystery man gives me a knowing smile as he sits down on the barstool next to me. "Can I buy you another drink?"

I look down at my drained margarita glass and shake my head. "I really shouldn't drink anymore."

"Are you sure? I'm buying," he raises his eyebrows in an adorable way. I must say, he is pretty hot. He must be at least six feet tall, dirty blonde hair that is just shaggy enough to be sexy, and big blue eyes.

"I'm sure, but thank you-" and I don't even know his name.

"Eric," he smiles and holds his hand out.

"Chloe," I reply and take his firm hand.

"Well it's nice to meet you Chloe. You go to UCLA?"

I nod, suddenly wishing I had a drink that I could sip on to hide my blush. Why is this so awkward for me?

"Cool. Let me guess... sophomore?"

I shake my head and actually give myself a mental pat on the back. "I'm actually a freshman. Technically."

"Technically?"

"I graduated high school early... I just started classes here for the spring semester."

"So what is a girl like you doing sitting alone at a bar while your friend dances like a fool?" He smiles.

I shrug, because I really don't have a good explanation. "I don't have very many friends here," I admit. "I just tagged along with Colleen tonight."

"Ahh, I see. So you graduated early? You must be pretty smart." He concludes.

Or eager to leave my life behind. "Something like that," I tell this Eric guy.

"Hey Chlo! Ooh, who is this?"

I turn around where a very drunk Colleen is leaning against me whilst sipping on what has to be her tenth margarita. Damn this pub and it's two dollar margarita mondays.

"I'm Eric," he replies before I can answer.

"Hi Eric! Chloe here is my bestest roommate, and she happens to be very single. Just saying," she giggles, I groan inwardly. "Anyway, I came to tell my dearest roomy that I'm going to Drew's apartment, so you don't need to wait up for me. Have fun, hot stuff," she winks and trips over her feet as she stumbles away.

"Sorry about that," I cringe. "Well, if she doesn't need my help, I should get going. I have an early lecture tomorrow."

"Come on, one drink?" He asks. "It's on me..."

"No I really shouldn't. But it was nice meeting you, Eric."

"All right," he sighs. "At least let me walk you home. I'm sure it's on the way to my apartment."