Friends with Benefits

Two.

As punishment for my tardiness back from break, I had to stay an extra fifteen minutes to clean each station. After texting with Candace and learning I will be meeting her brother, Tyler, I cleaned everything in ten minutes.
I locked up the classroom, ran to my car and drove home. My usual fifteen minute drive was useful to calm my nerves and think of an outfit to wear. I knew I had to be warm but also cute and would need to show off my tattoos if I took off my jacket.
I raced into my small two bedroom apartment and slammed the door behind me. My roommate, Mykie, shrieked at the alarming noise.

"Fuck. I'm sorry, Mykie." I threw my backpack onto the floor. She paused her movie and stretched her body. "I told you you watch too many horror movies." She laughed as I bolted to my room.
"Dude..what's the rush?" She followed behind me. I stripped off my apron and kicked off my heels.
"I'm going to a Stars game."
"Eww, hockey. Why?" She leaned against the doorframe.
"I met Tyler Seguin's sisters and mother today on my break. One of the sisters wants to go to Aveda so she got me a ticket for tonight's game." Mykie's eyes widened. "I know. I need outfit ideas stat." She ran to my closet immediately. I straightened my hair as she held up options.
I decided to wear black leggings, a plain white short sleeve shirt, black combat boots and a dark green bomber jacket. I kept my hair down. My makeup was simple: concealer, blush, mascara and lipgloss.

I threw the lipgloss, mints, travel size perfume bottle, my wallet, phone and vape into a small satchel. Mykie tossed my keys to me, which I caught in midair. We hugged tightly as I rushed out the door to hop into my Uber.

I text Candace that I made it to the stadium once I reached the small will call line. She texted back the way to the VIP section. I would have been confused if it wasn't for the will call employee that handed me my ticket along with a VIP access badge.
Candace was the first to greet me with an excited hug. She pulled me by my hand to Cassidy and Jackie for more hugs. Jackie introduced her husband, Paul. He shook my hand firmly before laughing and pulling me into a hug.

"Okay, okay. Shot time!" Candace peeled her dad's arms from around me and handed me a shot. I frowned at the intense alcohol smell radiating from the small glass.
"Oh, no. Tequila?"
"If you drove here, I can order you an Uber home and have your car driven back to you."
"No, no. It's not that. I actually can't remember the last time I had tequila."
"Even better." She clinked her glass against mine. I closed my eyes tightly feeling the liquid burn my throat and stomach. I set the glass on a table next to me. "Since it's only you and me drinking, let's take a shot at every goal the Stars make." She whispered to me. I nodded my head and agreed nervously.

Four goals and four shots later, I was definitely feeling the alcohol and babbling to Candace about hair extensions.
"Candace!" A voice echoed from the entrance to the VIP area. Candace jumped from her seat to be scooped up into a hug by Tyler. The rest of the family all hugged and congratulated Tyler on the win. It was a complete shutout, 4-0, so the extra celebration was necessary. The celebrating settled then Candace turned toward me and motioned me over with her hand. I mentally reminded myself to be calm even though I was pretty drunk.

"Tyler! This is my new friend, Sarah Rose." Our eyes met as we shook hands. "Sarah, this is my big brother, Tyler."
"It's nice to meet you, Sarah." The way he said my name sent shivers down my spine.
"It's nice to meet you, too." I slurred. He chuckled at my drunkenness.
"Can I have my hand back?"
"Oh, fuck." I muttered to myself as I let go of his hand. His parents and sisters started debating on who would order the Uber back to Tyler's house. I examined Tyler's black suit squeezing his body perfectly.

"Are you checking me out?" His voice sounded even more seductive when he whispered. I almost bit my lip.
"Yes." I surprised myself with the sudden burst of confidence. I have been single for three years but never flirted with anyone as handsome as Tyler.
"Good. You're beautiful. I hope you're coming back to my place."
"With your parents."
"Is that weird?"
"A little." I fired back. He almost seemed surprised I was keeping up with him. "I'll get an Uber home."
"It's never safe to be in an Uber alone when you're drunk. I'm driving you home." Before I could decline, Tyler already shared the thoughtful plan with his family. They praised him for being kind and hugged me goodbye.