"Catching Feelings (Part 2 to One Night Stand)"

"Valentine's Day pt.2"

Serena got worried after waiting for Bennet for an hour. She had asked for a total of 5 bread baskets & 3 refills on her water. The waiters were getting worried. Serena was embarrassed to say the least. Was she getting stood up? Brian & Ally had just finished their main course & were looking at their dessert menus. Serena called Bennet again & this time got through to him.

Serena: Bennet, where are you? Is everything ok?
Bennet: I'm... so... so... sorry.

Bennet was slurring his words & Serena could just tell that he was drunk. She was so upset that she didn't know whether to cry or yell at him. She couldn't help but cry. She lowered her head as she quietly cried. Bennet kept repeating "I'm sorry" & "I messed up". The conversation was short. Bennet could barely string 3 words together. Serena wanted to run out of the restaurant & go home, but her embarrassment kept her frozen in her chair.

Brian: We should have her sit with us.
Ally: What?!
Brian: She's been by herself the entire night. Look at her.
Ally: Again that's not our problem!
Brian: Ally, you don't have to raise your voice.
Ally: I've been keeping my mouth shut about this the entire night. You barely spoke a word to me. You were constantly checking on Serena & looking over at her table every 5 minutes.
Brian: Ally...
Ally: I think you came with the wrong girl tonight.

After Ally's outburst, everyone including Serena was staring at Brian & Ally. Serena heard her name & knew it couldn't be a good thing her name came up in Ally & Brian's conversation. Ally was fed up. She stood up & grabbed her coat & purse.

Brian: Let's talk about this.
Ally: I'm done talking. Goodbye Brian.

Brian watched as Ally walked out. He looked over at Serena who was looking at him. He shrugged his shoulders & smiled awkwardly. For a brief moment, Serena forgot about her situation & let out a laugh. Brian laughed it. Brian paid his bill & Serena's bill & left a tip at both tables.

Serena: You didn't have to do that.
Brian: It's ok. You shouldn't have to pay for it.
Serena: Thanks.

Brian helped Serena with her coat. The two walked outside & took their time walking to Brian's car.

Brian: So...
Serena: I bet my night was crappier than yours.
Brian: You wanna get out of here?
Serena: Yeah.

They ended the terrible evening on a good note. They went to a diner & ordered burgers, fries & milkshakes. They talked, were catching up & laughing like no time had past. Serena caught herself smiling the entire time she was with Brian. Brian felt so bad that Bennet had stood Serena up.

Brian: I swear I'm gonna beat that son of bitch when I see him.
Serena: Please don't. He needs help. I can recommend Summer's therapist. He really helped her.
Brian: You're amazing you know that?
Serena: What do you mean?
Brian: You just... are.
Serena: Oh my gosh, what time is it?

Brian checked his phone.

Brian: Just a little past midnight.
Serena: I should probably get going. It's late.

Brian drove Serena home & the entire time wanted so much to hold her hand. Ally was right, he did go on a date with the wrong girl. He felt bad for leading Ally on. He wanted to like her, but he couldn't. He clearly wasn't over Serena. He thought it wasn't the right time to tell Serena how he truly felt. Yes, they were friends, but he wanted to be more than that. Serena was dating Bennet his brother & even after he treated her like crap, Serena still talked about Bennet as it she still liked him.

Brian: My brother doesn't deserve you, Serena.
Serena: But he needs me.
Brian: Yeah.
Serena: Will you tell him something for me?
Brian: Yeah, anything.
Serena: Just tell him that I missed him tonight & that I forgive him. Please, Brian. I need him to know that I'm still here.
Brian: Fine. But I'm only doing this for you.

Brian dropped off Serena at her house. He walked her to her door & said goodnight. He walked back to his car feeling lousy over the fact that even after their evening that she still chose Bennet. Now he had to deliver a message to Bennet from Serena. He was reluctant, but was a man of his word.

He got back to the apartment & turned the lights on. The bouquet of roses for Serena from Bennet along with a red gift box sat on the dining room table. But there was no sign of Bennet anywhere. Brian tried not to care, but couldn't help but worry. He knocked on Dylan's door. Dylan rubbed his eyes & checked the time. The clock read 1:00 am.

Dylan: Brian, this couldn't wait 'til morning?
Brian: No. Look, Bennet isn't home & he never showed up to his date with Serena. We have to go find him.

Dylan sat straight up & jumped out of bed. He quickly threw on a jacket & slipped shoes on.

Dylan: Alright, let's go, but you're driving.