A Second Chance. Jen and Brad.

Chapter 6, "Be Careful".

Around 11pm, while the guests are leaving :

After an eventful night, Jen's in the kitchen packing away any leftover food, while Andrea's in the living room cleaning up champagne that's been spilled on the floor.

Jen was able to say goodbye to almost everyone, except one person she hopes will call her before she goes to bed.

Andrea : Can you tell Jason that he's not allowed to drink and dance at the same time anymore?!

Andrea shouts out to Jen, while mopping up the floor.

Jen : We should set up a sign for next time!
Brad : Set up a sign for who?

Jen turns around to see Brad standing leaned against the refrigerator.

Thinking Brad had already left, she's surprised to see his face.

Jen : Oh... for Jason. He managed to spill champagne all over my floor.
Brad : Classic.
Jen : I thought you had left...
Brad : I'd never leave without saying goodbye.

He takes a step closer, making her heart beat faster.

Brad : I had fun tonight.
Jen : Yeah, me too.
Brad : I've missed your parties.
Jen : Well, I do know how to throw a party.

She laughs with her head facing the floor, trying to avoid eye contact with him.

For some reason, she's nervous.

Brad : I've missed them because I've missed you...

Jen lifts up her head to look at him.

In shock, she struggles to get any words out. And just before she's able to, Andrea joins them.

Andrea : Brad. I didn't know you were still here.
Brad : Yeah, well I had to...
Jen : He was just saying goodbye.

Andrea stares at Jen, giving her "the look".

Jen realizes she'll have some explaining to do once Brad has left.

Andrea : Okay. I'll be outside... there's some decorations on... ok.

Andrea takes the hint and leaves the kitchen.

Jen : So...

She stares at him for a moment, trying to digest what he just told her.

Brad missing her? That can't be right.

Brad : I guess I better get going.
Jen : Wait, Brad.

Then again, maybe she's missed him too..

Jen goes in for a last kiss, as a way of telling him that.

It's quick and innocent, but it's the perfect end of the night.

Brad : I'll call you.
Jen : Yes.
Brad : Bye.

He hurries out of the kitchen.

Jen spots a glass with what looks like tequila standing on the counter and downs the whole thing, needing something to calm herself down.

Andrea : Jen?
Jen : Hm?
Andrea : What was that?
Jen : What was what?
Andrea : You and Brad? Back together?
Jen : As friends.
Andrea : That wasn't "friendly". That was... what the hell are you doing?

Jen hops onto the counter.

She sighs, knowing she might as well tell her the whole truth.

After all, Andrea is her best friend.

Jen : To be honest... I don't know Andrea.
Andrea : Do you have feelings for him again?
Jen : I... I might. I mean when we kiss, it's...
Andrea : You kissed? Again?
Jen : Yeah.
Andrea : Have you slept together?
Jen : No, no.
Andrea : Do you want to?

Jen turns to face Andrea and widens her eyes, smiling.

Andrea : Really?
Jen : I don't know. I'm just trying to figure it all out.
Andrea : Just be careful.
Jen : Why is that a sentence I keep hearing....
Andrea : Well... probably because of what happened in the past.

The past...

It's been 15 years and it still haunts her.

Jen : He's changed though. We both have.
Andrea : That's true, and I love Brad. I think he's wonderful... but he comes with a lot more baggage now.

It's not like Jen has forgotten about Angelina and the kids, but it might be something she tries to avoid thinking about.

Andrea : I mean he's got six kids Jen. Six... And I don't know what his situation is with Angelina, but from what I've heard it sounds complicated.

2 hours later :

Jen goes to bed that night with a lot on her mind.

One part of her is really excited and can't wait to see what comes next. But the other part is terrified, and nervous about what she's getting herself into again.

She's about to close her eyes, when a text shows up on her phone...

by none other than Brad.

Brad
     - Are you awake?

Jen laughs of the fact that he still makes sure she's not asleep before calling. Just like he would if he ever needed to call her late when he was away filming.

Forgetting all about what's been worrying her the last hour, she calls him straight away.

Brad : Hey.
Jen : Hey you.
Brad : You're not asleep.
Jen : No, I'm not.

She laughs at him, while twirling her hair like a teenager.

Brad : So I was thinking...
Jen : Yes.
Brad : Would it be okay if I came over some time next week?

Her whole face lights up as he asks her.

And little does he know she was planning on asking him too.

Jen : Uhm... yes. Yes, you can come over.
Brad : You sure?
Jen : Yes. I'd like that very much actually.
Brad : Okay then.
Jen : Okay... I'll be looking forward to it.

They both sit on the edge of their beds, grinning, looking like two complete idiots.

Jen : I'll call you.
Brad : Or I'll call you.
Jen : Bye Brad.
Brad : Bye Jen.