The guys were rowdier than usual. I shut the diary I was scribbling in and looked around.

They were all happy because we’d had a perfect day riding waves. The fact that we’d been at the brewery since we got off the water and were six beers in probably helped.

I sat quietly and watched them joke and laugh.

“What are you writing there, Kane?”

I didn’t answer.

I kept to myself and for the most part they respected my space. I didn’t want to be there and they all knew it.

A year earlier they’d had an intervention. They were worried about me. I was depressed, keeping to myself too much, staying in the house alone too much, drinking alone too much. They were more comfortable with me drinking with them so I agreed. It was easier than trying to argue.

Hell, as long as I got to drink, it didn’t make much difference to me where I did it. I appreciated their concern. They were solid friends and I could count on them. I knew the value of that.

I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of going out each night, but I did it for them.

They were having such a good time they didn’t notice I was four beers ahead of them. It’s easier to drink when you’re not busy talking and laughing.

I watched them laugh with an empty blankness.

Truth be told, I couldn’t remember the last time I laughed. There were times that I’d smile, I’m not completely dead inside, but it had been a long time since I really laughed.

I could tell Paul, the bartender, was avoiding making eye contact with me. He was a buddy too, and I guess he was getting concerned about how many beers I’d had.

I was fine. I didn’t need him babysitting me. I’m a grown man and I know my own limits.

I kept my eye on him until we made eye contact and gestured that I was ready for another beer.

I took one last sip and as I put the glass down, I felt as though I was being watched.

I glanced up and noticed a beautiful woman sitting at the other end of the bar. She was like something out of a fantasy, curvy with ample breasts, beautiful shiny hair, and a face that made me want to walk right over and make out with her. I’d never seen her before, which was odd because usually the place is nothing but locals. I shrugged it off and pulled out my phone to check for texts.

“You know that’s number eleven, right Kane?” Paul said as he put another pint in front of me.

“Glad to see you can count higher than ten,” I said without looking up.

I was annoyed he was keeping track. I mean, I know it’s his job and all, but I just wished he’d mind his own business. It’s not like I was causing a scene.

“Do you see that city babe at the end of the bar?” Paul said with a sly grin on his face. “She’s pretty hot.”

I glanced up to look at him, then looked to the girl at the end of the bar.

“I guess,” I said with a shrug and looked back at my phone.

“You like her?” he said.

“You take her,” I said. “We both know you’re the one she wants.”

Paul sighed. I knew what he was doing but I wasn’t in the mood.

“Kane?”

“What is it, Paul?”

“It’s been two years.”

“What’s been two years?” I said, knowing full well what he was talking about.

“Jesus, Kane. I’m just saying, maybe you should consider dating again. That girl’s been looking your way all night.”

Now he was annoying me. It was one thing to watch my drinking, but he had no right to tell me how to live my life. Sure, the chick was hot, but it didn’t matter.

I ignored him and looked up the forecast for tomorrow’s waves.

He got the hint and walked away to take the woman’s food order.

My phone beeped and I looked at the text. It was Steph. Reliable, dependable Steph. We’d known each other since we were kids, practically grew up together, and had started fucking when I was in the depths of my depression. She was a good girl, but always fell for the wrong guy. It was late but Steph was offering to come over when I was done at the brewery. She was the one person I still let into my place. She was the one person I let my guard down around.

I sighed and looked around. The woman at the end of the bar was placing her order with Paul and I watched as she spoke to him. She really was stunning. The kind of girl who could make your cock twitch with a single glance.

At that moment she glanced my way, and sure enough, the second our eyes locked, my cock twitched and stiffened. God, how good would it feel to sink it into her and let her have it.

She looked back at Paul and started telling him what she wanted. My eyes grew wide as she kept ordering more and more food. Her order was never ending! I think she actually ordered one of everything on the menu!

She looked at me again as she finished her order and I got the impression Paul was going to try and set her up with me. A feeling of anger rushed through. How dare Paul interfere in my personal life?

“Jesus,” I said loudly across the bar. “Why don’t you just tell him what you’re not ordering. Would save you both a lot of time.”

“Excuse me?” she said, and immediately I felt bad for being so nasty.

It wasn’t her fault Paul had pissed me off. Hell, it wasn’t even Paul’s fault I was so touchy. It was me, I was the problem, and I knew it.

“Ignore him,” Paul said to her, shooting me an exasperated look.

I looked away.

As she finished placing her order, I could feel her eyes coming back to me. I tried to act like I wasn’t paying attention, but I was. I wanted to see if she could eat even half the food she’d just ordered. If she even came close, I’d be impressed.

I looked up at her.

“Seriously, sweetheart. No way a little thing like you could eat all that.”

She shot me dagger eyes and held my gaze as she slowly reopened the menu. She had attitude, I had to give her that much.

She turned to Paul.

“And for dessert I’ll have the apple crumble and a piece of the chocolate strawberry cheesecake”.

She glanced at me triumphantly as she slammed the menu shut and handed it to Paul.

I shrugged but I couldn’t help letting out a little laugh. This girl really had balls, for a chick at least.