Meeting Phillip

Brianna's POV

I was enjoying the rally, cheering the boys when they were called up on stage by their coach, I was feeling so proud of them. It was hard to see from the many people that were gathering to welcome this years football team.

I decided to move, passing a really nice old lady who I had seen in admissions when I came in to register last month. I glanced at Jake same time he seemed to had spotted me, waiving towards me with a cheeky smile. That signature smile that always made me melt. I blew a kiss at him and waived back making me blush.

I was enjoying my view when I felt a tap on my shoulder, when I turned to see I saw it was a girl. she noticed I had dropped my ID and she picked it up before it was lost in the crowd. She handed it over and I said thank you.

She had just saved me fifty bucks. We began to chat for a little, we were both completely in tuned with our conversation when I realized the time, I needed to go and pick up a few things from dad's vineyard back in town. I wanted to be back before my class would start.

Turns out her name was Kaitlyn, she was a junior there and was in a sorority called alpha nu alpha studying cosmetology. She offered me to join her sorority, but I said no thanks.

She had told me about a party going on Saturday at a house that was a few minutes away from campus so I told her I'd think about it. I didn't want exchanging numbers with a complete stranger so I said I'd just see her around if I made up my mind.

Five minutes after I left, Matt text me to meet them for lunch at 12 in the afternoon.

I needed to get the papers dad was asking for to review back in my place. It was so tiring to drive back and forth. But, I managed to come back on time for class. The rest of the day went by pretty ok. I met up with my brother and Jake along with the other guys in their usual spot. Matt had found me on my way to the cafeteria, so we grabbed our lunch together and headed towards the rest of the crowd.

I got the chance to catch up with Carissa. We were such good friends when we were small, that it didn't take us long to get reacquainted. The only thing that threw me off was Vanessa, she is something else. She's loud and perky. She looks pretty cool, but not everyone can handle so much sas and cheerfulness in a petite body.

Before I took off, Jake caught up with me. He pulled me away from everyone's sight and landed a big stern kiss on my lips. I really missed his kisses, but we were seriously walking in thin ice here. I couldn't help the urge to kiss him back. We intensified it for a bit before we broke it off to breath. He placed his forehead on mine as I wrapped my hands around his waist while he caressed my cheek. Holding me tight by the waist with his other hand.

"I missed you Brie" he whispered

"Me too." My heart was racing, I had to leave before I said something stupid.

"Please tell me your back for good this time love." He whispered, making me smile.

"Maybe I am... maybe not." I teased.

"Don't play, be honest.... promise you won't leave again..."

I lifted my eyes to glance at his. He had a serious face for a second. Made me feel a bit flustered inside.

"I won't, I'm back for good. I promise." I whispered

His smile became a huge grin, he placed his forehead on mine.

"Good.... I needed to hear that. "

I tightened my grip laying on his chest before he had to leave for his next class. And yes, you guessed right.... he and I have a friends with benefits thing going on. Don't judge, you'd go for it too, he is so damn good looking and seriously hot.

I glanced over the directions he ran, passing meaningless by that girl I was talking to earlier, she was looking at us. She looked like she was pretty upset. I had no clue what her deal was, so I shook it off and took off.

After Carissa had finished her last class, she text me to join her. I left dad's unorganized work pile and drove back to meet with her. We headed back to their dorm room to have Carissa and Vanessa showered quickly before heading out to eat something.

Carissa didn't have cheer practice until 5pm, so we decided to go to a local cafe to eat before her practice. The boys had practice right at 3pm and wouldn't be free until 5 or 6pm so it gave us time for some girl time. Of course some of the other cheerleaders came along and sat on their own booths while Carissa, vanessa, and I shared the same booth with another girl. The place reminded Carissa of Maggie's cafe back home.

Maggie is owner if Maggie's cafe who is also Carissa's biological aunt, from her mom's side. Carissa had been living with her since she was 7 years old when her parents passed away. She was in good hands though, Maggie was amazing with her. Carissa started calling her mom right away and she didn't mind.

When she turned ten, Maggie officially adopted her as her own. It was a long hard process since Maggie was single, but the judge favored her knowing Carissa was in good hands and they were all they had as a family.

One of the young waiters came by and said hi to us, took our order and left to get our drinks. Carissa bombarded me with questions as to how I had been, where did I live in L.A., how was California, did I date anyone out there, was I going back and so on.

I didn't mind some of the questions, I answered the best I could. I explained my situation about school and she was really impressed. I honestly can't believe I got it done either.... it was beyond hard and hints the reason why I'm not used to hanging out and do the whole party thing. There's just no time for that.

Our meal arrived and we sat there enjoying our food, catching up and joking around as if we had never stopped talking to each other. It felt good to ease my mind for a while. I got up and paid for us and said goodbye. I went back to school on my way to see how the boys were doing.

----

Jake's POV

The whole day had gone by in a flash for me. I couldn't wait for practice to be over so I could call Brianna and hang out with her. Matt would usually laugh at me saying I give all my time to her whenever she came visit. I couldn't help it, she was my best friend and I needed to catch up with her.

I haven't seen her in two weeks but it was still driving me insane. I needed to focus on the game but I couldn't wrap my head around it, all I could do was glance at my watch hoping the time came for us to leave already. The closer it got, the more anxious I became.

We did our warm ups, a few sprints to get us moving and a few practice games. Just as we were huddled up to go over the play for our last practice game, some of the guys on the bench started whistling. I looked up to see Brianna walking up the bleachers, my heart skipped a few and my stomach fluttered uncontrollably.

"Hey Mitchell's, eyes on the game son." Said Jeremy with a big mischievous smile. Throwing the football to my chest.

"Shut up. That's my best friend bitch. Can't help feeling happy she's here." I responded

"Yeah, yeah, now let's finish up this damn game. I'm hungry." Jeremy answered.

He was right, I was starving too. Practice always opened up my appetite. I couldn't wait to get out of here. Even in practice games coach always wanted our best, so it was a close one, but we won with a last touch down 8 to 5 final score.

The whole time we were playing, I couldn't help but smile, Brianna was on the stairs yelling and cheering us on. I think she was even louder then the cheerleaders who were already out here practicing.

It was a bit after 5pm when coach blew the whistle to end practice. I was glad to here the whistle for the first time, we were tired as hell. My arms were soar and my back felt as if it'd been hit with a truck.

I ran towards Brianna and she greeted me with a big hug. She didn't care I was covered in sweat. Matt did the same and hugged her, I played around pushing him telling him to fuck off, he just laughed calling me an asshole.

We decided on hanging out at her house where she'd promised to cook for us.

We went and showered while she waited for us before takin off. We said bye to Carissa and Jeremy and we headed to her house. Her place was really nice. Guess I know now why she had come earlier to see me for my birthday, she was out here looking for a place. She started cooking right away.

Best part of being friends with these two, was the variety of food they cooked. From Italian from their dad's side to Mexican food from their mom, and of course the American from both. But she was beyond talented, Brie could cook up a storm of all kinds including chinese and Persian cuisine. She'd brag about her nana Tammy teaching her how to make gumbo, Louisiana style.

She made us a hearty home cooked meal with all the works, steak with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies and gravy, man she could cook, she loved making food for Matt and me all the time. By the time we were washed and had set up the table to eat, her mom arrived. She opened the door surprised to see her there.

She stood at the door, cheery eye, and her hand covering her mouth. Phillip, her coworker and boyfriend next to her. Brianna smiled, and went over to hug her mom and shake Phillip's hand.

"Hi momma!" Brie said

"My gods, this is such an amazing surprise. When did you get here? I wasn't expecting you to be serious to transfer here, if you're dad hadn't called to tell me, I wouldn't have believed it." Loretta said overjoyed to see her daughter.

"Wait so you didn't know she was transfering either?" Matt asked

She was gonna answer when Brianna cut in to answer for her.

"No, she didn't know umm, I really wanted to surprise you guys. I got in last few weeks when you guys had left for vacation, dad and Olivia helped me set up and get settled, I hope that's ok? I wasn't sure if you'd be busy to come by." Brie asked her mom.

"Wh-, of course that's ok, that's more then ok. My baby is finally done with school and back in town, how am I not gonna be ok with it?" Lorreta told her.

Matt and I looked confused between the two. She glanced and said she'd explained everything during dinner.

"I'm sorry honey. Brianna, this is Phillip, Phillip this is Brianna my daughter. " Loretta introduced the man next to her. He was tall light skinned, well fit, hazel eyes and brown hair.

I could tell Brianna couldn't help admire the man, he was good looking for his age. She always admires her dad, the old man still had alot of charm, with his green eyes that both twins inherited. Deep dimples when he smiled, dark jet black hair like Brianna's, tall and really well built. I'm seriously hoping I age good like he has.

She shook his hand and welcomed both in. We set up more plates to eat, and we sat together to say grace before digging in. We couldn't help but feel a bit of tension in the air. We knew Loretta had been dating Phill for a while now, but we didn't know how Brie would react to the news.

"So," Brianna cleared her throat, wiping her mouth. We all gave her our attention.

"How long have you two been going out?" She asked Loretta and Phill to which it made Matthew choke on his food. I started hitting his back to help him out, but I couldn't help laugh at him.

"I ah, we've been dating for five months now." She hesitated to answer. Worried her daughter would disapprove.

"And Phill, I can call you Phill right?" She waited for approval. And he nodded yes.

"Anyway, Phill, what are your intentions with my mother? And why am I just finding about this now?"She asked

"Brianna, honey, I'm sorry I-" Loretta said

"No, it's ok. I don't mind." Phill cut in.

"Brianna, your mother is an amazing women. I am deeply in love with her, have been for many years working together. But she'd always blow me off, finally this year she gave me a chance. I intend to make her happy, and I'll do everything I can to make that happen. " He replied.

She looked at them serious for a few seconds, making all of us feel tense to what she would say.

"Good, then I guess if she's happy, then that's all that really matters. You better not break her heart. But I'm still upset at you Loretta, you could of been honest with me from the start and told me you were dating a hot doctor" Brianna pointed to him with her fork. I grunted involuntarily, I never liked her checking another dude. Even if it's just to admire him.

She went on to explain about her receiving her business management diploma a month before she came by to visit me. She didn't have time to walk in the ceremony, so she had skipped it and went to pick it up days after. I knew her too well, I know she did it because she's too damn humble... she's always been that way, she hates being in the spot light.

We were a bit annoyed at first, she should of walked with her head held high to receive that diploma. But we dropped it. We were so damn proud of her. But the fact that she'd already graduated, started working for her dad, and had her own place was seriously intimidating.

We all gave a small chuckle and continued to eat. We caught up with her, laughing and reminiscing about the past visits she has made us. The few times we have gone to see her.

We decided to fire up the fire pit outside and chat for a while.

We sat outside on the patio for awhile enjoying the calm of the night.

"So, Brie... why'd you get a place all the way out here? Why didn't you just get a dorm in campus? I mean technicallyif you'restill taking extra classes you still qualify for a dorm don't you?" Asked Matthew

----

Brianna's POV

Mom and Phillip sipped on a glass of wine I had brought from dad's vineyard. She loves the wine from his place. I was supposed to eye the new labels to have dad approve them through pictures I emailed him earlier. Meanwhile Matthew, Jake, and I had coffee. I wasn't really ok to get a dorm.... I never could get used to sharing a little tiny cubicle with the same rate of a personal studio with someone else. Evey and I tried it and we just felt too claustrophobic.

"Well, no offense brother, but I reviewed the prices. Your little cubicle costs mom and Lorraine almost the same as this 3 bed condo. I'm only paying about three hundred and fifty more to stay here, rather then a tiny dorm." I said

Both Jake and him had their mouth wide open in shock.

"You're both welcome to move in if you want. There's two spare rooms."

"Yeah, I'd love that... but maybe later down the road." He said annoyed, but I knew eventually he'd cave in to the comfort of this place. I had it styled in a chick hobo, but homie feel, with plants and indoor flowers everywhere.

We sat in the living room to catch up some more after mom and Phillip left. Time was going by fast and we barely even felt it passing. Matt decided to call it a night by ten and crashed on a spare room in my place, I knew he'd like this place. Which I was happy, I could finally give in to the urge of a kiss from Mr. Mitchell.

Jake and I decided to watch a movie in the living room. We decided to go with one of my favorite movies, Cobra with Sylvester Stallone. He was glad I didn't pick a chick flick.

Jake had texted his mom letting her know I was back in town. Of course she was mad at me for not telling her sooner that I was here. She was one of mom's favorite people in the whole world, and mine as well. She sent him a text good night told him to say the same to me.

Text from mom:

"You both have a good night. Don't be late to school tomorrow, and give B a hug and kiss for me. Love you sweetie. Tell B I love her too."

He showed me the text and I couldn't help but smiled. I leaned forward and gave him a kiss. He hugged me, putting his arms around my waist and I placed my head leaning on his chest. It felt good being in his arms, it's my favorite place. I sighted as I began drifting off to sleep while he played with my hair.

I could feel him staring at the huge tattoo on my back, I remember the day we went in to get matching tats when we turned eighteen, of a Phoenix.

Wow, it still looked pretty sick, it took me three long sessions to get this done. can't really remember to be honest how many hours we sat there getting them done. It looked pretty bad ass, his was seriously cool too getting a tribal tat that was way bigger then mine. I had come back twice with him to have it finished.

We sat there in the comfy sofa as we watched the movie. Both of us falling asleep from how tired we both have been from the start of the first day of school. No intentions of either one of us to get up.

I laid my head on his chest, quietly listening to the soft rumble of his soft snores as he slept. His hand firmly gripped around my shoulder holding me as if fearing I was gonna leave.