Confessions from my Best Friends' Diaries

A girls night. Sounded like fun. What could possibly go wrong.

Samantha, Sam to her friends, was at work when her phone started ringing. When she looked at it, she saw that it was June calling. June was one of her best friends when they graduated from high school. Although she thought June was a brat at times, June was one of the only friends from high school she saw on a regular basis. June went to a large school out of state, however Sam stayed at the local college which was cheaper.

Since Sam was on a break from work, she answered the call. "Sammy! I haven't seen you in months!" June said on the phone. "It would be great to get a couple drinks and catch up."

"Alright," replied Sam, "But I do have to work tomorrow, so just a couple."

"But it's the first week of summer vacation." June protested. June was spoiled and always had to get her way. It had been that way since they were kids.

"Some of us don't have our parents paying for college and our rent." Sam worked a full-time retail job, besides going to school full time. She needed to put in as many hours as she could this summer, because next year she would be interning, which meant a lot less hours at work.

"Don't be a buzzkill. I work too. But next year we will be graduating and then we will have to get real jobs and won't be able to see each other much."

"Fine," Sam replied, "But I'm not kidding, no after parties and NO shots." June squealed on the other end of the phone. She had won, yet again in her eyes.

Sam did not have a problem going out for the night, but she knew if she didn't lay down some ground rules June would make the night spiral out of control.

Sam ignored her squeal and added, "I suppose you want me to drive like normal?' Not that Sam minded, however, she had driven home buzzed more than once thanks to June and her antics. The last time her brother found out about that he was not happy. "Because if that is the case, then I can definitely only have a couple."

Although Sam couldn't see June, she knew June was pouting. "Fine, do you think your brother will drop us off, and then we can use a ride app back?" June was not interested in an early night, and there was only one way to make sure that happened.

"I'll ask him," was all Sam said.

June showed up at Sam's apartment a little before 7 that night, suitcase in tow. "Are you moving in?" Sam asked jokingly.

"You really didn't think I would let you go to the bar in that t-shirt and jeans, did you? June mocked back. "There are just a few things that I thought maybe you would like, they don't fit me anymore." June had lost almost 100 pounds since leaving high school. She never had been interested in Sam's appearance before the weight loss, and Sam hated that June was pushing her now. June's new fashion sense was getting smaller skirts and tighter shirts, which Sam did not appreciate.

"Um, well you know June I'm a good 6 inches taller than you...so I hope you don't feel bad that they don't fit me." Sam had always tried to fade into the background, but nothing about her was small. Sam stood slightly over 6 feet tall, taller than half the guys she went to school with. It's not that she didn't like being tall, however, she was self-conscious about ever finding someone who would like her. She had a curvy body that she usually tried to hide with a tight sports bra and baggy t-shirts.

"Well, I want to see you in them before you give me that 'they don't fit' line. And I brought a curling iron and make-up, so get ready for a makeover! "

Sam rolled her eyes; she almost never wore makeup, and her standard hairstyle was a baseball cap or a ponytail. "Fine, but we aren't doing this all summer. This is just because this is the first night you are back." She started looking through the clothes. Some of them actually didn't look too bad, she thought.

June made Sam play dress up for about an hour. The final decision was made. The outfit would be a red lacy top with a deep V-neck, which required her to wear a real bra. She paired it with her favorite pair of blue jeans. Sam only won the blue jean argument because she refused to wear the miniskirt June picked out and there were not any other alternatives. To complete the look, Sam took out the 6-inch-high heel boots that June had made her buy on her last trip up to see her. Sam referred to the boots as 'hooker' boots and hated that it made her even that much taller than everyone. June curled the ends of Sam's long brown hair and proceeded to tell Sam to put more make-up on. Sam had her own style of makeup, and she refused to listen. "I will not paint myself up like a clown. It's this or I'm washing it all off."

June knew when to pick her battles and just shook her head. "Fine. It's almost 9 so let's head out to the clubs." June referred to any bar where they could dance, and where she could get laid, a club. However, this town was not like the big city June was going to school in. There were only two places similar to the clubs June was used to, and Sam was not going there tonight.

Sam opened her bedroom door, and yelled to her brother, Stuart, "Hey want to give us a ride to the bar?"

"Sure. When?" Stuart replied.

"Now would be good."

"Give me 5. I was heading that way anyway to meet up with the guys."

Sam closed the door. "Our ride will be ready in 5." That was the only nice thing about moving into the 2-bedroom apartment with her brother. He needed a roommate, after the last one graduated, and Sam needed a place near campus and work. Sam's mother hadn't liked the idea of Sam moving out into an apartment by herself. To tell the truth, Sam hadn't liked the idea either, but she didn't say that to her mother.

McGill's Pub wasn't quite as hopping as June had hoped, but the night was still early. The bar was a bit on the smaller size, compared to some of the other bars in the area. It was a few blocks away from where the real "night clubs" were. McGill's did have a few dart boards, a pool table and dance floor downstairs. The building itself was old, however renovations in the early 90s had helped with its appeal, at least on the main floor. "Is this really what the club scene is like here?" Whined June. "How are we ever going to meet some guys?" Sam just rolled her eyes.

This was June's normal attitude lately. If it didn't involve meeting guys she wasn't interested. Granted she had lost a lot of weight since High School and was gaining self-confidence, but she was way too eager about hooking for Sam's taste.

"Just give it time, June. It is only 9 o'clock."

"Alright, but if there aren't any cute guys here by 11 we are headed to the club of my choosing next."

"Fine, but if you think I'm going to dance...then I am going to need another drink." Sam walked over to the bar and ordered a couple more beers. As she paid for the drinks she saw Jackie walk in. Jackie was a grade ahead of June and Sam in school, and was friends with Stuart. Jackie was shocked to see Sam, and although they weren't close, Sam was happy to see her. Although Jackie was very pretty and athletic, she was also sweet and everyone loved her. Sam went over to Jackie and got a big hug.

"Sam! What a wonderful surprise running into you!" Jackie said in her usual cheerful self. "Did you come to dance?"

"Well, June is home from college right now, so we are out catching up. What brings you out?

"Just out with some friends for a fun Friday night! Where is June? You guys should come downstairs and dance with us!"

"I will let her know. Knowing June, she will be eager to get on the floor. So we will probably see you down there."

"Great. See you in a little bit!"

Sam returned to the table only to see June eyeing up the latest guys to enter. "Look at that one!" she said. June was already picturing how she would find a way to talk to him.

"Jackie is here," Sam started ignoring June's comment. "She is here with a group of friends and they are going downstairs to dance. Did you wanna head down that way?" June was still busy drooling over the guy at the bar, so she added, "Bet there are probably guys down there playing pool." That seemed to peak June's interest.

"What are we waiting for?" June said with a smile.

Sam almost tripped going down the stairs. June turned around. "Are you drunk already Sam?"

Sam replied "Of course not. It's these damn shoes. I don't know why you made me buy them. I'm already taller than most guys, this just makes it worse."

"Are you kidding me? Guys think tall girls are hot!"

"Well I feel like the Jolly Green Giant."

"You know what would take your mind off of that? SHOTS!"

Sam looked at June and shook her head. "I said no shots tonight, remember?"

"We can do one or two. The night is still young! And you can follow it up with water if you want."

Sam couldn't remember the last time that June let her order an actual water after a shot. She did want a shot, but she also didn't want a hangover. "Fine, but I call the shots. I don't like the girly ones you take."

"But nothing too rough, we have a long night of dancing ahead of us." June was happy she won.

They walked over to the bar and Sam ordered, "2 Tequila shots, please, and a couple more beers." She threw the money down on the bar. That was the other thing about June, she almost never paid for the drinks. June's parents were rich and did everything they could to keep their baby girl happy. Sam, on the other hand, was raised mostly by a single mother. Her father was only in her life long enough to give her a couple of siblings and then he was on to greener pastures.

"Cheers." They said in unison. As they took the shot, Sam thought, "This might be a long night."

A few shots, and many beers, later June finally had Sam on the dance floor. The dance area was dark, and had a DJ on the stage tonight. The room was filled with cigarette smoke and had a smell of sweat and alcohol. Sam had enough of a buzz to forget her insecurities and just have fun. Jackie and a few of the girls she was with were on the dance floor as well. It was midnight, and the guys had finally started to come to the dance floor too. Sam finished another beer, even though she said she wasn't going to have anymore another one appeared in her hand, courtesy of Jackie.

The music was loud and the dance floor was packed. Sam and the girls were standing up next to the stage. Everyone was having a great time. Sam noticed a guy starting to dance next to Jackie and her. Thinking he was interested in Jackie she moved further away. The guy tapped Sam's shoulder and asked if she wanted a drink. Sam had been told many times to never accept a drink from someone she didn't know, but she was thirsty. She told him she would go with him to the bar to get one. Sam noticed he was short, but then again who wasn't compared to her tonight. Besides being short, Sam noticed he looked quite fit. He had short blonde hair and green eyes. It also looked like he hadn't shaved for a couple days, as his face had the beginnings of a beard. He asked if she wanted to sit down and talk.

She went to an open table and sat down. She had not noticed until that point how much her feet hurt wearing those shoes. He sat down in the chair beside her and asked her name. "Samantha, what's yours?"

"I'm Stan." He replied. "What brings you out tonight?"

"Just out with the girls, having fun. What about you?"

"I usually head out for a few after a game. Did you want to go back out and dance?"

"Yeah, I should get back to my friends."

"You know you are prettier than the other girl."

"Who?"

Stan pointed to Jackie, "Her."

"Jackie is great. She is smart, funny and pretty..."

"But not as pretty as you," he interrupted. Sam always thought Jackie should be the kind of girl every guy wanted. She was the epitome of the girl next door, naturally good looking, smart, and was always the kind of girl Sam wished she could be. Guys were always around her and she always seemed to know how to act.

"Well I should really be getting back over to them before they wonder where I ran off to."

"Can I join you?" He asked. Sam shrugged and started walking back to the dance floor.

Stan danced near Sam for the next hour. When Sam went to the bar to get another drink he went with. They did a round of shots, and before long Sam found herself making out with Stan at a table in the back of the bar. She didn't usually get like this, but the alcohol seemed to have taken control of her normally good senses. June was instigating an after party.

June grabbed Stan's arm and said, "We are going back to Sammy's, are you coming with?" It was more of a demand than a request.

"Of course!" he said with a grin.

Sam tried, and failed to protest, 'But Stuart will be there, and I have to work in the morning."

June just smiled and said, "It will be ok. It is your apartment too." Sam sighed knowing there was no way June would let this go.

Before long Sam, June and Stan were in a car on their way back to Sam's apartment.

Stuart had just gotten home with his girlfriend, Paula, and another one of her friends. He eyed Sam when she entered with June and an unknown guy. He was a protective big brother after all. She sighed and provided an eyeroll and a look at June to signal this wasn't on her.

Paula's friend Judy was too drunk to drive, so Paula insisted that she stay with them. Stuart grabbed a beer for anyone who wanted one. Judy was soon passed out on the couch and Stuart and Paula excused themselves to their bedroom.

Sam was starting to sober up and kicking herself for having listened to June. Stan seemed like a nice enough guy, but what did he think was going to happen? June said, "I think I better head home." Sam tried to find a reason for her to stay but couldn't. Sam and Stan walked her to her car. "See you later Sammy," June said with a wink.

As she drove away Sam turned to him and said, "Did you need the number for the car service, or did you have someone to call to come get you?" To be honest, all she really wanted to do was go to sleep. It was already almost 3am, and she had to work at 9.

"What if I don't want to leave just yet?" Stan asked.

"Just so you know, you are not getting laid tonight. I am not that drunk and I'm not that kind of girl. If that is what you are after you better just start walking your ass home."

"And if I want to talk," he said with a questioning look.

"I guess you can stay. But know that my brother is bigger than you and is within earshot."

He held his hands like he was swearing on the bible. "On my best behavior."

Sam sighed and thought "What the hell does he want to stay and talk for?" She allowed Stan into her bedroom, so they wouldn't wake up Judy. It was a huge mess after allowing June to play dress-up with her that night. Sam apologized, "I'm sorry it's a mess but June insisted that I had to dress up. Apparently, I have no ability to say no to her."

Stan laughed, "Well, she did a good job, because you look beautiful tonight." That comment just made Sam's eyes roll. She knew a few guys that said she was cute. She always thought, 'Didn't they just have to say that because they were her brother's friends.' "So," he said with a grin, "Can we start that chat?" He sat down on the bed and looked at her saying, "I promise no funny business."

"Fine, but I'm going to change first." Sam said as she eyed her messy room looking for her sweats. She picked them up and started towards the bathroom. "I'll be just a minute." As she closed the door to her bathroom she sighed again. She quickly changed into the sweatpants she brought in and threw on a t-shirt. She washed the make-up off her face and brushed her teeth. Sam usually never wore a sweatshirt to bed, but decided the more clothes she had on the better.

As she walked out, she was surprised that Stan had crawled into her bed and had taken off his shirt. Furiously she stalked over to him. Noticing his jeans were also on the floor, she picked up his clothes and threw them at him. "Get dressed and get out! I do not talk to guys who are naked!"

He sat there with a shy grin on his face. "Well, I am not completely naked. And I just thought I'd get comfortable so it would be easier to fall asleep." He patted the bed and said "Come sit next to me. I promise all we'll do is talk."

She glared at him, then looked at the time. It was already a quarter after 3am. If she continued to try and kick him out, she would never get any sleep. "Fine. You have 30 minutes to talk, then I am going to sleep."

She crawled into the other side of the bed and laid on her back. He reached over her waist and pulled her closer. It was the first time she noticed he was strong for his size. She held out her hand to stop him. Stan pulled her in even closer and asked, "Is this the first time you've had a guy in your bed?"

"No," she replied fastly, "but that doesn't mean you can..."

Stan planted a kiss on her lips to silence her. He whispered in her ear, "Don't worry, I just want to cuddle. I promise I won't hurt you."

Sam felt a little uneasy at first. While she had slept next to her previous boyfriend before, they had never done anything. She met Bob at a house party the week of Halloween. She refused to sleep with him, until she was ready. Hence, it didn't take long for Bob to cheat on her with the first girl who caught his eye that next semester.

Stan kept his promise for the most part. He started asking her questions about her family, where she grew up, what she did, what she was going to school for. She didn't provide too much information at first. Yes, she had 2 brothers, Stuart and Henry. Her parents divorced a while back, and it was her mother who raised them. Yes, she worked at a store in the mall while going to the local college.

She had just turned 21 a few months prior but was not into the whole club scene. She always had the most fun with some of her brother's friends at the local sports bars.

He admitted he was 26, when Sam asked. He shared that he had an older sister, and that she passed away leaving his parents in charge of his 3-year-old nephew. He was working at a local factory and was active in the city's sports teams. The city had a team for almost everything, but he admitted with working full-time he only had time for rugby and baseball.

Sam started to doze off and Stan started to kiss her which woke her up. He then started to ask another question, but Sam was tired and getting grouchy. "I'm tired and it is already 5 in the morning. If you don't stop talking and let me get some sleep, you can just leave."

He quickly agreed to let her sleep and shifted down to lay on his back. He shifted a little to his side so he could look at her. "I really enjoyed talking to you." He pulled her close, and she could still smell a mix of alcohol and mint on his breath. He lightly kissed her forehead and said, "Good night."