Free I Choose You by Bethany Lopez

exuberance.
                  “Do you need help with any of your bags?” Bree asked.
                  “No, we each only brought one bag,” Kara assured her as they got their bags out of the car and followed her to the elevator.
                  “This is a beautiful complex,” Nicole observed.
                  “Oh, my gosh, we love it!” Briana gushed. “We looked around a lot, and decided to go with a loft, just so we could have the other amenities that this building offers. It has a gym and a pool, there is a Trader Joe’s next door, a hiking trail nearby, and we are within walking distance to 6 th street.”
                  “What’s 6 th street?” Nicole asked.
                  “You’ll see,” Kara and Bree said with a laugh.
                  When they reached her floor, Briana walked them down the hall and let them into the apartment. It was a large open space with wood floors. Briana and Colin had decorated it in country style, and managed to reflect their personalities. There were sports memorabilia scattered amongst the pictures and wall hangings, and the kitchen looked like a chef’s dream.
                  “I hope you don’t mind, the sofa is a sleeper, so the two of you will share that.” Briana mentioned as they set their bags in the corner.
                  “That’ll be fine,” Nicole responded.
                  “Where’s Colin?” Kara asked Briana.
                  “He’s at work. They had evening practice, but he’ll catch up with us later. I have to admit, with him working and me going to school, we don’t get much chance to socialize, so I’m really looking forward to going out tonight. He’s going to meet up with us later.”
                  “Let’s get ready then,” Kara exclaimed, unzipping her bag and pulling out her make-up case.
                  “Yay,” Briana said happily.
                  They all put on fresh make-up and fixed their hair, then set out for a night on the town.
                  Nicole hadn’t been in a city since she’d left Dallas, so she was looking forward to hanging out somewhere other than the bar and grill.
                  They walked down 6th street, and Nicole was surprised how many people were milling around.
                  “Wow, this is a lot different than being home,” She observed with a laugh.
                  Bree nodded her consent, then ushered them into a bar that already had a crowd on the floor, dancing to a local band.
                  They made their way to the bar and Bree spoke loudly so they could hear her. “They don’t have a cover here and have a special on pitchers, so this is where we usually hang out. Is beer okay with you guys?”
                  Kara and Nicole both nodded and Kara said, “Sure, but let me get the first round.”
                  They each had to show I.D. in order to get a glass, but they were quickly given their pitcher and Briana led them to a booth in the back of the bar. Close enough to see the band, but far enough away that they could still talk.
                  At the first sip of the cool brisk ale, Nicole smiled and licked her lips.
                  “I’m so happy to be here. Thanks for inviting me, Bree.”
                  “Of course, I’m excited that you could come. I have been begging Kara to come out ever since we left. It was perfect that you guys had the same days off.” Briana said with a smile, as she reached over to give Kara’s hand a squeeze. “So, fill me in on all of the gossip.”
                  “Well, Pete and I are doing great, “Kara said with a big grin on her face. “He has given up all pretense of living in your room and has moved all of his belongings into mine.