At Pablo's with the boys Part 3

I heard Charlie snort but ignored him anyway.

"Maybe, she didn't really hear you, man," said River. He paused for a moment and continued, "I kind of like her when we met. But later I realized, I just like her as a friend or more like a sister, you know. We hang out sometimes so I pretty know Andi."

He noticed that Charlie reacted again when River mentioned he liked her before. 'What's with him? Does he likes Andi too?'

" Yeah." Liam seconded."But I'll ask Dana to be sure," he added.

" Who's she?" I asked. And I started wondering if these guys are friends with her, then, I can use them to get close to her.

River and Patrick teased Liam and for a moment his cheeks reddened.

"She's one of Andi's best friends," he replied acting cool.

"Oh okay. Are you guys closed with them?" he asked. But before one of them can answer, he quickly explained, "I just want to be close to her, you know. She's already bad shot at me and I really want to apologize to her. I also heard some students gossiping about her because of me and that ugly mutt." His face turned sour at the memory of Andrew.

They laughed at his expression.

" Hey, Pal. Seems that Andrew is your biggest competitor," muttered Patrick but he caught him looking at Charlie.

This made him more annoyed. It seems like he will have to face all of Andi's suitors. He's going to kick their asses anyway.

"Why, who is he?" he asked not hiding his disgust over the guy.

"He's one of Andi's long time suitors. He's very much persevere and always stalks her around," replied Patrick.

"Ha! That's it? What a creep!" he scoffed which made the others laughed.

"He doesn't stand a chance," he muttered.

Charlie was just listening to the newbie's dillydally. He didn't confessed to Andi because he wanted to save their friendship. In the meantime, he satisfy himself by observing the girl from afar and always being there when she needs him.

River smirked at Zach. "Why do you think so? For all we know, they are already dating for real." River knew Andi is single but only wanted to annoy Zach even more. Inside, he actually admire this guy's guts and fighting spirit.

Zach replied confidently, "Because, if Andi likes him too, he wouldn't be just dating her. He said he's been courting her for a year right? It just means, Andi doesn't like him. Period."

Zach turned to his beer and planned to drink it in one go. 'Did I really think Andi doesn't like that Andrew? What will I do if they like each other already? Am I a year late?' Nah. I just have to split them apart. He thought to himself not paying attention to his surroundings.

Meanwhile, the guys smiled at what he said. This guy got brains they observed. They still have to know him better to judge if he's worth the friendship. Last year, they accepted someone in their group and it didn't end well.

"Well, honestly I think you have a slight chance, man," said River and tapped his shoulder.

"I'll introduce you to Dana tomorrow. Let's start chasing our girls," Liam said and winked at him.

So Liam likes this Dana girl, huh. At least I'll meet one of her friends.

Charlie looked over to the table where Andi and her friends are having fun. Only he and River knows they're here. As more guys like Andi, the slimmer his chance of getting her. But all he could think of is her smile. Her genuine friendship and heart to help people. Wherever and whatever makes her happy, he's happy too. He doesn't know why he suddenly gazed at Zach but he felt something about him that he couldn't find the words to describe.

River broke the silence. He lifted his beer and glanced toward his friends.

"Okay. So guys, let's cheers for Zach." They lifted theirs and ckinked their bottles.

"Welcome and I hope we all share the fun and everything," River muttered.

He stood up and bowed. "Thanks, guys. Whatever you need, I'm just here. Don't feel shy. I like straightforward guys." He then took his seat.

"What? You like men?!" Patrick exclaimed.

The others cracked up laughing.

"Ha-Ha, idiot." Zach replied feigning irritation but chuckling.

Liam who didn't speak for a while suddenly tested Zach.

"Hey, Zach. Do you have money?"

"What for? He asked nonchalantly not noticing that Liam winked at the others.

"I wanted to move out of our house. And my parents didn't approved of it. I asked the guys already but they just able to lend me some cash and I still need more."

"You know, I'll follow my parents if I were you. But if there's a reason you wanted to move out, like for example, if your parents are always fighting or your mom always nag at you, I can understand." Zach replied in a serious tone. Like a friend advising another.

"Yeah, man. I sort of both. I really couldn't stand it any longer," Liam said feeling dejected.

"Hey, bro. Don't cry here. How much do you need?" Zach asked.

Liam looked at him in utter disbelief. "About a million?"

"That's big bro. But yeah, okay." Zach responded. He took his phone out and called somebody.

"Hi, Mr. Spring. This is Zach Thompson. Yes. Can I withdraw a million today? Yeah, it's urgent---"

He was cut off by Liam. He saw the guys laughing quietly. He bid goodbye at the person on the phone and looked at him.

"Did you just played me?" He asked pretending to be annoyed.

Liam responded laughing, "Yeah, bro. I'm sorry. I'm just making fun of you. But it's cool. You're cool, man"

He stopped pretending and smiled. Like I said, you can count on me.

"You really are going to lend him a million and today?!" Patrick asked in utter shock.

"Of course. Money's not a problem, bro but girls are," he said seriously but joking at the same time.

They had fun during dinner and it felt like they were friends already even before today. Zach was thankful.