Happy Birthday

"Happy birthday, Brandi!" her friends cheered as she entered the room. The walls of the Mexican restaurant were adorned with brightly colored tapestries, and the air was filled with the tantalizing scent of spices and sizzling meats.

"Thanks, guys," she said, taking a seat at the table. She winced, her bottom still sore from the beating Marty had given her. The room was filled with laughter and chatter, and Brandi did her best to join in. "This place looks great, Kyle!" Brandi **** a smile, taking a seat at the table. She was grateful for their company. She had been feeling particularly low today, ever since the incident with Marty. She couldn't shake her own sense of self loathing. She would never live it down if her friends found out.

"I know, right? I've been meaning to bring you here for ages," Kyle replied, flipping through the menu. Brandi wondered if that meant that Kyle wanted to bring her here on a date. Her stomach fluttered. "What do you want to drink, Brandi? They have some amazing margaritas."

"Just a Dr. Pepper for me," said Brandy. "I'm turning eighteen, not twenty-one." She smiled though.

"I have a fake I.D.," Kyle whispered conspiratorially, "And besides, they don't really care too much here. I'll tell you what, you can share mine."

"Sounds perfect," Brandi said with a grin. They got two straws and she felt a bit like Lady and the Tramp. As they perused the menu, the mariachi band began to play, their lively music filling the room. Brandi's friends cheered, and the waiter approached their table with a large sombrero.

"Happy birthday, Brandi!" they all chorused as she reluctantly put on the birthday sombrero. The mariachi band then began to play "Happy Birthday," and Brandi laughed and blushed, feeling the warmth of their love and affection.

"So, have you heard anything about those jerks who stole your bikini bottoms yet?" Kyle asked, his voice filled with disdain.

Brandi nodded, her smile faltering slightly. "No, I haven't. But I'm not too worried about it, as long as I don't see them back at the pool." The others nodded in agreement, and the conversation turned to other topics. Brandi listened, her mind drifting back to today's events. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had betrayed herself, that she had stooped to a level she never thought she would.

The meal was filled with laughter, good food, and even better company. Brandi savored every bite, grateful for the simple joy of being surrounded by her friends. As the night drew to a close, one by one, Brandi's friends began to leave. Once it was just Brandi and Kyle left in the restaurant, they moved to a tall, round table for two in the bar area to continue their conversation. They shared another margarita and a sopaipilla for desert.

"You know, I'm glad I came tonight," Brandi said, taking a sip of the drink through her straw. "It's been a while since I've felt this happy."

Kyle smiled, his eyes never leaving her face. "I'm glad too. You deserve all the happiness in the world, Brandi." Her smile faltered for a moment, remembering what had happened in the office with Marty. Kyle was wrong. She didn't deserve this happiness. There was a moment of silence between them, the only sound the soft strumming of the guitar from the distant mariachi band. Kyle reached out and gently took Brandi's hand, their fingers intertwining.

"Kyle, I..." Brandi began, her voice trembling.

"Shh, it's okay," Kyle said, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "You don't have to say anything."

He leaned in, their faces only inches apart. Brandi closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his breath on her lips. Their kiss was slow and tender, filled with a depth of emotion that left them both breathless. As they pulled apart, Brandi looked into Kyle's eyes, and couldn't help but think that the lips that had just kissed him had been wrapped around Marty's pathetic dick only a few hours ago. She had brushed her teeth a dozen times, but still felt like her mouth smelled like his dick.

Together, they left the restaurant. Kyle walked Brandi to her car, his hand gently resting on the small of her back, guiding her through the dimly lit parking lot. A few inches lower, she thought, and he'd be groping her tender ass, the one Marty had spanked so viciously. The night air was cool against their skin, the stars above shining brightly.

"Thank you for a wonderful evening, Kyle," Brandi said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kyle smiled, his eyes never leaving hers. "It was my pleasure, Brandi. You're worth more than I could ever give you." She knew, in her heart, that she was worth much less. If Kyle knew what she had done, he would want nothing to do with her.

Brandy shook her head, a sad smile playing on her lips. "No, Kyle. I don't deserve a man as good as you." It was true. She was unworthy of a man like him.

Kyle cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently stroking her cheeks. "You deserve the world, Brandi. And I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure you get it."Their eyes met in a moment of pure connection, and without warning, Kyle leaned in, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss.

Brandi's heart raced as their tongues danced together, her hands finding their way into his hair. When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless, their hearts pounding in unison. "Goodnight," Kyle whispered, brushing a stray lock of curly hair from her face.

Brandy nodded, a small tear rolling down her cheek. "Goodnight, Kyle. I'll see you soon." With a final, lingering look, Kyle watched as Brandi got into her car and drove off into the night. As Brandi drove away, she couldn't help but feel a sense of overwhelming gratitude. She had been through so much, and here she was, in the arms of a man who loved her unconditionally. She didn't deserve a man as good as Kyle, but she was going to do everything in her power to make sure he never regretted choosing her.