Branded: An Everyday Heroes World Novel (The Everyday Heroes World)

at Isaac and jump at the opportunity to date him, or hell, even just sleep with him, but there is a big glaring thing standing in the way… well… two things.
“He hasn’t even expressed clear interest at all, so I think we are getting a bit ahead of ourselves, aren’t we?” I begin to gather up my trash after glancing at the clock.
“Now you’re just making excuses. No one is saying you need to marry the guy. Just don’t say no before you’ve even considered it.”
“I don’t date firemen, Liv.”
“Yeah, yeah. You keep saying that.”
Isaac
There is nothing better than coming off a twenty-four-hour shift, going home, sleeping like the dead for twelve hours then strolling into the bar, having a couple beers with good friends.
Vin’s Bar is just on the outskirts of Sunnyville, and we’ve been coming here since before we were even old enough to drink. Vin caught us trying to get in with fake IDs, let us in, then served us alcohol-free beer, all the while letting the placebo effect take over then promptly embarrassing the shit out of us. After that, Vin’s became our spot, of sorts. He always let us in and put us at the back table, mostly away from the hustle and bustle of business. I think he wanted to keep us out of trouble, and if we were coming here, he could keep an eye out like a pseudo grandfather.
It’s a small bar, with only dozen tables and bar seating, and dark, hunter green walls. The ceiling is shiny copper with imperfections, dents, and dings. Classic rock croons from the jukebox at the far corner by our table, and my friend, Finn, holds his beer in the air when he catches sight of me. The smell of cheap beer and bar food wafts through the air. I love everything about it.
“There he is. Come on over, princess. Your alcohol is waiting.”
“You’re lucky you’re like my family, you dick,” I say, as I toss my jacket on the back of the chair at the corner table we always occupy when we are here.
“Like your family? I’m offended. I am your family. If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have put up with your shit for years.”
Finn has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. We met in kindergarten, on the playground, and over time, he has become like the brother I never had, and made being an only child not so tough.
“Where is Caleb?” I lift the bottle of beer to my lips and let the cold liquid wash down my throat. Fuck, that’s good.
“He said he had to finish up grading some papers then he’d be here.” Finn looks over my shoulder then raises his bottle. “Speak of the devil.”
“Sorry I’m late. Chemistry is a big bitch to grade sometimes.” He adjusts his thick-rimmed black glasses as he sits at the third side of the four-sided square table.
Caleb was in our middle school science class. We always made fun of him for being a little on the nerdy side, but I’d be lying if I said Caleb didn’t pull more ass than Finn and I combined times five.
“I just got here. Late call right before my shift ended.”
“Yeah, I tried to find you when we were heading back inside, but I wasn’t able to,” Caleb says.
“It was a bit hectic on the back end.”
“That’s what she said,” Finn announces proudly before standing. “I’m going to go get another round. Interested?”
Caleb and I both ask for another beer and Finn heads up to the bar to undoubtedly flirt with the new female bartender working tonight.
Talk of being at the school today, obviously, sends my thoughts right back to Sawyer, which seems to be a regular occurrence as of late.
“Hey, Caleb. You work at the high school.”
“Yes, I’m very aware. I’m glad to know we are on the same page with that.”
“Shut up. I just mean, I just realized you may be able to help me with something.”
“What are you talking about?”
“What do you know about a teacher in the English department named Sawyer Westbrook?” I managed to catch a glimpse of the badge that was hanging around her neck, attached to a Marvel Comics lanyard.
He leans back in his chair and crosses his arms over his chest. “Sawyer Westbrook.” He ponders for a moment. “I haven’t spoken to her much, but I do see her from time to time.”
“Is that it? What’s her story?”
“All I know is that she came here from a school in LA, and she is incredibly attractive. She tends to be the topic of conversation amongst the male students. Why?”
“I ran into her, literally, at the Harvest Festival last weekend, then again at the school today. I wanted to know more about her because clearly the universe wants her in my path or some shit.”
“What are we talking about?” Finn asks, coming back with our beers.
“Isaac is trying to get his dick wet with one of my coworkers,” Caleb jokes.
“Poor girl,” Finn adds.
“I hate you both.” I down the rest of my beer before popping the cap on the new one, tossing it into the bucket at the edge of the table.
Caleb laughs at me then claps me on the shoulder. “Sorry. Sorry. Look, like I said, I don’t really know much other than the things I just told you, and she and another teacher in that department, Olivia Harper, are pretty close. They run the track every afternoon after school.”
“If you wanted a quick lay, you’d call Isabelle. What’s the difference with this girl?” Finn asks.
Isabelle. Even thinking about breaking things off with her makes my chest hurt from guilt. She’s a nice girl. She just isn’t for me long term. I know that’s what she wants, even if she won’t say it outright.
“I’m not sure yet. I just… want to get to know her. That’s all.” I pick at the label on my beer bottle. “And as for Isabelle, I don’t know, man, she’s making it