Warning: Please look closely at the tags, I would really hate for anyone to be upset after reading this. If cheating in a story is the kind of thing that makes your heart sink, definitely do not read this one.
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"Finally, we're here!" Robby exclaimed as he pulled into a parking spot outside the sprawling Top Golf building. It was a little past two on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. He and Claire had run into traffic caused by an accident on the interstate and arrived 15 minutes after their friends' reservation time.
"Okay, I know the traffic wasn't ideal, but I have a feeling the rest of today's going to be great, babe. I can just sense it," he added, turning to face Claire, his girlfriend of four years.
Claire smiled warmly at his words as she briefly checked herself in the vanity mirror. She never wore much makeup, but the little blush she had on gave her a soft glow that accentuated her big green eyes. Her raven-black hair was tied back into a ponytail, her go-to for physical activity.
She opened the passenger door and stepped out, stretching her 5'4" figure after the long ride. Robby followed suit but couldn't help but stare at his girlfriend as he circled around to the other side of the car. Claire wasn't wearing anything special, just a simple t-shirt and yoga pants, but she had a kind of beauty that didn't need to try - it was just there. From her shapely yet toned body to the soft curve of her lips, every inch of her captivated him (as well as virtually any other man who laid eyes on her).
Claire was not only beautiful, but also smart, funny, loyal, and supportive - a perfect partner in every way. Robby couldn't wait to propose to her. He'd already started ring shopping with his mom, who was practically buzzing with excitement. She adored Claire, and Claire returned that love - getting along with Robby's family had always been easy for her. As far as his personal life went, Robby felt like things couldn't get much better.
"Do you think Lauren will like the guy Josh is setting her up with?" Claire asked, snapping him out of his thoughts as she finished stretching.
Robby grinned as the couple began walking towards the entrance. "Oh, who knows with her. I think as long as the guy can sit through hours of her talking about herself, she'll be happy. But if he's got any sense, he'll be running for the hills by sundown."
Claire shot him a playful, stern look, trying to keep a straight face, but she couldn't hold back a giggle. She knew Robby was right. Lauren had been a friend of hers for years - someone she could always count on for a fun night of gossip or drinks - but she had a tendency to dominate any conversation. Claire, usually a patient listener who saw the good in everyone, had to admit that Lauren was best enjoyed in small doses.
As they reached the entrance, Robby held the door open for Claire and admired the view as she walked ahead of him. He tried not to objectify her, but even after four years together, sometimes he just couldn't help himself. Her body was truly incredible. Especially from behind - a result of both her years of dancing and her hard work at the gym. That's where they had first met, when Robby was working at the front desk for his dad's gym shortly after high school. Robby had never been the academic type, so when his dad offered him a full-time job, he gladly took it.
The memory of the day Claire first walked into his life was still vivid in Robby's mind. She caught his eye immediately when she walked through those gym doors. She kept returning and Robby started chatting her up as much as he could between her sets. He was amazed by her down-to-earth nature and genuine kindness, despite her breathtaking appearance. Eventually he worked up the courage to ask her out, she said yes, and now four plus years later, here they were still going strong.
"Nice of you two to show up!" Josh called out as Claire and Robby rounded the corner toward the bay where their friends were supposed to be gathered.
They both smiled at Josh, who had been Robby's best friend since childhood. The two were often mistaken for brothers, with their dark brown hair, hazel eyes, and similar facial features. Josh was a bit taller - around 6'0" to Robby's 5'9" - and had a lightly pudgier build, while Robby was more the skinny type. Josh's fiancée, Jenna, liked to tease him about his "dad bod", joking that he was already preparing for fatherhood.
While Robby and Josh did their usual handshake greeting, Claire glanced around for the girls, but didn't spot Jenna or Lauren. Josh noticed her searching and spoke up. "Oh, the girls went down to the bottom floor bar to have a drink before we all started. It's just me and Christian up here. Speaking of," he added, gesturing to his right, "you haven't met my buddy from the office yet."
Claire's eyes followed Josh's hand, and for the first time, she noticed the man who had just finished a turn hitting golf balls.
Christian turned around and approached the three of them. Claire had to stop herself from gasping. He was incredibly attractive - tall, about 6'3", with short, dirty blonde hair and striking blue eyes. His muscular, athletic frame was accentuated by the tight shirt he wore. He looked like one of those MMA fighters who spent all year training. His face, however, was far less battered than the fighters Robby liked to watch on PPV. Christian's features were chiseled and handsome.
Claire felt a flutter of nerves as he approached, extending his hand first to Robby, then to her.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Christian. As I'm sure you just heard," he greeted with a friendly chuckle.
Christian's hand completely engulfed Claire's. She quickly composed herself as Josh introduced her as Robby's girlfriend. "Hello," she said pleasantly, returning his smile. Christian's eyes lingered on her for just a moment too long, and she felt a pang of self-consciousness run through her, then he quickly glanced back over at Robby.
"I have to say, bro, I'm impressed," he chirped. "She's fine as hell, you must be the man."
Robby chuckled and thanked him, but Claire had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. Talking about her like she wasn't there and congratulating her boyfriend for her existence wasn't exactly charming. She could tell right away that he was one of those obnoxious Chad-bro types.
Still, Claire was too polite to let her annoyance show. She smiled again, leaned over to kiss Robby on the cheek, and excused herself to go join the girls at the bar.
As Claire walked down the stairs, she saw her friends sitting on stools with drinks in hand. They were the only two people down there besides the bartender - probably because it was a little early for most people to start drinking.
"Hey, gorgeous girl!" Jenna called out as soon as she saw Claire walking towards them. Jenna was just a little shorter than Claire, about 5'3", and had a punk rock vibe - blonde hair with the ends dyed black, small gauges in her ears, a nose ring, and an eyebrow piercing. She pulled off the look well, and Claire always thought she was adorable. Jenna wasn't into the gym like Claire, but she stayed in good shape by jogging regularly. The two had met through their boyfriends once Claire started dating Robby, and they'd become fast friends. Now, with Jenna and Josh engaged and planning their wedding for next Fall, Claire considered Jenna one of her closest friends. They embraced as Claire reached them, then Claire moved to hug Lauren as well.
Lauren was taller than both girls, standing at 5'7". She had brown hair that she kept just above her shoulders, and though she wasn't as toned as Claire or Jenna, she had little trouble attracting attention. She'd never really struggled to find men interested in her, keeping them was the challenge.
