“Ash, where are we going?” He glances back in the rearview.
“The Lounge. It’s not far. Just make a left turn out of the driveway and go about five miles. You can’t miss it!” She squeals with excitement.
“You got the fakes?”
Ashley hands me mine; it looks enough like me to pass. We’ve been going to The Lounge for months. But the last time we were there, the new bartender turned us away, so we found a guy on campus who makes them so we wouldn’t be turned away again.
Aiden eyes me. “Am I going to have to deal with the both of you being smashed?” He laughs but I sense sincerity in his teasing words.
We arrive at the familiar club, flashing lights beam through the barely tinted windows. I can hear the faint music coming from inside. It takes a minute to find a spot a distance away to park as the place is absolutely packed.
“Let’s go!” Ash exclaims once we hop out of the car, and marches towards the club.
I try to keep up with her exuberant pace, slightly pacing Aiden and his long strides. Gently, I feel his hand slide to the small of my back, slowing me down. I match his movements as he walks by my side, curious as to why he wants to walk with me instead of letting me go ahead with Ash.
Aiden opens the door for me while Ash runs into the dimly lit club. I walk behind her, slowly assessing the mass amount of people staring at us, or I should say at Aiden. Girls gawk when he walks past, and I push myself a little closer against his side. Peeking over to gauge his reaction, I note a boyish grin on his face that causes a flutter in my stomach. I’m not sure why I’m being so protective over Ashley’s brother, but he intrigues me.
Ash grabs my hand, yanking me away. With a shrug in Aiden’s direction, we head for the bar.
“Three shots, please.” Ashley yells over the thumping music and winks at the bartender.
Aiden clears his throat behind us. “Ash, I’m driving. I’m good. You girls have fun.” Reaching into his dark jeans, he pulls out a wad of cash from a clip and places it in her hands.
Eyeing his kind gesture, I shake my head. “I can pay for mine, thank you though,” I grin shyly as I move a little closer to him.
He chuckles, brushing his hand against my arm. “Don’t worry about it. I came out tonight because I want the both of you to have fun without having to worry about your safety.” He shrugs.
Ashley mouths thank you and he nods.
I grudgingly accept, not wanting to be rude. I guess it’s something he normally does. Besides the twenty dollars of running money in my account doesn’t really need to be spent on drinks. Yes, I know…I just bought a new dress, but I needed to do something for my confidence. I had more saved, but Ian needed some money and I idiotically gave it to him. I roll my eyes at myself.
Ashley hands me a clear shot of what I guess is vodka.
I down it quickly, wanting to forget about Ian and all the things I thought he was. My face scrunches at the taste; I will never get used to the uncomfortable burn straight liquor gives.
“Two more!” Ashley announces excitedly and we down another set.
“Slow down,” Aiden whispers lowly in my ear, his minty breath tingling against my skin.
I nod. He’s right. I’m not the best drinker and I don’t want to get sick tonight. With a sigh, I lean back slightly against Aiden’s body, relishing in how his hand easily comes up to rest on the small of my back.
There is something oddly comforting about the swirl of his thumb, and I push away all thoughts of how I shouldn’t be feeling such things to make room for the butterflies that twirl inside my stomach.
Ash and I reminisce about our first year of college, celebrating our highs and lows. I’m in a low spot, but with her by my side, I’m already feeling much better.
Slipping money to the bartender without Aiden’s watchful eye noticing is hard, but I succeed and order myself a Mai Tai to keep the good vibes flowing. I slowly stir my straw around the orange and pink liquid before bringing it to my lips. It’s sweet and delicious, but strong. A small moan escapes my lips as sweet orange hits my throat, soothing the burning from the vodka earlier.
I tip my head up and see Aiden gently biting his bottom lip while staring at my lips. I quickly turn to Ashley, hiding my embarrassment.
“Let’s dance!” I shout spontaneously with a bright smile, but turning to Aiden shyly. “Wanna come?”
He shakes his head with a crooked smile.
Ignoring his mesmerizing dimples, I grab Ashley’s arm and drag her to the crowded dance floor.
Immediately, we begin swaying to the music. Each time I glance over at the bar, Aiden is watching me with narrowed eyes.
I lose myself in the music as time passes. My previously consumed alcohol hits me, hard, and I enjoy my brain being carefree. My body relaxes as the music flows through me.
“I love this song!” I say to Ash, only to realize she’s nowhere to be found.
I scan the mass of thrumming bodies and find her dancing with a cute guy. She looks happy and I don’t want to ruin her moment, even though she has Brian. They are so on and off that I never know when they’re together. I think of Ian and the false security I felt in our relationship, and sadness washes over me.
I plod off the dance floor and scan the bar for Aiden, but
