Scarlett doesn’t let go of my hand as she drags me through each room, making good on her promise not to leave me alone in here. It’s not the first time I’ve been to a nightclub, but it’s definitely not the kind of scene I frequent very often like she does.
Scarlett moves seamlessly through the throngs of dancing twenty-somethings, only stopping to touch the elbow of a woman wearing the same sequined dress and high-five her.
My look barely makes the cut for adequate club wear—a black knee-length dress with lacy edges. Good thing Scarlett took one look at my sensible gray sneakers and ordered me back inside my apartment to find anything “with a little more sex built in.” The black-and-white platform boots were an impulse purchase after a particularly difficult week at work, but now I’m happy to get the chance to wear them.
After we pass through what feels like the twentieth hazy, sweaty room, I spot Hayes and the other guys standing at a high-top table with drinks in hand. Scarlett hollers over the music, and all heads turn to see us approaching. She ditches me for only a moment to grab shots at the bar, having successfully delivered me to our friend group. Well, friend group, plus the one outlier I’m not sure how to categorize.
Hayes looks hot as hell in his dark-wash jeans and a simple black T-shirt, but when doesn’t he look amazing? Flanked by Caleb, Connor, and my brother, Wolfie, Hayes can’t do much more than give me a lustful look, appreciating my outfit with his eyes.
I’m debating walking right up to him and kissing him smack dab in front of everyone, secrets be damned, when I’m attacked from the side.
“Sorry! Didn’t mean to scare you!” Penelope giggles into my ear.
I’m a little shocked, but then I remember she’s graduated from college and moved back to Chicago for good now. She’s obviously making the most of it, two cups of beer pinched at the lip between her thumb and forefinger, and some bubbly mixed drink clenched in her other hand.
“I didn’t know you were coming.”
“Wolfie invited me.”
Wolfie did what now?
“You look great,” I said, and she really does.
Penelope’s hair is done up in a cute topknot, and her adorable pink slip dress is hugging her body in all the right ways. She opens her mouth to return the compliment, but Scarlett bumps in between us.
“Take a shot,” my friend urges, pushing some unknown alcohol toward my lips.
Making the quick decision that this will be my third and final shot this evening, I throw it back, cringing at the flavor. Of course it’s tequila. Yuck.
“Atta girl!” she shouts. “Let’s dance!”
Scarlett pulls me toward the dance floor, blowing a kiss to Penelope, who promises she’ll catch up with us. She hands the beers off to Connor and Caleb, who immediately start chugging, their competitive streak still going strong. I only manage to catch a brief glimpse of Penelope, nestling herself very close to my stoic-as-ever brother, before my view is blocked completely.
Scarlett spins me around, helping me find the rhythm with her hands resting lightly on my shoulders. Together, we swing our hips to the beat, losing ourselves to the music pumping over the speakers. Scarlett dances with complete abandon, verging on silliness, which I know she only does to make me feel more comfortable.
You don’t have to be good at dancing to have fun at the club. And Lord knows I’m not much of a dancer . . . the last time I set foot on a dance floor was with Hayes, and it wasn’t exactly the kind of music you’d bump and grind to.
With Hayes on my mind, I look back to see Caleb and Connor chatting up some pretty girls I don’t recognize, and Wolfie and Penelope engrossed in a deep conversation. Hayes stands alone, resting his elbows on the table as he takes a slow swig of his drink, which I’d bet a hundred bucks is bourbon on the rocks. Even with the crowd, his eyes are trained on me—on my hips—as I dance.
The music shifts into something slower, headier, and the alcohol in my bloodstream makes me braver. Swaying from side to side, I run my hands over my thighs and waist teasingly. I like dancing for Hayes, and he certainly appreciates the show. He smirks, jutting his chin toward the far wall, where I spot a glowing neon sign for the restrooms.
Another covert quickie? I’m down.
I whirl around to find Scarlett dancing with a circle of strangers, neon body paint giving them an ethereal glow.
I lean in, shouting over the music, “I’ll be right back.”
“Where are you going?”
“The bathroom.”
“Okay, I’ll come with you.”
Ugh, I didn’t think about the club code. Always take a friend with you to the bathroom.
“That’s okay,” I say, knowing my protest will fall on deaf ears.
“Let’s go.” She waves good-bye to her new friends, because who knows if they’ll cross paths again after tonight.
Reluctantly, I follow her lead across the dance floor and toward the restrooms. When I can hear myself think again, I grab her hand and gently pull her toward the wall. Her eyes are confused, but she waits for me to speak.
“I don’t need to use the bathroom,” I say, nervously crossing my arms over my chest. Is now the right time to tell her? I don’t even know if Hayes and I are . . . well, anything yet.
“What’s up? You don’t wanna dance anymore?” She rubs my arm protectively, concern spreading across her features. Scarlett is seriously such a good friend. She doesn’t deserve to be lied to, even if she doesn’t approve of Hayes’s dating habits.
“Not exactly,” I say, taking a shaky breath. “I was going to meet Hayes.”
“Hayes?” she asks, frowning. Suddenly, realization dawns on her face. “Oh shit, are you and Hayes a thing?”
I nod, my eyes prickling with
