When a pandemic enters everyone's lives, Leah Rae becomes trapped in London missing the holidays with her family. She's forced to quarantine with her roommate Ivan Johnson, the only problem is Ivan is staying in London and Leah is leaving when she...
"And done!" I said to nobody in particular as I zipped up the last of my suitcases.
Yes I know, I'm only going away for the weekend and maybe I did overpack but I was so excited, I got carried away. Just as I was finishing I got a text.
"Leah, I already know you're not dressed, you are not bailing on me" I read.
I thought about backing out right away. I never understood or could be one of those girls who party all the time, it just wasn't my scene. I've been to a club once before which is actually where I met Ash, but other than that my experiences with clubs and parties have never been good.
I opened my closet and contemplated what to wear, I didn't go out often and I only had one dress, that I knew I was not going to wear, not after last time. Shaking the thought out of my head I tiptoed to my mom's room.
I stopped mid-way,
She won't even notice I'm gone, let alone notice I've borrowed her dress.
My mom had a closet any other girl would drool over. She has countless dresses and skirts, some of which she wore to book release parties and award shows. I looked through her closet for a solid 20 minutes and nothing really caught my eye, until I found it.
I grabbed a silver, sequenced long-sleeved dress, It was short and hugged my body in all the right places. I felt more confident wearing the dress than I have felt in a very long time. I grabbed a pair of nude strappy heels, which were a little higher than I would have normally liked, but they were comfortable and looked nice alongside the dress.
It was the most beautiful dress I think I've ever tried on. And as I looked in the mirror I almost didn't recognize myself without my glasses, messy bun, and sweatpants.
I started to feel a little nervous about going out tonight. I looked in the mirror and wondered if I was overdoing it. I debated texting Ash and telling him how I feel but I didn't want to let him down.
I heard noises downstairs, and I exited the room and I started on my hair and makeup. I started to feel a little better and ready as I finished getting ready. After a half-hour, my normally pin-straight hair was put into loose curls, and I headed downstairs.
Just as I finished putting on my shoes, I heard a car horn beep, and without even looking I knew it was Ashton. Knowing his patience I quickly rushed outside and made my way.
As I entered his Black Mercedes, I turned around to face him and I saw him look me up and down. Ash looked good, wearing a black button-down shirt with black pants.
"You look amazing, Leah." He said looking me right in the eyes. I gulped before responding.
"Thanks, you do too.. and thank you for inviting me tonight," I said as I smiled at him. I turned on the radio as he pulled out of my driveway. I grabbed the crackers I knew Ash always kept in the front seat compartment and chewed quietly, trying not to mess up my lipstick.
"Hey, Leah?"
I looked over at him. "Promise me you'll have fun tonight?"
He looked at me with so much hope, I felt terrible. Why couldn't I let go of everything that happened in the past? I don't know if I will ever be one to go to clubs frequently, but I know that no matter what I'd do anything to make Ashton happy. Ash protected me when I needed him and our friendship is the one thing all these years I've always been certain of.
"Yes Ash, as long as you're with me we'll have fun." He squeezed my hand and I felt myself relax.
As I got lost in my own thoughts, we pulled into Club Empire. There was already a line up by the door as people rushed towards the entrance. As I stepped out of the car, I heard voices around me. I suddenly felt them drain out as I strained my brain to remember what I was thinking about in the car.
*Flashback from a year before:
I slammed my drink down, as cheers from unfamiliar faces screamed out. I was drunk.. so drunk. And the fact that I thought I wouldn't get drunk my first time at the club was beyond me.
"Where is Ash?" I called out to the crowd, I got no response. I looked around at the empty shot glasses, did I really finish them all?
I walked away from the bar holding my hands out in case I fell. I felt extremely dizzy as I made my way through the crowds of people glaring at me. Guys looked me up and down, and I heard a blond girl whispering.
"Leah?" I heard someone behind me call, "Hey wait up!"
"Hey, I had such a great time tonight, you really are.. you are so fun!"
I looked back at the girl who was talking to me, but I could barely make out what she was saying. I kept walking until I felt my legs give.
.
.
.
"Leah?"
I looked down and there was Ash staring at me with a concerned look on his face. Did I really just zone out in front of him?
"S-sorry.." I mumbled. He asked me if I was okay and I nodded yes. I tried to look convincing and not like I really was freaking out, about all of this.
"Excuse me? If you can please move up in line, my friends are waiting for me." said a girl with long red hair, who was typing away on her iPhone. We let her pass us as we began to walk towards the doors.
"Leah, you ready to go? I am so excited!" Ash smiled as he grabbed my hand. With that, I smiled back as we walked into the unfamiliar setting of Club Empire.
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Hi everyone! Hope you are enjoying the book so far. I'd like to thank you all for all the reads, I see them slowly every day going up and it makes me so beyond happy! I don't have a schedule yet for when I will start the following chapters, and I apologize for the wait.. but it will be well worth it! I want to conclude by thanking everyone who's helped me and provided feedback and edits to help better my story. I am so grateful to be part of a book club and have a community of people doing the same thing I am doing! I have learned so much from such a short amount of time writing, and I can't wait to continue!
SIDE NOTE: Furthermore, apologize for any spelling mistakes. I am currently looking for an editor. Please message me if you are interested!
