Daytona Baby [N.H]

21

Olivia Campbell

"Okay, ready?"

Nova and I giggled as we sat at the bar, preparing to drown ourselves in liquor for the rest of the night. I may have started pre-drinking backstage at the concert, courtesy of Sal, who's warmed up to me more than he would probably ever admit.

Now we've each got five shots lined up in front of us, the idea being to pound them all back in a row. You know, just to get a good start.

"Yeah, I'm ready," Nova replied.

"Three, two, one—" I counted us down and on 'one' we both tossed back the first shot, quickly continuing onto the next and the next without hesitation.

We both laughed as we took in a deep breath after slamming the fifth empty glass onto the counter. The familiar burn in my throat was already beginning to soothe me of my rampant thoughts. I've really been looking forward to this all day, just having a good time with Nova, no drama.

"Fucking hell, that's one way to get going," Nova chuckled, using the back of her hand to wipe a drop of vodka off her chin.

"And we're nowhere close to being done," I smiled devilishly, sliding off the bar stool to stand in front of her. "Care for a dance?" I put my hand out and mocked a posh accent.

"I'd be honoured," Nova mimicked the same tone, taking my hand and hopping off to the floor. We couldn't help but giggle at each other as we hurried to the dance floor, and I already loved how well she matched my energy. There's honestly no one better than Nova to take my mind off everything else.

I kept a firm grip on her hand as I led us through the crowd, settling on a spot somewhere in the middle. Being surrounded by dozens of other sweaty bodies, moving freely to the same tempo, just adds to the experience. When the beat of your own heart is overshadowed by the thumping bass rippling through the floor, it's easy to get lost in it.

And tonight I just want to get lost.

Nova and I let ourselves get consumed by the atmosphere as we continued to dance, feeling the alcohol pump through our bloodstreams. It was easy to watch the progression of Nova loosening up, her body grinding back against me more and more as the night went on. My hands sat on her hips, keeping her close so as not to get separated in the sea of people.

There was a small gap in the crowd momentarily that allowed me to catch sight of an older man sitting at the bar alone, staring directly at us. Just as quick as I noticed him, he shot me a creepy smirk and got up from his seat before disappearing from my view. My attention stayed fixed in that direction, and sure enough, I could see him making his way towards us.

"Nova," I said, leaning down to her ear so she could hear me over the music.

"Hmm?" She tilted her head to listen better and slowed her movements against me.

"Some creep's got his eye on us...I think he's coming over here." I nodded my head to the side, gesturing to where the man was coming from. She turned to look and noticed him weaving through the dance floor. Nova then turned around, our faces inches from each other.

"Make sure he knows we're not interested, then." Nova hinted, and I caught her eyes flick down to my lips and back up again.

"I like how you think," I said, smirking back at her and giving her waist a playful squeeze.

Glancing around us again, I couldn't see where the man went, but I'm not about to give him any more time to approach us. I quickly leaned in, making contact with Nova's lips. She was maybe a couple inches shorter than me, forcing her head to tilt back as I kissed her.