Rendezvous

twenty-three | yayo

Part II - Yayo

6:56 p.m.

Jay dropped me off at my place so that we could get ready and head to the venue to meet the girls. I browsed through my closet trying to find something to wear. I wanted to look good without appearing as though I was trying too hard.

As time grew closer, I felt butterflies flutter in my stomach, just like when we first started going out, but I eventually realized they never really went away.

I ended up choosing a black satin neck cowl strappy back top, accessorized it with gold jewelry, and wore it with blue jeans and heels.

As Kai dropped us off at the entrance door. I was approaching the end of the long line when Jay grabbed my hand and pulled me to the front of the line, where the bouncer was positioned.

"The end of the line ladies," the bouncer says sternly as he scans tickets.

"Guest list," Jay replies, still holding my hands. "Jaisley Barlowe and Alina Humes."

"Barlowe and Humes," he mumbles as he scrolls through the list on his phone. "My apologies, welcome." He says and he lifts up the rope for us to get in.

"Your name is on the list," Jay says with a wide smile as we walk into the club. "I didn't even tell her your name."

this is going to be a long night

The club wasn't your typical nightclub, maybe because it wasn't a club at all, but a 'nightlife entertainment club,' as Lila calls it.

There were a few of faint chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and the lights were dimmed but not completely dark. It was more classic than modern, with a small stage at the front and a bar at the far end.

When Jay and I spotted Lila and Chuck near the bar, they rushed up to us, stunned.

"You liar!" Lila says as she jokingly punches my shoulder. "You made it," she squeals as she tightens her embrace around me.

"She detected my code red," Chuck adds, smiling broadly as she tightens her embrace around me. "So fucking happy you're here!"

"I wouldn't turn down the opportunity to witness you puke your guts on New Year's Eve," As I lean on the bar counter, I say. "And besides, it's our first New Year's Eve together in a decade."

"Fuck," Jay exclaims at the realization. "I need a drink before I get emotional," she continues as she gets the bartender's attention.

"What's your poison tonight?" Jay asks turning her head to me as she chooses her drink.

"Vodka Soda with extra lime, please," I say, eliciting a shocked look from them. "What? Let me be, I haven't had a drink in over a month." I roll my eyes.

"They don't serve you drinks in San Francisco?" As she takes another sip of her drink, Chuck inquires.

"You still don't drink on school nights?" Lila inquires, prompting a chuckle from Jay before handing me my vodka.

"Thanks," I say as I take a long sip from my drink. "Yeah, I don't like going to work hungover."

also hate drinking alone

"You're no fun," Chuck says before we heard the band step up on the stage. I open my phone to check the time.

7:56 p.m

Chuck says, "Come on," as she leads us to a spot near the stage.

As I took another long gulp from my drink, Jay squeezed my hands tightly. Her name appeared on lights, and the crowd erupted in cheers.