One Cold Moment

Chapter 5

At 10 p.m., the pub was packed with people. Older men came to take shots in hopes of forgetting their worries, adults and youths came to have fun, and a few teenagers had snuck in just to watch the strippers dance their butts off.

The dark room buzzed with activity strippers and lap dancers swayed their hips, drawing attention from lustful men gawking and calling out bids.

The air was smoky and reeked of alcohol and cigarettes. A disco ball cast multi-colored lights across the room, and Anthonio thought this was the perfect place to hang out with his friend, Yankee.

While Anthonio drank and chatted away, Yankee's eyes were fixed on a group of men sitting in the far corner, bidding on a half-naked woman showing off her dancing skills. The highest bidder would get to take her wherever he pleased for the night.

"How low and stupid," Yankee thought.

He had never been a fan of pubs. To him, it was a place for low-life pervs and desperate women who'd sleep with anyone just to make money for the club owner.

Ever since joining the pilot force, Yankee believed pub nights were irresponsible. As pilots, drinking away was too unprofessional. But Anthonio saw things differently. He loved the drinks, the entertainment, the stories he'd talk about all week but never the women. Unlike Yankee, Anthonio was in a committed relationship with Isabel, the only woman who'd held his heart for the past two years.

"Are you even listening to me, Yanks?" Anthonio's nudge on his shoulder broke his concentration.

"What?" Yankee asked absentmindedly. Anthonio threw up his arms in frustration.

"Don't tell me you're still thinking about that girl from the plantation."

"Of course not," he replied, gulping down his drink.

"Is everything going to be about her today?" Tony asked.

"Will you quit asking me that already?" Yankee snapped.

"Nope. Not until you admit you're having dirty thoughts about her."

"Damn it, man! I'm not!"

"Yes, you are. Just admit it. I've been your friend for decades and I know when you're into someone."

"Okay, fine! I've thought about her all day. Happy?" Yankee said.

"No, be specific, bro. You've been thinking of hitting it with her," Anthonio smirked.

"No! Surprisingly enough, I haven't even thought about that," Yankee said, raising a brow. "What does that tell you?"

Anthonio stared at him blankly. Then suddenly, it clicked. His eyes widened in shock.

"Shit! You like her?!" Anthonio said with a smirk.

"No, idiot. I just think I like her." Yankee replied.

"Same thing," Anthonio muttered.

"You know..." Yankee continued. "She was just so... simple and calm. You hardly see girls like that anymore especially not around me."

"That's because you're a lunatic, Yanks. And lunatic ladies are drawn to you. Simple math if you ask me."

Yankee let the jab slide, instead lingering on the thought of that strange girl.

"She was just... different," he added.

"Well, man," Anthonio laughed. "You might fall in love with her if you see her again."

"Cut the crap. You think this is funny? You know what...."

"Enough of this bullshit. What were you even talking about before?"