The Summer Before

Chapter Seven

Tessa

Two and a half hours later, I'm primed and polished for the night. Leah and Colin set to work the second she showed up at the apartment. While Leah fussed over my hair and makeup, Colin combed through the trove of clothing she brought with her.

Micah, bless his soul, was my only ally while the others turned me into their own personal dress-up doll. He made sure I stayed hydrated- with margaritas and water- while Leah plucked at my eyebrows and Colin coordinated my outfit for the night with my skin tone.

He saved me when Leah and Colin brought up the topic of waxing my legs by distracting them with homemade daiquiris. Thanks to Micah's perfectly timed interruption, the subject was dropped, and my friends loosened up a bit.

By the time they were through with me, my makeup was done to perfection, my hair looked better than it had in months, and my outfit made me look like a model. The smoky eye and maroon lip combo Leah picked out made me feel sexy. Pair that with the loose waves, black pumps, and body con dress from her closet- I was a knockout.

The dress was a bit scandalous on me since Leah is about three inches shorter and has a smaller bust. Because of our body differences, her dress stopped above my mid-thigh, and my boobs were pushed out more than hers would be. Still, I felt hot. I was sure to turn heads tonight. I only wondered if any of them would be worth it.

~

The music was bumping inside the club when the four of us arrived. It didn't take long for us to get in and find our way to the dancefloor. I decided earlier that I wasn't going to let Levi Daniels dictate how I spent my time here in the limited days I had.

I was going to let loose and have fun, especially tonight. It's been too long since I had a night out like this with my friends. As the music blared and the lights surrounded us, Leah, Colin, Micah, and I formed a cluster, taking turns dancing with one another, letting ourselves get lost in the euphoria.

I'm not sure how long we danced, but before I knew it, the club was packed, and I was suddenly parched. With a tap on the shoulder, I got Colin's attention. "I'm going to get something to drink. Want anything?"

He crooked his finger at Micah, asking him the same as I got Leah's attention.

A moment later, Colin wrapped an arm around my waist, leaning close to tell me what he and Micah wanted to drink as Leah mouthed, I'll come with you, pointing to the closest bar.

We weaved our way through sweaty bodies, finding an open spot at the bar. Noticing us, one of the bartenders came over immediately. "What can I get you, ladies?"

"Can I get two mojitos, a Moscow mule, and..." I looked at Leah.

"A sex on the beach," she continued.

With a smile, the bartender got to work on our order. "Coming right up."

"Thank you," Leah coos, shooting him a bright smile.

Once he's out of earshot, she mouths OMG. "He's so hot. Did you get a look at his ass? Woo-ee."

I laugh as she dramatically fans herself. "I didn't, but I'll take your word for it."

She giggles, taking one more look at our bartender before turning to face me. "How've you been, Tess? I feel like we haven't done this in ages."

A pang of guilt hits me. It has been a long time since I've hung out with everyone. Last summer made me a recluse; I've been hiding away in the house I rented to escape the heartache that came with seeing Levi. It's completely fucked up, I know.