ma chérie | cl16

chapter six

tw: mention of domestic violence

"So, you're like super smart, right? Pierre told us that you're finishing your law degree!" Lando shouted as the music was too loud to talk in a regular tone of voice.

Pierre, Adeline and Charles finally made it to the VIP booth. The group was already having their fourth drink, being in a very good mood. Adeline couldn't wait to get tipsy – but only a little bit. Lily immediately made a space on the leather couch for her, pushing Alex aside. Adeline was kind of relieved that she didn't get to sit next to Charles.

She felt this strange, intense tension inside of her whenever she was around him. And she definitely didn't want to touch him or feel his scent again, the one that she remembered vividly from the first time they had met. The conversation was also way too smooth with him; and she wouldn't admit her attraction for him. She couldn't feel like that. There was simply no way.

"Well, I wouldn't say that. But I know some things, yeah," Adeline answered Lando's question, sipping her perfectly mixed Gin Fizz.

"Know some things? You're literally the smartest and most ambitious person I've ever met. Don't be shy!" Pierre didn't agree with Adeline's opinion. He knew that his best friend was a hard worker, always getting straight A's. She was even able to finish her studies with an honors degree, and she was also very successful in her qualifying experience at the law firm at this moment.

"Okay, I might be good at what I'm doing," Adeline admitted, still keeping her humble attitude. She wanted to be the best in her field, but she was also aware that there was so much more to learn.

"And what is going to be your specialization?" Charles asked, paying his full attention to Adeline. He was sitting directly across from her, so they were basically facing each other.

"Civil and criminal law. To be specific, domestic violence, mainly being an advocate for abused or oppressed women," Adeline replied.

"That's amazing! There's not enough awareness about that," Charles sounded truly interested, and so did the rest of the group.

"I agree, this is wonderful, Adeline," George nodded.

"Yeah, that's why I want to help people that are going through this. Sometimes a lawyer can be the only person by their side." Adeline explained her choice of specialization. Thanks to the waiters that just came with cocktails and drinks, nobody noticed the quick exchange of eye contact between Pierre and Adeline. Adeline then grabbed another Gin Fizz to brush it off.

"Okay, Addy, you're gonna dance with me!" Lily giggled, already having her fifth drink. She was certainly in the mood to dance to the rhythm of Spanish music.

"Oh, I don't really dance. I'd need to drink at least three shots of gin," Adeline objected and shook her head in disagreement. She wasn't really a party girl; even getting her to this bar-slash-club was a success.

"Fine, then we're going to get some shots!" Lily refused to give up and stood up from the couch. Then she went to grab Adeline by her arms and she simply wanted to drag her to the bar.

"Okay, I give up, I'm going!" Adeline chuckled. Whatever. She deserved one night off, and why not in Barcelona? Plus, she was really trying to forget her little moment with Charles. She was sure that after a few shots, she'd be completely carefree.

"Yes, I love drunk Adeline!" Pierre's excitement was obvious as he punched the air. He hasn't seen his best friend being drunk for many years.

Of course that Adeline had been drinking alcohol, but she was always fully aware of where her limits stood. And only for this one night, she wanted to push her limits aside.