The sun beamed down onto my face, and sand cascaded between my toes as I watched the waves crash into each other. Seagulls raced among each other, often landing to eat the scraps left behind by others at the beach.
'careless' I thought. 'What if those birds eat someone's trash, what if they die.' I shake my head at the thought of birds dying to someone else's carelessness.
The laughter of my friend brought me out of my daze. Turning, I noticed the drink she once had in her hand had now spilled over our towel. A tattoo-wrapped hand grips her elbow to steady her, as she sways even when sitting down.
"Who's your friend Ellie?" They both turn to meet my gaze and I finally look at the man. It seems tattoos don't only cover his hands, lines of ink run up his arms and disappear underneath his t-shirt.
"Oh! Ivy, meet Louis. Louis this is Ivy." She says as the man reaches his hand out for me to shake.
"I met him when I was in line for the bathroom, so I invited him to sit with me. I hope you don't mind. I tried to ask you when we got back but you were deep in thought." She replied
I reach my hand back out to his to shake "It's nice to meet you, Louis"
"You too Ivy" Looking up into his eyes I notice the milky blue colored eyes already staring into mine. He smirks' dropping my hand. Weird, but okay. He continues to stare as I notice the snake tattoo that wraps around his forearm. Something in the back of my mind tells me that it is familiar, but I can't remember when I've seen it.
Ellie must've noticed the staring happening between us as she coughs to draw attention back to her.
"So, since you two have met you wouldn't mind if I invited Louis out with us tonight, would you?" she asks as her puppy dog eyes come out to play. I should've seen it coming, this man she just met already has her head over heels. I've never been one to ruin her fun, so I shake my head no and laugh.
"He can come, but you better not leave me alone like last time," I said pointing my finger at her. "That club has always given me a weird feeling."
"I'm sorry Ivy, Owen wanted to get more drinks. Plus, that club is owned by Louis's friend so if anything happens, we'll be okay! Right, Louis?" Turning her body to him he puts his hand on her cheek.
"You'll be okay doll I doubt anyone will mess with you if I'm there."
The way he said it made him seem sincere and it made me feel a little better knowing that we have someone there if something goes wrong.
We stayed at the beach for a few minutes before Ellie, and I decided to leave so we could get ready for the club. As much as I love the beach I'd rather not be covered in sand while trapped between sweaty bodies. Louis kisses Ellie's cheek as we bid our goodbyes, her turning a crimson color in return.
Once everything is back in our car we head back to our flat. I've known Ellie since we were kids. Ever since we met each other we became inseparable. Spending time together and learning things about each other brought us closer when we realized we shared similar pasts. We made promises to each other that we had each other backs. After that promise, there hasn't been a day when we haven't been together. Going through uni and eventually getting a flat together.
Turning the radio down, Ellie looks over and raises a brow at me.
"Did you notice Louis's tattoo, I swear it looked familiar, but I don't know where I've seen it," I asked her, still stuck on the thought of where I've seen it before.
"All his friends have them. Maybe you've passed one of them on the street and seen it on them?" I shake my head in agreement.
She's right, I mean Louis's friend runs the club we always go to so we're bound to run into him at some point. Maybe that's where I've seen it from. I let the thought of the tattoo get lost in the back of my mind.
"You know," She starts "That black dress you have? You should wear it tonight. If I'm caught up on Louis I don't want you to feel alone. You would have all the guys at the bar at your feet if you wear the dress." Wiggling her eyebrows at me I let out a laugh.
"I just- I-"
"Just wear the dress Ivy! I could even do your makeup for you if you want?" She insists.
Rather than fight with her on this I give in and agree to wear the dress. A squeal slips from her mouth. "You're gonna look so hot tonight Ivy, no man is going to be able to look away from you"
Two hours later we arrive at the club, even with the words Louis said to us I still am weary of this place. But it is Ellie's favorite place to go clubbing, so I can't say no to her. Once we got in we immediately spotted Louis in a booth already drowning back shots.
Once he finished his last shot he scooted out of the booth to greet us. "I hope you girls don't mind but I invited my friends to join us." He says while brushing Ellie's hair behind her ear. They cocoon themselves up in their own little world. I take that as a sign to go get drinks. Making my way to the bar I look back and see Ellie giggling at something Louis said to her.
"What can I get you, pretty lady," The bartender asks me. The first thing I noticed about him was the snake tattoo that was also laid on his forearm, just like Louis's.
'Must be one of his friends' I thought to myself. But why isn't he already sitting with us? I ignored the question that was burning to escape my mouth.
"Can I just get two Mojitos please?" I say keeping my eyes on his tattoo. He left but quickly returned with two drinks. I went to fish money out of my purse when he stopped me.
"Don't worry about it, it's on the house." And with that, he turned to go help another customer. Once again I was confused, but I didn't want to complain about free drinks, plus Ellie would be excited about it being free. I got back to the booth and slid my way in sliding Ellie which she drank without any hesitation.
Mixing my drink I feel the seat divot down as I turn to look who sat beside me. I look to see olive eyes already looking into mine.
And a snake tattoo trailing up his whole arm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wrote 11/14/22
Not re-edited
YOU ARE READING
After Dusk
Action"If you want me" She panted, "come and get me." "Want you in which way, darling? Don't get me wrong, both involve ropes, but it's an important distinction to make before we proceed."
