Will Love Ever Come?

Chapter 17

THE VENUE IS FRESH, modern, and classy. Eschewal and Deuce walk past the long line of girls and head for the V.I.P entrance. Eschewal feels like a celebrity as the bouncer opens the red rope for him and Deuce to enter. Eschewal glances over his shoulder, just before he steps through the open glass doors, at the long line of girls. Excitement bubbles up inside of him. He feels he will surely see that girl from the park because everybody that raves seems to be here tonight.

Deuce gives his name to the pretty woman working the guest list. She ticks him off, plus one. He and Eschewal ascend the marble staircase, which leads to the rave. The moment they enter the dance floor, their eardrums become deafened by music that makes them want to dance. People surround the bar waiting to be served while others mingle in small groups around different sections of the room.

Deuce taps Eschewal and points towards the bar. They step over in its direction, but before they can get there, a tall, fresh-faced, well-groomed male stops Deuce. Everything about this man's appearance seems flashy, from the style of his outfit to his watch and the shoes he wears. He smiles a broad smile showing large straight teeth and welcomes Deuce with a hug. They chat for a moment or two. Deuce then turns to Eschewal. "Oi, you know Spiv, innit?"

"Course, man, from the ends," Eschewal greets Spiv with a handshake and says, "Yeah, wha gwan, bruv, you safe?"

Spiv replies with a firm nod, but Eschewal does not notice that Spiv's eyes hold a glint of coldness. This is due to Eschewal being the younger brother of a person who used to bully and rob Spiv back in the day.

With a forced smile, Spiv turns to Deuce, looks back at Eschewal, nods, then says, "Alright, peace," and continues walking wherever he is going.