FERRY-LOVE-BOAT

Chapter 14

Carina's POV:

When the car stopped in front of the entrance to the bar, I politely thanked the driver and got out of the car. I stared at my translucent reflection in the glass door framed by neon lights before entering, trying to convince myself - for the third time that night - that my choice of dress had been appropriate. I was wearing a black satin dress, with a heart-shaped neckline that made my breasts look great and reached my mid-thighs; On my feet I had black, low-heeled shoes that matched the dress perfectly.

It had been a good choice, Carina! Stop overthinking it so much.

-Carina! - Maya's voice made me turn around quickly.

She was wearing tight jeans with a button-down shirt partially tucked into her pants; her long blond hair had some curls, and her light make-up was perfect.

She was perfect.

-Ciao, Maya! - I spoke with a smile, trying to focus my gaze on her face.

-You look... - She began as she took a few steps toward me. - Beautiful.

-Grazie, you don't look so bad yourself. - I joked, and she laughed, blushing slightly and looking down at her feet. - And the girls?

-They are waiting at the table, I just ordered you a drink. I hope you don't mind. - She said, and I continued to smile at her kindness.

-I don't mind. I appreciate it. - I dug my fingers in the handbag I held to prevent one of my hands from going to her face and stroking it in gratitude.

Maya led the way to the table that Vic and Andy occupied.

-Carina! You look wonderful! - Vic squealed when she saw me and then stood up to give me a hug.

-I feel really bad sitting at the same table as you. - Andy said and also gave me a hug in greeting.

-Oh, stop it! You guys look great! - I said back in between laughs.

The waiter soon approached with a tray of shots and some drinks, I raised my eyebrows and asked Maya a silent question.

-I wasn't responsible for those shots. - She immediately defended herself.

-It was me! - Vic clapped her hands. - It's not a girls' night out without shots!

-Dio mio, I'm sure I'll hate you in the morning. - I joked, and the woman rolled her eyes, distributing the glasses among the four of us.

Maya delicately placed a colorful drink in front of me and I smiled in appreciation.

-To the hottest girls in Seattle! - Andy lifted the glass of clear liquid.

-Cheers! - Vic said.

-Cheers. - Maya and I spoke at the same time, exchanging a complicit smile.

As soon as the glasses clinked against each other our elbows went up and we quickly swallowed the burning liquid. I coughed twice at the long-forgotten sensation of liquid fire running down my throat and the burning in my stomach, Vic laughed pointing at me as she sipped from her own drink.

-I haven't had a shot of vodka in years! - I defended myself.

-You need to hang out with us more. - Andy said, also drinking from her glass.

-I won't say no to that. - I confessed and smiled at the girls.

Now that the burning had dissipated a little, I took my mouth to the straw of my cocktail and sucked the colorful liquid into my mouth - it was much better than that shot, it was sweet and there were many flavors teasing my tastebuds.

-It's delicious, grazie. - I said softly, turning to Maya who was seating to my right.

-I'm glad you liked it. - She answered.

-Is yours the same? - I asked, pointing with my chin to her glass, which was also very colorful.

-Uh, no... There's whisky on mine. I didn't know if you liked it. - She answered, turned a little more sideways and held the glass out in my direction. - Would you like a taste?

I nodded before leaning over and putting the straw between my lips, my eyes still on her face as she looked down towards my mouth, and I sucked in the drink.

It was much stronger than mine, and to my shame, I coughed once more.

-You're going to be drunk soon. - A shiver ran down my arms from the taste of alcohol, and I tried to rid myself of the burning sensation in my stomach by drinking some more of my own drink.

-Or you're too much of a lightweight. - She shrugged.

-I second that. - Vic said.

-I don't drink much when I'm out. - I confessed. - I don't know the city well, I don't hang out with friends who can share uber rides nor I tag along groups that have a designated driver.

-You are right to drink in moderation in this case. - Andy said. - It's a tough world for women.

-It certainly is. - I agreed.