Not Loveless, But Sensational

7. Might Be Worth The Risk

It was now 7:30 pm. Daylight was fading and the sky was dusky. Cheryl's car slowed in front of the Pembroke as she tried to find a space to park.
Being nervous was an understatement when she passed by Toni's motorcycle. She knew it was hers because of the fuchsia flames she recognized on the sides of her helmet that sat on top of the seat.

She internally gave herself a pep talk after finally finding a space. She took a few deep breaths and exited her vehicle.

She pulled down the short skirt to her form-fitting two-toned dress that hiked up while sitting. Beginning to walk her 4-inch pink and red bottom heels which mirrored the colors of her dress tapped along the pavement of the sidewalk.

The temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit noticeably dropped this time of day, but she didn't feel like doubling back to grab a jacket from her car. Cheryl continued up the stairs and punched in the door code Veronica gave her so she never had to wait for a buzz in.
Veronica's princess suite was on the last floor which was the 8th.

"Good evening Miss Blossom," The lobby attendant greeted as he had many times before.

"Good evening Smitty," she said back as she pressed the button to the elevator. With a ding, she walked in and the shiny metal doors closed behind her. She looked into their reflection giving her appearance a once over one last time.

Stepping off the elevator she wondered if she should knock or put Veronica's lock code on the keypad again and just walk in. Anxiety took over as her thoughts raced. 'Everyone will look to the entrance if I ring the bell. I'll put in the code and just walk in' That Was the conclusion she has come up with. Yes, the cheer captain seemed extremely confident on the outside looking in, but inside her head, she was a constant anxious ball of nerves.

She heard the music and the mumble of many voices as she approached her best friend's apartment door and punched in a second code, hearing the lock click she opened the door and eased in pushing the door closed behind her.

Soon she heard, "Yay, C! You're finally here. Should've known you'd make a fashionably late entrance as usual. Get a drink from the bar and join us." The mature raven-haired teen said.

Like a switch, Cheryl's signature confidence turned on and her posture was straightened, "I'm only about 30 minutes late Veronica" She took a stride to the small bar counter in the corner of the living room. Of course, Veronica went all out and hired a bartender for the night.

The red-haired girl's eyes took a gander around the room recognizing quite a few faces. Some guys gave her a head nod, a few girls smiled at her while others just stared or tensed up at the sight of her.

"What are you having Miss?" Noticing the bartender for hire was a guy who worked alongside Toni at the Whyte Wyrm.

"Rum and cherry coke, please" She leaned on the bar to scope the room.

"You got it," He said and got started on making the mixture.

She scoped the room and noticed Veronica and Betty sitting on a couch in front of an unlit fireplace. Next to them were their boyfriends who seemed to never go anywhere without those leather jackets. She shook her head and looked the other direction. Her nervousness was subdued because she hadn't seen the tiny serpent girl anywhere. Cheryl spotted her overly affectionate friend who was holding a girl by the waist from behind.

She stared at the two envious for a few seconds. A thought flashed across her mind wishing she could have that one day.

"Here you go," The bartender said. Cheryl turned around and took her drink from him not even looking at his face but still surveying the living room. "If you're looking for Toni, she stepped into one of the back rooms. She had to change her clothes and make a phone call."