My Vengeful-Ex

Chapter 16

Christina

"Are you mad? I can't go clubbing with you," I cried, appalled.

"Why?" Joan asked calmly.

"Because mom isn't well and has been hospitalized the whole week. Because Jonathan and Logan are giving me shit at work. Because apparently, the whole staff hates me," I ranted, trying hard to control my voice from getting loud.

"That's exactly why I think you need to go out and blow some steam," Joan asserted, then continued, "Tell me when you went to a club or even dated anyone? After the rough week you had, I think you deserve to go out."

"I went on a vacation last week," I scowled at her.

"Yes, with your Mom and your three-year-old son. You don't realize, Christina, but you must spend time with people your age. It will help you deal better with the shit that life keeps throwing at you," Joan was not looking in the mood to listen to any of my excuses.

She was right. I hadn't dated in years. First, my pregnancy, and then looking after Aiden. When he was old enough to stay home with a babysitter, I had taken up the job in my current company.

My job kept me busy, and when Mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I didn't get the chance to think about the lack of my sex or dating life. Either way, I didn't believe any man would be willing to get involved in the mess that was my life.

"I can't, Joan. Who will look after Mom and Aiden?" I asked in a tired voice.

"Pol agreed to stay here for a few hours, Goerge is out with his friends for a football game. It's not like you will stay out for the whole night," Joan replied with a Cheshire cat smile, sensing I was about to concede.

I was still not sure if it was a good idea; Mom had only returned from the hospital yesterday. But I needed a break and let loose. The situation at work was worsening, and it wouldn't harm anyone if I got a few drinks and danced for a couple of hours. It had been ages since I last stepped inside a club.

"Come on, give in already," Joan nudged my shoulder.

"Okay," I agreed with a smile.

"Yes," she squealed with excitement.

Joan and I went to my bedroom to get dressed. I didn't have many dresses, so I went with a black lace dress that I bought last year at a discount and was one of the only nice things I owned. Joan wore a beige dress she brought along with her.

I straightened my hair and let it loose at my back while Joan tied hers in a messy bun. We walked out of the room after applying some makeup. Aiden and Pol watched TV in the living room, and he jumped excitedly when he saw me.

"You look beautiful, Mom," Aiden practically bounced on his feet.

"Thanks, sweetie," I ran my hand through his hair, messing it up, and received a protesting groan from him.

"Mom, don't mess my hair," he cried when I didn't pull my hand.

"Have fun, you girls," Pol said from the couch.

"Thanks, Aunt Pol," I gave her a grateful smile, then asked Aiden to be on his best behavior and then left with Joan after checking up on Mom, who was reading a book curled up in her bed.

Joan's boyfriend Alex was already at the club when we reached there. He had brought his friend Jeremy along with him. I glared at Joan, realizing she was trying to set me up with her boyfriend's friend.

"He is hot," Joan whispered in my ear with a sheepish smile.

I rolled my eyes at her. Though Jeremy was good-looking to the eye, I didn't know anything about him, and I was in no mood to get involved with someone I didn't know.

"I don't even know him," I whispered hissed at Joan.

"And the club is the last place to get to know and talk to someone," she arched a brow at me in resentment.

Okay, I needed to give her that. She was right, and I could at least try and get to know Jeremy. I didn't need to meet him again if I didn't like him, right?

"Hi," Jeremy held out his hand for a shake, "I am Jeremy," he said, smiling.

"I am Christina," I introduced myself with a polite smile.

"You are beautiful," Jeremy said with a dreamy expression, "I am glad I agreed to come with Alex tonight," he added.

I was unsure if I would be glad to come here with Joan that night. Jeremy was hot and charming, but I was uncertain if I was ready to date again.

"Thanks," I replied to his comment.

We all headed inside the club. It was one of the best clubs in Chicago. Alex was a doctor and came from money. His parents owned a PR and marketing firm. His elder brother worked with them at the firm while Alex had chosen the Medical field.

"This place is good," Joan looked around in admiration.

The entrance opened into a huge room with a bar on the right. Booths were aligned along the walls with the dance floor in the middle. The lighting was dim with a blue tint and loud music blasted from the speakers.

We headed to a booth, and Joan and I settled on the couches. Alex and Jeremy headed to the bar to get drinks for us.

"So?" Joan arched her brow.

"It feels good to be out for once," I replied, leaning against the back of the couch.

"Loosen up for once. Jeremy is a nice guy. I wouldn't have allowed him anywhere near you if he was an asshole," she said, picking up lint from her dress.

I knew she meant well, but it was not easy for me. I had Mom and Aiden to look after and could hardly spare my time for anything else. Let alone dating.

"I know you mean well, but Joan, I don't think I am ready to date," I replied.

"Ohh God, I am not asking you to date or jump into a relationship with him. You can try to stop fretting and have a good time, at least for a night," She said, lowering her voice when she saw Alex and Jeremy returning with the drinks.

I smiled at Jeremy as he slid onto the couch beside me and handed me the drink. Taking Joan's advice for once, I began a conversation with Jeremy.

He was a Canadian software engineer working with a reputed IT firm in Chicago. His family was settled back in Toronto. Jeremy was polite and engaging; he kept the conversation flowing even after Joan and Alex headed to the dance floor.

I didn't realize it, but I enjoyed my time with him. It was good to have a man's attention for once. He asked me about myself, and I told him about Mom and Aiden. Jeremy was surprised by the fact that I was a single Mom, but it didn't look to deter him. Instead, he inquired me about Aiden and told me he coached football to the kids on weekends, and if Aiden was interested, I could bring him to practice with him.

He asked me for a dance when I got comfortable with his presence. We headed to the dance floor, with Jeremy's hand at the small of my back.

Joan passed me a smile and winked from where she danced with Alex, and I suppressed a laugh. Jeremy placed his hands on my hips and looked at me to ensure I was okay.

I nodded at him approvingly and began swaying my hips to the music. Jeremy was a good dancer, and soon, I started enjoying dancing with him. I couldn't remember the last time I had danced at a club. It would have been before I moved to the US.

I felt a strange tingling sensation at my back as if being watched. Turning my back to Jeremy, I looked around for the person watching me. Jeremy placed his hands at my waist and drew me in closer. It was then my gaze collided with a pair of deep brown eyes. My heart stopped beating as all the air left my lungs.

Logan????

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