Never Get to Heaven • Charles Leclerc

013. PLANT POTS

I sighed as I stared at myself in the bathroom mirror. Jo's muffled music could be heard through the door as she finished getting ready.

I changed my mind. See you tonight :)

The words flashed through my head, the knot tightening in my stomach. Everything about Charles set me on edge. I needed to avoid him as much as possible tonight. I was getting too close.

"Bea? Are you ready?" Jo knocked lightly on the door. I inhaled sharply. I needed to act normal and couldn't tell anyone how I felt. The guilt was eating me alive.

My phone buzzed on the counter. Adam's name flashed up.

I hope you're having a good time.
I can't wait to see you again.

My breath hitched. Jo continued to knock on the bathroom door.

Why can't the world stop turning for a little while?

"Bea? Hello? Is everything okay in there?"

"Yep. Give me a second."

I leaned against the counter, staring into my own eyes. Pull yourself together, Bea.

One final deep breath, and I swung the bathroom door open, a fake bright smile plastered across my face.

"Ready to go!" I chirped. Jo narrowed her eyes as they panned down my figure.

"Wow... you look amazing, little bee!" Jo leaned forward, smoothing my hair.

Jo had packed a black satin dress for me and let me borrow her favourite earrings. I did look nice, but inside, my mind was clouded; every negative thought was front and centre. All I wanted to do right now was curl up into a little ball.

"Not so bad yourself, Joanna." I joked, trying to keep up appearances.

She playfully rolled her eyes as she handed me a glass of champagne. I could tell already I was going to get absolutely wasted tonight. I needed to drown out all of the noise in my head.

"To having fun!" Jo presented her glass to me, giving me a look.

I sighed and reached my glass out to clink with hers.

"To having fun," I repeated with a small smile, promptly downing the alcohol in the glass.

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"Ladies! Looking lovely!" Lando greeted us at the reception. He leaned over and gave Jo a quick peck. "Come on, let's get going!" He ushered us out of the door.

We skipped the queue and walked straight to the door as we arrived at the club. Lando gave his name, and the bouncer let us walk through—another perk of being famous.

Jo and I headed straight for the bar. This time, I got ahead of her, ordering a round of shots and some drinks. Jo grinned as I handed her a shot.

"Glad to see my little bee back in business!" She cooed over the music. Little did she know I was trying to settle my nerves. I needed a bit of liquid courage to get through this night. I threw back the shot and winced at the sharp taste of the alcohol. I giggled as I looked at my best friend, who reacted similarly.

We made our way back through the crowd, trying to find Lando. He was standing talking to Daniel and a few other drivers we hadn't been introduced to yet.

"Ah! My girls!" Daniel gushed as he saw us. He pulled Jo and me into a hug, his hand lingering on my waist as he pulled away. "You both look beautiful," he stated, looking me up and down. I blushed a little. It's not a crime to be complimented, right?