Dreams Can Come True

78. Going out!

The end of the photoshoot marked the conclusion of an intensive day filled with glamour and effort. As I sat in the dressing room, surrounded by the scent of makeup and hair products, I felt a mix of relief and exhaustion wash over me. My hands glided over my face as I tried to remove the thick layer of makeup from my skin. Each wipe brought me closer to my normal self, away from the glitz and glamour of the photoshoot.
Bas entered the dressing room, holding his guitar case firmly. His grin was an encouraging sign that everything had gone well during his part of the photoshoot. "Elise," he greeted me warmly, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I just spoke with Tilly from makeup, and the whole crew is going to that new nightclub in town. Please tell me you're coming too."
I took a deep breath, my tired body protesting against the idea of more activities after such a long day. "Pff, Bas," I sighed, meeting my weary eyes in the mirror. "It's been a tiring day."
"But Elise," Bas pleaded, his voice filled with excitement and joy. "This is our chance to unwind and enjoy the moment. You deserve it after all the hard work today."
I considered his words as I put away my makeup supplies. The thought of a night out with the crew sounded tempting, but my body was screaming for rest. "Bas, I can't," I began, the fatigue evident in my voice. "I have a Skype call with Bill tonight."
A flicker of disappointment crossed Bas's face, but he quickly recovered. "Just tell Bill you'll call him tomorrow," he suggested, his eyes imploring. "Come on, Elise, it's going to be a great night. We recorded our CD, the photos are done. This is our moment to celebrate."
His words struck a chord with me. He was right; we had worked hard and deserved a moment of relaxation. But my sense of responsibility held me back from fully embracing the idea. "We have a full day of rehearsals for the Humanoid tour tomorrow," I countered, hoping my excuse would suffice.
Bas shrugged nonchalantly. "A few hours less sleep won't stop us tomorrow," he assured me. "We'll be there, Elise, and we'll shine in the studio just like we did today for the camera."
His determination was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile a little. "It wouldn't be the same without you," he tried one last time.
With a sigh of acquiescence, I relented. "Okay, I'll come," I finally said, confirming my decision. "But I'm going home on time!"
"Fantastic!" Bas cheered, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "You won't regret it, Elise, I promise."

Later that evening, we entered the nightclub with an excitement palpable in every fiber of our beings. The doors swung open to a world of flashing neon lights that bathed the dance floor in a hypnotic glow. The music pounded through the speakers with a rhythm you could feel in your bones. It was as if the club itself was breathing, ready to embrace us in a night of excitement and fun.
The club's hospitality seemed boundless, as we were showered with drinks upon arrival. Cocktail after cocktail was handed to us, while the bartender showcased his skills with a smile. The scent of fresh fruit and strong liquor mixed with the heavy beat of the music, creating an enchanting atmosphere that swept us all into a frenzy of excitement.
I let myself be carried away on the dance floor, my body moving to the rhythm of the music. The bass thumped through my chest as I got lost in the hypnotic cadence of the beats. Bas danced beside me, his smile radiant in the club's colorful lights. We laughed and created memories we would cherish for a long time.
As we danced, I noticed the look of admiration in Tilly's eyes, the makeup intern. Her eyes sparkled with admiration as she looked at Bas, her lips curled in a soft smile. I could almost feel her heart pounding in her chest, filled with unspoken desires she might never voice.
But instead of feeling pity, I was touched by the purity of her emotions. Who was I to judge the love she felt, even if it was for someone who only liked boys? I smiled at her, a silent acknowledgment of the complexity of human emotions, as she returned with a tray full of sparkling champagne glasses.
"Tilly!" I called out over the music, my voice mingling with the beat. "I already have a glass!" She shrugged, a playful look in her eyes as she shouted back, "We're only young once, right?"
"Cheers!" Bas called out over the music, holding his glass up in a gesture of joy and camaraderie. I laughed and clinked my glass against his, a feeling of happiness and friendship washing over me.
But even amidst all this joy, I couldn't shake the thought of Bill from my mind. He was thousands of miles away, yet it felt like he was here with me, an invisible presence accompanying me on this journey through the night.
I smiled back at Tilly, who raised her glass for a toast. Bas pulled me by the arm, his voice a soft whisper in my ear amidst the crowd.
"Want to go for a smoke?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Yeah!" I shouted, my voice filled with a mix of enthusiasm and excitement. "I need to call Bill!" I called back, the thought of my boyfriend momentarily pulling me out of the revelry. "I need to let him know we can't Skype later," I explained to Bas as we made our way to the smoking area, our bodies pulsing to the rhythm of the night.