TW: This chapter contains sensitive content. Reader discretion is advised.
The drive to the party was filled with lively conversation and laughter, a welcome distraction from Jacqueline's earlier anger. They arrived at the penthouse, the building towering above them, its windows glowing with warm, inviting light.
As they stepped out of the car, Jacqueline and Faith exchanged a look of excitement. The doorman greeted them before stopping and asking for their invites. Jacqueline quickly pulled out her phone, showing the doorman her and Joan's messages.
He nodded. "Enjoy your night," he said, letting them in. They walked into the penthouse, which was buzzing with energy and excitement. The air was filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses.
As they made their way through the crowd, Joan spotted them and waved. He navigated through the throng of elegantly dressed guests to greet them. "Hey, you made it!" he said with a grin. "Glad you could come."
"Thanks for the invite," Jacqueline replied, her earlier anger now completely forgotten.
"No problem. Come on, let me show you around," Joan said. He led them through the spacious penthouse, pointing out the different areas. "We've got a dance floor over there, the DJ is taking requests if you want to hear something specific. And the bar is right this way."
They followed Joan to the bar, where a bartender in a crisp white shirt and black vest was mixing drinks with flair. "By the way," Joan whispered to them, "the bartender won't card you if you say you're with me. Just tell him Joan sent you."
Jacqueline and Faith exchanged a conspiratorial smile. "Got it," Faith said, already eyeing the array of colorful bottles behind the bar.
Joan continued the tour, showing them the cozy lounge area with plush sofas and a balcony offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline. "And if you need a break from the crowd, the balcony is perfect. The view is amazing," Joan added.
After the tour, Joan excused himself to mingle with other guests, leaving Jacqueline and Faith to explore on their own. They headed back to the bar, where the bartender greeted them with a friendly smile. "What can I get you ladies?" he asked.
"Joan sent us," Jacqueline said confidently.
"Ah, say no more," the bartender replied, winking. "What'll it be?"
Jacqueline ordered a strawberry daiquiri while Faith opted for a sea breeze. They took their drinks and found a spot near the dance floor, watching the crowd move to the beat of the music. The atmosphere was electric, and Jacqueline felt a surge of excitement. This was exactly what she needed.
Jacqueline started swaying her hips to the pop music, taking a sip of her drink as she began, kind of shouting over the loud environment, "Faith, thank you for coming. You wouldn't believe the day I had."
Faith nodded, leaning closer to hear Jacqueline better. "What even happened, Jackie? You never told me."
Jacqueline took a big swig, preparing herself for the story she was about to tell. "Well, basically, Nathan's a dick and I ended things with him... if that's even what you call it. I have no idea what we were, but it's off now," she said, trying to cover her upset face with forced laughter.
Faith, raising an eyebrow and looking concerned, responded, "Uh oh... that's not gonna be fun considering... well, y'know. Give me details though!"
Jacqueline finished her drink in one big sip, as she cackled, again hiding how she really felt. "He's still fucking his wife! I think... EITHER WAY— he sucks and he's even worse than teenage boys."
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Teacher with Benefits (18+)
RomanceMature audiences only. Jacqueline Mason, a reserved senior, discovers how quickly her life can change when she meets Nathan Anderson, the charismatic new teacher adored by everyone. Once a shy and quiet student, Jacqueline becomes the center of whis...