We found us | Book 1

Cocktails

Evi:
I finally received an answer from Tom later that evening that both me and Kim were on the guest list.
He promised not to say anything to Bill or Georg and Gustav. I want to make sure Bill doesn't find out.
I get out of the shower, dry myself off and wipe the mirror so I can see myself. I leave the door a crack open, quickly put on my new dress and look at myself in the mirror.
I start to blow dry my hair and put on some makeup.

I walk to my room, grab some jewelry, a pair of pumps and a matching bag.
I look at myself in the mirror and nod satisfied.
I walk out of my room and walk downstairs.
I hear my stomach growling, I better eat something before we leave for the club!
I walk to the kitchen and, as usual, I am home alone.
I open the fridge, look for something to eat and decide to heat up yesterday's leftovers.
I wait patiently until the food is warm and then sit at the table in the kitchen.
I still can't believe that I will be in the Netherlands in two days and will see Bill again!

After their European tour they will be home for a few weeks and then go on their next tour, although it will be a lot harder to travel back and forth, if not impossible.
I shake my head and whisper to myself, "Don't think about that yet."
I put my plate and cutlery in the dishwasher and when I get a message from Alicia I walk outside.
I get into her car and we drive to the club together. We meet Kim there this time.

We walk into the club together, in our new formal dresses and I can't help but feel confident about this outfit.
"If Bill could see me now," flashes through my mind and I get a small smile on my face as I imagine his face.

"Wine or cocktails?" Kim asks as she turns to us.
"Cocktails!" Alicia says enthusiastically and I nod.
"Cocktails!"
She orders the cocktails and we walk onto the dance floor together, which is more crowded than usual.
We dance exuberantly, which means that half of my glass ends up on the dance floor.
I finish the remaining drink in my glass and put the glass down on the first table I see.
I walk to the bar, order another drink and walk back to Kim and Alicia.
I sing along loudly to the music and join them while dancing.

When our drinks are empty for the umpteenth time, we walk towards the bar together.
I check my phone for the first time this evening and see several missed calls and messages from Bill.
"Can you order me another drink? I'll be right back."
I walk outside towards the exit and sit against the wall in a secluded era. I call Bill and after a few rings I hear his voice.
"Evi?"
"Billie!" I say, with a smile on my face.
"I miss you." I sigh, the fact that I'm drunk clearly audible in my voice.
"I miss you too. Are you home?"
"I'm at the club, the gala party, remember?"
"Right, you sound a little drunk."
A small laugh leaves my mouth.
"I'm a bit tipsy at most." I lie.
"Are Kim and Alicia with you? It sound quiet there?"
I can hear a slight concern in his voice and somehow I find that cute.
"I just went outside, so I can hear you better."
"Alone? Evi, you know what happened last time-" He stops talking and I hear him sigh.
"Bill, I'm standing near the entrance. Nothing can happen."
It remains quiet for a moment and I look around uncomfortably.
"Had a busy day?" I try to break the silence.
"I'm on tour, what do you think?"
The irritation in his voice startles me a little and I remain silent.
"Sorry.." Bill finally says."I'm just worried."
I would love to cheer him up by saying I'm coming to see him, but then of course that would ruin the surprise.
"No need for that, Billie."
"And.." Bill stammers. "If I'm being completely honest, I don't really like you being in the club without me."
A small laugh leaves my mouth.
"I wish you were here." I say softly.
"I should go back inside tho."
I hear Bill sigh on the other end of the line.
"Okay, we'll call tomorrow?"
I nod. "Yes, that's fine! I miss you."

We end our phone conversation and I walk back inside. I squeeze through the crowd and when I see Alicia and Kim I walk towards them.
Alicia immediately pushes a drink into my hands and I take a big sip.
We start moving enthousiascly to the rhythm of the music and for a moment I forget how much I miss Bill.