Disloyalty

- Three sheets to the wind -

Lyla, Siah, Megan, and I piled into the car, all filled with excitement except me who wanted nothing more than to go home as we drove, our sights set on the city's most renowned nightclub. Megan made sure we were headed to the most upscale and exclusive spot—Illusion Club. It had to be fancy, right? 

I couldn't help but smirk at the name. Sounds fun... I guess.

I raided Megan's wardrobe, which was filled to the brim with designer clothes. After much deliberation, I chose a mini skirt. And by mini, I mean mini.

 One wrong move and I'd be giving everyone a free show. I paired it with a snug red off-the-shoulder top that hugged me in all the right places. It was a daring outfit, but it gave me the confidence boost I think I desperately needed.

As we stepped out of the car, the cold air hit our bare legs like a slap. We linked arms, braving the icy pavement together, giggling as we navigated our way to the club. 

But when we finally approached, we came to a screeching halt, our excitement deflating at the sight of the longest queue I had ever seen, stretching down the street and around the corner.

"Nope, absolutely not. I'm not waiting in that line. I'll see you guys later!" I declared, trying to escape the cold and the crowd. But my friends yanked me back, determined to keep me with them.

"Not happening! You're staying with us. The queue can't be that bad, can it?" Siah reassured me, though I remained unconvinced.

Twenty Minutes Later

"Twenty fucking minutes We've been standing at the back of this queue for twenty minutes" Megan exploded, her patience clearly wearing thin. "That's it". 

I'm taking matters into my own hands" With that, she stormed out of the queue, and we hastily followed, having no idea what her plan was. 

As we marched down the endless line, trying to keep up with Megan's pace and not trip over our heels, I didn't succeed. One of my heels slipped off, and I stumbled, almost losing my balance.

"Hold on, guys! I'll catch up in a second!" I shouted, hoping they'd hear me over the din of the crowd.

I turned back to retrieve my shoe, limping on one foot avoiding putting my foot on the cold floor when a guy suddenly leaned down, snatching the heel from my grasp before I could reach it.

He grinned up at me, his blue eyes sparkling. "I'm going to guess this is yours," he said, his humor infectious. The guy had a mop of blonde hair and an incredibly charming smile that revealed perfect white teeth. Okay, maybe this night was starting to look up.

"Here you go, Cinderella," he teased, handing it back. "I hope you don't want me to put it on for you as well."

I laughed, feeling the tension ease. "That would be nice, but I have to hurry. My friends are currently bribing the bouncer to let us in... they're such idiots, I swear." I sighed 

"I can help if you want," he offered, his blue eyes glinting with mischief.

"What do you mean, help? Are you going to try bribing the guard too? That's sweet, but I'm sure we'll just get sent to the back of the line," I said.

He laughed again, the sound rich and warm. "I come here regularly. I know a few people, and lucky for you, I know the bouncer working tonight. I might just be able to get you all in."

"Really? Oh wow, that would mean a lot to my friends! I wish I could say the same for me, but honestly, I'd rather be in bed right now. It's been a long day."