A Gaze to Remember

Chapter 7 - On the Dance Floor

SATURDAY 17 AUGUST 2024

Today was the day for their big night out clubbing. As evening fell, Vivienne was in her room, trying to figure out what to wear. She wasn't sure if the club would be fancy or more relaxed. Reid had told her to wear something fun, but what did that really mean? She hadn't asked him for more details and was left guessing.

Vivienne knew Reid would look great no matter what. He always dressed well and had a way of making everything look effortless. She found a red dress she had packed, which seemed like a good choice. It wasn't too long or too short, and it fit her perfectly. The dress highlighted her curves, though she didn't really see it that way.

After she finished her makeup and curled her hair, she slipped into the dress and stood in front of the mirror. Despite her efforts, she wasn't happy with what she saw. She never felt sexy; pretty, maybe, but not sexy. The red dress, which she had hoped would make her feel confident, only made her feel more unsure.

Vivienne put on her black heels and took one last look in the mirror. She tried to push her doubts aside and focus on the excitement of the evening. This was supposed to be a fun night out with Reid, and she hoped she could enjoy it, no matter how she felt about her appearance.

"Viv, you look amazing," Reid said as he pulled her into a hug. He stepped back, took another look at her, and added with a laugh, "I mean it, you look hot."

Vivienne couldn't help but smile. There was something about Reid's way of making her feel better, even on her most doubtful days. But did he really just call her hot? What did that mean? She found herself replaying the moment in her mind, trying to understand if he truly found her attractive. Maybe there was some magic in Rome after all.

They got into the cab that had just arrived and headed toward the club. Throughout the drive, Vivienne looked out the window, letting the soft breeze play with her hair. Reid, on the other hand, kept his gaze on her, his eyes smiling with every glance. As the city lights flickered by, he couldn't help but admire her, letting the thought of how beautiful she looked sink in.

The club was a whirlwind of loud music and flashing lights. People were everywhere—drinking, dancing, making out, and grinding against each other. It wasn't exactly Vivienne's scene; she didn't typically enjoy such high-energy environments. But tonight, she decided to embrace the new experience and try to have some fun.

Reid took her hand and led her to the bar. "Six shots of vodka," he told the bartender, then downed three of them in quick succession. Vivienne sipped her drink slowly, trying to take it all in.

"Let's dance," Reid suggested, but Vivienne shook her head. She wasn't quite drunk enough to feel comfortable on the dance floor. The thought of everyone staring at her made her anxious. Reid didn't push it. He just grinned, mouthed the word "boring" in a playful manner, and headed towards the dance floor.

His white blouse was half unbuttoned, showing off his toned chest. He looked incredibly attractive, perhaps a little too much for Vivienne's comfort. As he moved through the crowd, his confidence was evident. Vivienne watched him, feeling a mix of admiration and insecurity.

It wasn't long before Reid was surrounded by a group of girls on the dance floor. He didn't seem to mind at all—why would he? He was young, incredibly attractive, and single. He had come to Rome to have fun, and it was clear he was making the most of it.

Reid was dancing with several girls, and it wasn't just casual dancing. They were all over him, and he was reciprocating the attention. The scene was lively, and he looked genuinely happy, smiling and laughing as he moved with the crowd. Occasionally, he would lean in and whisper something to one of the girls, making them giggle. Vivienne watched from the edge of the dance floor, feeling a pang of curiosity and unease. She wondered what he was saying to them, but she knew she would never find out. The scene felt distant and unfamiliar, leaving her with a mix of emotions she couldn't quite place.

Reid came back from the dance floor, grabbed more shots, and downed them quickly before heading back to the crowd. As he walked away, he winked at Vivienne and flashed her a cheeky smile. She forced a smile in return, but it was half-hearted. She wasn't enjoying herself at all. Reid was having a blast, and that was great for him, but Vivienne felt out of place. Dancing with strangers in a packed club wasn't her idea of fun. Even dancing with Reid didn't seem like something she could do comfortably.

Vivienne felt increasingly isolated and somewhat pathetic. Meanwhile, Reid was in his element, completely absorbed in the night. And then it happened: Reid and one of the girls he had been dancing with began kissing passionately on the dance floor. His hand slid down to grip her butt, and her hands tangled in his hair.

Vivienne's heart sank. She felt an intense, unfamiliar emotion, something that might have been jealousy. She was bewildered by her own feelings, struggling to understand why it bothered her so much. It wasn't just that Reid was with someone else; it was more complex and confusing, leaving her feeling more lost than ever.

After what felt like an eternity of watching Reid with that girl, he finally returned and slumped down at the bar, facing Vivienne.

"You're having fun, I see," she said, trying to mask her irritation.

Reid laughed, clearly in high spirits. "Yeah, I am. You should try to have some fun too."

"I am having fun," she snapped back, her frustration evident.

Reid chuckled, clearly unconvinced. "Yeah, I can tell." He then ordered four more shots and downed them one after another with ease. He seemed almost impervious to the effects of alcohol.

Then, without warning, he stood up and took her hand, pulling her towards the dance floor. "Ree, no, I really don't want to," she protested, trying to resist.

"Trust me," he said with a grin.

Vivienne hesitated but ultimately gave in, letting him guide her into the crowd.

They spent the night dancing together, singing, and just having a blast. Vivienne forgot about everyone else around her. In that moment, it was just her and Reid, and nothing else mattered.

Their dancing wasn't overtly sexual, but it was undeniably intense. It wasn't the way they touched each other that made it special, but the way they looked at each other. Their eyes conveyed more than words ever could, creating a connection that was both deep and electrifying.