Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 18: The Club

*time skip to two weeks later*

Joe's POV

The bass thrummed through my body as I leaned against the bar, trying to focus on what Jack was saying.

"Earth to Joe!" Mikey's voice cut through my thoughts, "You still with us, man?"

I blinked, forcing a smile. "Yeah, sorry. Just... thinking."

Jack and Mikey exchanged a look I knew all too well. Concern mixed with exasperation.

"Look, Joe," Jack started, his voice gentle, "I know you're still hung up on Ally, but you gotta try to move on. That's why we brought you out tonight, remember?"

I nodded, taking a swig of my beer. "I know, I know. I'm trying, guys. It's just—"

My words died in my throat as I spotted a familiar figure across the club. Ally.

My heart skipped a beat, then started racing. She was here. In the same club. Looking beautiful as ever in a dress that hugged her curves just right.

"Shit," Mikey muttered, following my gaze, "I didn't know she'd be here, Joe. You want to leave?"

I shook my head, unable to tear my eyes away. "No, it's... it's fine. I'm fine."

But I wasn't fine. Especially not when we had hooked up, only two weeks ago. Especially not when I saw that she was with a guy.

"Joe, don't do this to yourself, man" said Jack firmly.

I ignored him, watching as Ally threw her head back, laughing at something the guy said.

He leaned in close, his hand on the small of her back, and I felt a surge of jealousy so intense it made me dizzy.

"I'm gonna go say hi," I announced, already pushing away from the bar.

Mikey grabbed my arm. "Bad idea, bro. She's clearly—"

"Clearly what?" I snapped, yanking my arm free, "Having fun? Moving on? I just want to talk to her."

Jack stepped in front of me. "Joe, come on. You're both drunk. This isn't going to end well."

As if on cue, Ally's eyes met mine across the crowded room. For a moment, the world stood still.

I saw recognition flicker across her face, followed quickly by surprise, then... was that guilt?

Before I could process it, she turned away, pressing herself closer to him.

"See?" Jack said softly, "Let it go, man."

"I can't," I muttered, pushing past my friends.

I made it halfway across the dance floor before Ally spotted me again. This time, she didn't look away. Instead, she whispered something to the guy she was with and started walking towards me.

"Joe, what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," I replied, hating how bitter I sounded, "Having fun?"

Ally's eyes narrowed. "Don't. Don't do this, Joe."

I stepped closer, the alcohol making me bolder than I should be. "Don't do what, Ally?"

The guy Ally had been with appeared at her side, his hand possessively on her waist.

"Everything ok here?"

I clenched my fists. But before I could do anything stupid, I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"We're good," Mikey said, his grip firm. "Hi, Ally," he smiled as he hugged his cousin.