Between the desks

Chapter 60

Elizabeth's POV

Scarlett gave me one of her classic side-eyes when I turned down her invitation to go clubbing. She wasn't the type to let things go easily, especially when it came to dragging me out of my Amren thoughts.

"Please, Liz, it'll be fun," she urged, her voice dipping into that playful, persuasive tone she always used when she wanted something.

I shook my head firmly. "I'm really not feeling it tonight, Scar."

"Come onnnn," she leaned in, winking. "Aubrey asked about you."

I sighed, feeling the familiar wave of guilt. Over the past few months, Scarlett had made it her personal mission to push me and Aubrey together. She figured it would help me get my mind off Amren, who had consumed my thoughts far more than I cared to admit. It was sweet of Scarlett, but no matter how many times we went out or how much attention Aubrey gave me, my mind always circled back to Amren.

Aubrey was great. She was funny, attractive, and we had a good time together. But my heart wasn't in it. It never was. I saw her as a friend. 

Still, Scarlett wasn't going to let this go, and part of me wondered if maybe, just maybe, she was right. Maybe I needed a night out, a night to forget about everything—even Amren.

I sighed deeply, feeling my resolve crumble. "Okay, fine. But just for a couple of hours."

Scarlett practically jumped out of her seat, her face lighting up with excitement. "Yes! You won't regret it, I promise! I'll wait while you get ready."

I headed upstairs, dragging my feet a little as I searched through my closet. I wasn't really in the mood, but if I was going, I might as well look good. I pulled out my black suit—new, sharp, and perfectly tailored. The pants hugged my ass in just the right way, and the blazer, with its plunging neckline, showed enough cleavage to be sexy without being over the top. I slipped on my dark brown loafers, the polished leather giving the look a slightly masculine edge, which I liked. Within half an hour, I was done.

When I stepped back downstairs, Scarlett's eyes widened in approval. "Girl, you look smoking hot!" she said, her gaze zeroing in on the blazer. "That cleavage is everything. Aubrey is going to be staring at your boobs all night."

I rolled my eyes, smirking. "That's not exactly the plan, Scar."

"Oh, don't act like you don't like it," she teased, wagging a finger at me.

I couldn't help but chuckle. Maybe she wasn't entirely wrong. Aubrey was undeniably attractive, and while I hadn't ever really considered dating a woman, there was something thrilling about the attention. Aubrey was more of a friend in my eyes, but I could tell she wanted more.

By the time we got to Scarlett's house, Aubrey and Kathryn were already there, sipping on drinks and chatting. I greeted them both with hugs. It had been too long since I'd seen them, and despite my mood, it felt good to be around them again.

Kathryn, ever poised and sharp, looked the part of the accomplished journalist she was. She wrote for the Daily Times and always had an air of sophistication about her, even when she was letting loose. Aubrey, on the other hand, was a ball of chaotic energy. Between her writing and stand-up gigs, she was always the life of the party, cracking jokes and making everyone laugh.

The second I hugged Aubrey, she clung to me, her arm casually wrapping around my waist. I sighed. Aubrey had been getting more and more touchy-feely, and while I didn't mind the closeness, I just wished it was someone else. 

We sat around Scarlett's cozy living room, sipping on drinks and catching up. The conversation flowed easily as we talked about life, work, and everything in between. Kathryn was in the middle of telling us about a recent article she was working on when Aubrey leaned in and whispered something in my ear, making me laugh despite myself. She had that effect on me—always finding a way to lighten the mood.

By 11 p.m., we were all buzzed and ready to hit the club. I felt like I was 20 again, even though I was 35 and probably should've known better than to party this hard on a Saturday night. But the energy was contagious, and for the first time in a while, I felt like maybe this was exactly what I needed.

We decided to head to Safe, Aubrey's favorite spot. It was a popular club, always packed with people, and the vibe was electric. But as soon as Scarlett mentioned it, a pang of anxiety hit me. Amren.

I had run into her at Safe once before, and it had thrown me completely off. The thought of seeing her again made my stomach twist in knots. I wasn't ready for that. Not now. Not when I was supposed to be trying to forget her.

Still, I didn't say anything. Scarlett and Aubrey were already excited, and I didn't want to be the buzzkill. Plus, what were the chances that Amren would be there again? It was a big city, after all.

We pulled up to the club, the street buzzing with people spilling out of bars and restaurants. The heavy beat of the music pulsed through the sidewalk, and I could feel the bass in my chest even before we stepped inside.

Aubrey, as usual, grabbed my hand as we made our way through the crowd. Her grip was firm, and I couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious as people glanced our way. Inside, the club was dark and packed with bodies moving in rhythm to the music. The lights flashed in time with the beat, and the smell of sweat, alcohol, and perfume mingled in the air.

As we pushed our way to the bar, I caught myself scanning the crowd, my heart beating faster as I half-expected to see Amren somewhere in the sea of faces. Aubrey squeezed my hand, pulling me closer as we ordered drinks. Her touch was comforting, but it also made me feel guilty. She was trying so hard to be there for me, but my mind kept drifting back to someone else.

We grabbed our drinks— wine - and found an sittingbooth near the edge of the dance floor. The music throbbed, and the crowd swayed, lost in the beat.

As we sat there, the club's lights flashing around us, I couldn't help but feel a strange mix of emotions. I was here, with people who cared about me, in a place where I was supposed to be having fun. But all I could think about was Amren. I was trying to move on, trying to let someone new in. But tonight, just like so many other nights, it wasn't working.