ILLICIT AFFAIRS | WLW

'Slut!'

Catherine Kingsley had never been one for spontaneous nights out, especially ones involving crowded bars filled with younger people, but Alice had a way of pulling her into situations she would typically avoid. Tonight was no different. Considering it was a weeknight, the bar was busier than Catherine had anticipated. It wasn't the typical haunt she would have chosen for a quiet evening with colleagues, but then again, the entire day had been far from typical.

The thumping bass of music reverberated through the walls, mingling with the chatter of tipsy patrons. Catherine's initial reaction was to turn around and leave, the noise and energy not matching her current mood. She hesitated at the entrance, eyes scanning the dimly lit space before turning to Alice.

"This isn't really my scene," Catherine said, her voice firm as she prepared to step back. "I don't think this was a good idea."

Alice, ever the optimist, grinned and grabbed Catherine's arm before she could make her escape. "Oh, come on. We're already here. Just one drink, and if you hate it, we'll leave. I promise."

Catherine sighed but allowed herself to be led toward a table near the back, where a few of their co-workers were already seated, nursing drinks and chatting loudly over the music. Sitting back in the plush leather chair, she swirled the glass of wine in her hand, the crimson liquid catching the dim light from the overhead fixtures.

Catherine felt out of place, and she had been ready to leave the moment she walked in, but Alice, ever the social butterfly, had insisted on staying. It wasn't long before Catherine found herself loosening up, her initial reservations about the crowded bar fading as the conversation with her colleagues flowed effortlessly.

An hour or so passed, and Catherine was on her second bottle of wine, a warm buzz spreading through her veins as she laughed at one of Alice's witty remarks. She glanced around the bar, noticing how the crowd had grown even larger, the youthful energy buzzing through the air like static electricity. Despite herself, Catherine was beginning to enjoy the atmosphere, even if it wasn't her usual scene.

Alice leaned in, her voice slightly raised to cut through the hum of the crowd. "You're enjoying yourself, admit it. I knew you just needed to get out a little."

Catherine smiled thinly, taking a sip from her glass. "I'll admit it's not as painful as I thought it would be."

Alice grinned, clearly pleased with herself. "That's the spirit. One more drink, and you might actually relax."

Catherine chuckled, shaking her head. "This is my last one. I'm heading home after this." She cast a glance around the bar, her attention drifting once again to the younger crowd. "Besides, I think I'm about ten years too old to be here."

"Oh, please," Alice said, waving her hand dismissively. "We're professors. We're supposed to be the wise ones watching the chaos unfold."

Just as she was about to return her attention to the conversation at the table, a loud burst of laughter caught her ear. She turned her head toward the entrance, her gaze falling on a group of students who had just arrived, their excitement palpable as they stumbled into the bar. Catherine scanned the group absently, recognizing a few faces from her lectures—familiar but unimportant. Her chest tightened as she scanned the group, her eyes narrowing as she saw Ann walk in first, her face flushed with excitement and drink. She knew that where Ann was, Blair would be.

And then, predictably, Blair followed. Blair Anderson, the source of her internal chaos, her beautiful frustration.

Catherine's breath hitched slightly as she spotted Blair, stumbling into the bar with Thomas by her side, his possessive arm draped around her waist. Blair's red top clung to her form, her black mini skirt riding up just enough to make Catherine's throat tighten. Her long legs were on full display, accentuated by the black high boots she wore, and Catherine found herself momentarily captivated by the sight of her.