Surreal Perfection (Camren)

Ch 9

//

But then my vision expands, then blurs, and my fingers go numb to their tips.

Because someone's arms are snaked tightly around Lauren's neck, and they're grinding so fucking slowly, even though the music's beating faster than my racing heart.

Fuck.

I'm caught between wanting to cut a bitch, and wanting to cry my eyes out in the bathroom.

Instead, I settle for bee-lining it to the bar, where I see Dinah, Normani, and Ally lining up some shots, because I've decided that I am getting absolutely wrecked tonight.

I don't even say anything when they notice me approaching, I just squeeze between Dinah and the bar, and proceed to knock back all three shots in a row.

Eww. That did not go down well.

Ally places a hand on my shoulder, and says, "Mila, take it easy, what's wrong?"

I don't say a thing, I just flag the bartender and tell him I need a drink.

Ally tries to get my attention again, but I notice Dinah behind me, gesturing at her, over my head, and pointing to the dance floor.

I can tell they're all seeing the awesome show I just witnessed, and it doesn't surprise me, how loud the awkward silence is.

They're still looking, and my curiosity really wants to do a number on me, because I'm fighting the need to look again.

Oh fuck it.

I turn around and rest my elbows on the bar, and lo and behold, Lauren now has some dude sandwiching her from the back, and she looks like she's having the time of her fucking life.

Are you fucking kidding me.

I turn back around, and my drink's arrived, so I do myself a favour and take a very healthy gulp.

I look to my side and Ally looks like she wants to pick me up and swaddle me, so I place my arm around her shoulder, then gather Dinah and Normani in as well, and say, "Guys, I'm fine, really..."

A trio of skeptical faces look back at me, so I continue, "Let's just please, try to just have fun tonight? I mean, when do I ever go out to the club with you?"

Given that they're all already halfway wrecked, and headed where I'm going, I get no objections to my brilliant plan.

If anything, Normani shouts after the bartender for another round of those nasty shots, since I so rudely drank them all before.

I feel my blood start pumping faster, and the music starts to make my body move a bit.

The bartender seems to have been making these shots for them all night, because the next round is ready right away.

I pound mine back again, and in the corner of my eye, I see Lauren glancing at my direction.

I'm too far away to read her expression, but I see well enough to note that she's not as into her dancing as she was before.

What, now you're feeling guilty?

My hands feel numb, and so does my chest.

Fuck you, Lauren.

This time, I don't mean it in the literal sense.

//

"...aani, let me bite. Stop hoarding your love."

Normani briefly looks at me like she wants to slap me over the head, but then her alcohol-filled brain takes over, and she laughs and pinches me hard on the cheek.