There was a round of applause as we entered the club, everyone clapping and cheering us.
I squeezed both my girls hands. "This is all for you girls," I told them with a beaming smile.
As soon as they spotted their family's they were off, which made me laugh. For a while I watched them proudly, until I felt a pair of arms being wrapped around my waist.
"Well done baby!" I heard Sarah slur.
I rolled my eyes, not surprised in the slightest that she was already drunk. It was a free bar after all.
"Where's Nicola?" I turned around in her embrace and smiled. I snaked my arms around her neck, giving her a quick hug.
"Toilet," she replied, pinching my bum.
"Stop it!" I laughed, pushing her off. "People are goin' to think I swing the other way! I can just see the headline tomorrow..."
"Cheryl bangin' beautiful blonde?"
"Nice alliteration," I joked.
Out of the corner of my eye I could see Nicola approach. "We already know you like the girls," she winked, holding her arms out to me.
"You heard us!?" I gasped.
"It's hard not to hear the Harding."
I glared at Sarah, shaking my head at her.
"Anyways..." Nicola started. "Well done. You're like a machine. Three years in a row and you're that first judge ever to win with a group!"
I let out a content sigh, not quite believing it myself. "I honestly can't believe it. But they deserved to win."
They both nodded. "They are brilliant, though," Sarah spoke before reaching out and grabbing two glasses of wine from the waiters tray.
"You're too kind," Nicola said, her hands gesturing to the fact that she was drinkless.
Sarah tutted, begrudgingly she handed her one.
"Right ladies... I'm goin' to pop over to see Simon and that," I smiled. "I'll be back over soon."
Both of them squealed.
"Honestly, I'm starting to regret inviting you! Embarrass me and you're dead!" I shot them both a look.
"Ok mummy," Nicola responded, nudging Sarah's side.
* * * * *
"Cheryl, your phone just went there."
I turned and smiled at Lily. "Ok pet."
"Well anyway, well done kid," Simon winked as I faced him once more. "You done a great job this year."
I pulled him into a hug. "Thanks." Just as I was about to walk away, I flashed him a cheeky grin. "Three in a row!"
He rolled his eyes. "You just wait until next year!" he warned.
Making my way across the packed dancefloor, I smiled politely at a few familiar faces.
Eventually I reached my booth, where I found Sarah and Nicola downing shots. "Want one?" Sarah shouted.
I declined. "I'm not drinkin' much tonight.
Lily giggled before handing me my phone. "Thanks babe," I smiled.
Glancing at the screen I noticed I had three messages.
Hey Cheryl,
Well done on winning... again! :P
You were brilliant tonight and your
girls deserved to win x
I smiled at Kimberley's text before bringing the second one up.
Babe!
You won again! 3 f*cking times!
Lucky b*tch
Just heading over to Kimberley's...
Going out for a night on the town.
Hope you enjoy your victory and night x
"What you laughin' at?"
I smiled at Nicola before showing her the text from Nadine.
"You should invite them to this party!" she squealed.
I let out a sigh and shook my head. "Nah..."
Hey baby,
Saw the show tonight
Well done on winning again!
You looked gorgeous too.
Love Ashley x
Disgusted, I stopped mid-sentence. What right did he have? I could feel the anger boiling up inside of me, ready to bubble over.
"Cheryl, you ok?"
Quickly, I deleted the message and forced a smile. "I'm fine," I told Nicola.
She nodded, although, not very convincingly. "You sure?"
"Give us a shot then..." I winked, trying to move away from the subject.
* * * * *
"I thought you weren't goin' to get drunk!" Sarah slurred into my ear.
I shrugged my shoulders at her and picked up my drink. "I'm not drunk," I protested.
"You're drunker than intended!"
"I just text Nadine!"
I turned to face Nicola, glad of the interruption.
"Her and Kimberley are only in a club across the road!" she continued, her voice raised so we could hear her. "Can't you get them in?" she pleaded with me.
"Sure," I beamed. It's funny because after a few drinks it didn't seem like such a bad idea. "Tell them to come over. I'll tell Lily to tell the bouncer."
She let out squeal, her arms wrapping themselves around my neck. "Good! 'Cos it's gettin' boring in here!"
Under any other circumstances I would of been offended by her comment, but I was too tipsy to even care. I looked around at the people surrounding us, Simon in the corner, women draped all over him. It really did make me laugh, it made me laugh at the power her held, the power, that somehow, made women go weak at the knees.
"She said they will be over in five minutes," Nicola smiled, breaking me from my thoughts by waving her phone infront of my face.
"That's good."
After telling Lily I grabbed Sarah's hand, dragging her onto the dance floor, although, she didn't need much convincing.
"That Simon's a catch isn't he?" she winked, swaying her hips to the music.
I pulled a face, disgusted with the thought. "He's a nice guy but... nah!"
The mere thought of him lying on a bed, lite up by candles and scattered with rose petals made me gag.
"I'd give him one!"
"Only because you know he's worth a fortune!" I joked, pulling her closer and grinding my hips against her own.
"So you wouldn't?" she asked.
"Of course I wouldn't!" I gasped, smacking her arm.
"Boo!"
As soon as I felt someone's cold hands on my waist I spun round. "Nadine!" I squealed, reaching out for her.
She giggled at me before pulling me into a tight embrace. "Well done," she whispered, her hand stroking my back.
As I pulled away I noticed Kimberley standing beside her, smiling away. "Kimberley!" I squealed again, mimicking my previous actions. Wrapping my arms around her neck, I kissed her cheek before pulling her closer and giving her a hug.
"I'm so glad you won," she told me.
I nodded, already grabbing at both hers and Nadine's hands, pulling them away from Sarah. "Come and meet me little girl band!"
