Under the Influence

I.

May 15th 2000.
New York, New York.

I sat at the bar drumming my fingers against the bar top, I was beginning to get impatient. I couldn't believe Amy was late to meet me, again. My eyes scanned the room as I waited, taking in the drunk chaos that surrounded me. Destiny's Child's Jumpin' Jumpin' was pulsing throughout the club and seeing all the drunk people dancing made me even more agitated. Two things I hated the most; lateness and being the only sober person in the room. Just as I was about to get up and leave my cellphone buzzed in my lap and I looked down to see Amy's name light up the screen.

"Amy where the hell are you?"I shouted into the phone over the loud music.

"Cassie I'm so sorry but I can't make it. David's in town and he wanted to see me. You know that normally I wouldn't say yes but we haven't seen each other in so long." I rolled my eyes at her lame reason. "You're not mad are you? I'm really gutted I couldn't come".

I huffed my breath out and closed my eyes as I took a moment, trying my hardest to not get too angry. I failed. "You know what Amy? I am mad. I'm fucking sick of you blowing me off for others. Go have fun with David".

"Cass-".

I hurriedly hung up the phone before she could get another word in. So much for a friend. Regardless of whether or not she was here, I wanted to have a good night. I scanned the club to see if there was anybody worth my time tonight but I ended up disappointed. Everyone was sweaty and gross, and I certainly wasn't drunk enough to deal with that yet. Coming up empty handed I swiveled back to the bar and caught the bartender's attention.

"Can I get two shots of whiskey please?" I called out to her.

Before she could move a voice behind me called out "Uh, yeah me too". The bartender nodded with wide eyes at the voice and I turned around to face the mystery person, taking in his appearance. He was of average height and was adorned in a white Nike cap with a black and white patterned durag underneath. My eyes traveled down his body to see he had on a plain white t-shirt and grey baggy track pants. His clothes had to be at least 3 sizes too big for him. As my eyes worked their way back up his face, I was happily surprised. To say he was attractive was an understatement. How did I not see him before? His eyes were watching me curiously as the slightest hint of a smirk played on his lips.

"Got a good look yet?" he asked smugly as he leaned against the bar. Before I could reply the bartender came back with the shots and placed them on the bar. "On me" he spoke in a low tone whilst placing a $100 bill beside the shots, majorly over paying the bartender.

"Thanks" I replied before raising my glasses to him and necking the shots, cringing at the sharpness of the liquor. Taken back by actions he chuckled before doing the same.

"Rough night? I saw you having words on the phone".

"Not with anyone worth talking about" I replied bluntly, circling my finger around the top of the shot glass.

"Fair enough".

I turned to face him fully and extended my hand introducing myself, "Cassie" I told him in a seductive tone. He took my hand and loosely shook it whilst his eyes burned into mine, but he didn't say anything in return. I raised an eyebrow at him not taking my hand back, waiting for him to introduce himself. A look of surprise briefly washed over his face before it was replaced with an unreadable one, however his eyes were smiling. Why did he try to hide his emotions so much? I could tell he had a beautiful smile.

"Em-Marshall. Marshall" he repeated firmly the second time to replace his slip up.

"Nice to meet you Marshall" I said with a wink. I wasn't an idiot. Anyone who lived in the 21st century knew that he was Eminem. But why should he receive special treatment from me?