Claims

Two: Hips

The music was loud, pounding through my eardrums. Erotic, beautiful, enticing. My body hummed with the beat, suddenly wanting to go dance. Lights were flashing everywhere, the DJ up near the back. It was a large place, and I saw a stairwell off to my right. Six pillars stood on either side of the club, tapestries protecting whatever was going on behind. Colors of all kinds, mixed and bright. The smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke filled my nose. I couldn't remember the last time I had been here

I caught the sight of the bar, and my feet moved that way instead of the dance floor.

"Audrina?" I heard Reggie call, but I was already seated. She pulled up next to me, "drinks already. Well I guess we know how this night is gonna go."

I shot her a look, "just needed a one..."

A man leaned down in between us, dressed in a much needed ironed suit. He supported his weight on the counter, looking back and forth between us. "Hello ladies, you two look like you're here for some...fun." He grinned, showing a gold tooth.

I rolled my eyes and looked away, wanting the bartender, but Reggie was interested.

"And you think I can't have fun without you..?" She giggled.

They exchanged a few words silently, into each other's ears. Reggie blushed, and the man stood up, extending a hand to her. She giddily grabbed it and they headed off onto the dance floor.

I had ordered the first thing I saw on the chalkboard up ahead. Dagger, it was called. I sipped it, tasting strongly of a mixer between vodka and whiskey and something else.

The blond bartender smirked, "I don't usually serve that up to most women. They know the Dagger." He spoke quite loudly, considering how powerful the music was. I could hear his Irish accent as he scratched his chin.

My eyebrows raised, "I'm not most women." I took another sip, forcing it down.

He wiped his hands on the yellow towel strung over his shoulder, "then I'll just have to get you another one."

I gave him a sour smile, "I'm not paying for it."

"Guess that means I am," the same drink slid into my free hand. I tossed back the rest of the first, beginning on the second, shrugging.

He smiled appreciatively, "you look familiar. I think I've seen you before."

My head buzzed a bit, alcohol already taking effect. A sudden notice of how cute the bartender was. "Only club I come to. Nearest actually. My friend needed to get out."

He raised an eyebrow, so I gestured to the dark girl in a red dress, grinding her hips against Mr. Gold Tooth.

"I see. And you love? Why aren't you out there dancing?"

I shrugged, "The free drinks," I raised my glass at him. He nodded, laughing.

He was called away by another customer, only to come back, pouring a shot for both of us.

"Can you drink while working?" I asked as we tipped them back. I scrunched up my face, knowing the taste of straight tequila.

"Considering I own the place, then yes, I can drink while working." He filled his up again, but I shook my head.

I glanced behind me at the crowded dance floor. Bodies all over, dancing, moving, grinding. It was at this moment I regretted not bringing my camera. Perfect spot.

I couldn't see Reggie anymore, but I didn't want to know what she was up to anyways.

"Your friend, she went that way," the bartender pointed towards the back, probably noticing my suspicion. I suspected bathrooms were back there, but the blinding lights hid it from view.