In the Night

7 • Reserved, An Observer

E M E R S O N

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The sound of the ocean soothed me, the tropical wind blowing in my hair and the cold drink in my hand begging for a refill.

The bar I was sitting at was quiet, with only myself and Scotty occupying any seats. We were supposed to meet up with everyone else in a few minutes to go to a party on the beach, hosted by Hollywood's elite. The only thing I was excited about was getting pissed, which I could do all on my own.

Scotty was quiet, sipping his bourbon thoughtfully. He wasn't usually like this, so I presumed something was up.

"Scotty, man, you alright?" He seemed startled by my question and nodded his head absentmindedly.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. Just shit with Sasha. I think this trip's wearing her out a bit." He grimaced, rubbing his face out of tiredness.

"Man, that sucks." I said, taking another sip of my drink. I was pretty hopeless at comforting people, even though I meant well. I was much better at making people laugh than providing good quality advice.

"Yeah, well, enough of that. Let's go." Scotty motioned towards a group of people heading towards us. I recognised them as our friends and quickly sculled my drink, standing up from my seat at the bar.

"Emerson, Scotty!" A voice I recognised as Treenie's called out. She had changed out of her pretty white dress into a mini skirt and halter top. Her blonde long hair was carelessly hanging around her shoulders in voluptuous curls, making her look like an old Hollywood movie star. She had a group of other girls behind her, most of them I recognised by their face.

"Hey, babe." I walked up to her, kissing her on the cheek. She hugged me back and turned around to introduce Scotty and I to her friends.

"Guys, you all know Nikki and Caroline," Treenie said, motioning to the two tall, willowy girls. I offered a friendly smile to both of them. "And this is Sunni. I met her at the Theatre."

The girl Treenie was referring to was standing shyly behind her. As soon as our eyes connected I felt a surge go through my body. She had gorgeous blue eyes that contrasted sharply with her medium length dark hair and light skin. She was incredibly tall and slim, with her long pink dress accentuating her wide hips. Her bone structure was indescribable, with high rising cheekbones and a slender nose.

"Nice to meet you." I extended my hand towards her, which she shook softly, a curious smile dancing on her red lips.

"You, too." Her voice was soft, but deep. Almost manly, in an enticing way.

She was completely different to every other girl I had ever met, just by her nature. She was reserved, an observer. I figured this out when we all decided to go to the club down the street, and she didn't really mesh with the rest of the group vocally. She seemed as if she was trying to forget something, downing one drink after another at a rapid pace. Her eyes were red, as if she's been standing in the smoking room for over an hour. She didn't speak much, and her periwinkle eyes would search the room constantly, as if waiting for someone to arrive.

By the time we left the club, it was three in the morning. I was completely plastered, I couldn't walk sensibly for one second. Treenie was hanging off my arms all night, and stayed by my side as we left the club and headed to the beach.

"Ooh, the waters nice and warm!" Squealed Nikki as she danced through the waves. I laughed and pulled my shoes off, then proceeded to strip right down to my boxer shorts. Beside me Treenie got out of her dress, leaving her in only a bra and underwear. I grabbed her hand and tugged her towards the water, our loud laughter echoing in the night.