Afterglow ❃ l.m.j

• chapter eight •

The view from the balconies at the club was akin to the view from Mick's DJ booth. I could see everything going on in the club.

That's actually how I seen Normani on the following Sacrificial Saturday before she saw me.

I just finished a lap dance for a group of women in a VIP section and was making my way down the stairs. I was wearing a shredded black top with a matching black mini skirt that was so short, my ass may as well have been out. My hair was in a half up half down style. Purple eyeshadow on my eyes with silver glitter and lashes. And yes, I'm painting the scene because I'm so damn nervous I need to remind myself of where I am.

Trying to keep an eye on her and make sure I was gracefully putting one foot in the front of other suddenly felt too hard to do. It was like all the breath was escaping me and waiting for me all at the same time.

She looked so good. Her attention was busy looking down at her phone, and from where I stood, she didn't look worried or anything. Good sign. It didn't look like she was having a bad day so maybe it wouldn't be a horrible idea if I walked up to her.

I didn't really think too much about what I'd say to her, unfortunately. And that fact didn't dawn on me until my first two words left my mouth.

"Hey, stranger."

Normani's hair was pulled back into a slicked back ponytail. When she looked up, her eyebrows drew in slight surprise before she flashed a sweet smile in recognition. She clicked her screen off.

"Hey. It's nice to see you again."

My chest felt like a fucking batting cage. "Yeah! Uh, yeah, you too! Are you here for Sacrificial Saturday?"

She shook her head. Her phone must've vibrated because she checked it again before answering. "Um, no, actually. I'm here for Ally. I have an interview."

An interview? Here? God, if you're doing what I think you're doing, I fucking love you.

I smoothed my hands together in an attempt to calm the slight film of sweat. I made it look like I was stepping closer in an attempt to hear her better.

"Ooh, an interview? Can I ask what for? Looking to get on the pole?"

A laugh bubbled past her lips, and even in the midst of a crowded room, I searched for it. It was a light and airy giggle that made her face glow and her eyes narrow a bit in mirth.

"No, I think I'm okay. I was hoping to swing the opening to, uh," She pointed back at the bar sheepishly. "Make drinks."

I couldn't think of a quick enough response that prompted more conversation so I just settled on a lame, "Oh, okay."

I was unashamedly checking her out in the meanwhile. She was wearing all black today. A simple pair of black jeans, black chunky heeled ankle boots, and a black button up with the sleeves rolled and her chest visible. It was damn near mouthwatering. I wish I had access to more.

She caught my gaze with a slight tilt of her head. The ghost of a smile played on her lips as she folded her arms.

"How are you?" She drawled. Her voice was smooth and calculated.

"I'm good! Just, you know, dancing. I'm not doing a set tonight so I'm working the floor." Her dark brown eyes bore through me as I talked. As much as I liked it, it also made me squirm. I smiled sheepishly. "Sorry. I'm rambling."

She shook her head. "It's cute."

The heat in my chest seemed to swell up towards my face. I folded my hands in an attempt to focus on anything else but the beauty in front of me. For fuck's sake, it was hard.

I needed something to get her to stay.

"So... If you want, you know, if you stick around, I'd be happy to get a drink with you." God, that sounded so fucking awkward and lame. It sounds like something Lauren would say, not fucking Peaches.

I tried to stand up a little straighter in hopes it'd enunciate my confidence or something. I was looking really pitiful and I felt it. Her response didn't help.

"That honestly sounds amazing right now. But I have work in the morning, so I can't stay long."

My heart didn't even have it in me to guess around her answer. It felt like an automatic no to my chest. I tried not to show how dejected I felt.

"Okay! Well, maybe next time...?" I offered. I hated the way my own hope held out like a short rope.

Normani's eyes fluttered from me to something beside me and then back again. She nodded firmly at whatever grabbed her attention.

"I'm sorry, I'm listening. I'd love to get a drink with you sometime." She looked back over to her right. "That's Ally, I'm sorry, I have to go. Listen, it was so great seeing you. Take care, okay?"

She stood closer to me with a heart crushing smile. I blinked at hers, unable to help my own. I felt so giddy, it was dumb. "Oh, yeah, of course. I will. Have a good interview!"

Why did I feel like such a schoolgirl? This is not like me at all. I went from being super smooth to acting like I was standing in front of the tallest man to ever live.

The brunette spared me one last cheeky glance before sauntering past me. I turned to see Ally standing in the distance with a walkie talkie in hand, already ready to embrace her. I tried to ignore the way my chest sunk a bit from her lack of presence.

I turned back to the bar with a deep breath. If I'm going to do this shit, I need some wine.