Afterglow ❃ l.m.j

• chapter nine •

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't still checking for her, interview or not. I stayed in a good distance from the direction she went in so I could entertain clients but also not miss her if I tried.

The club was pretty litt, all things considered. I got to see some of Rose's set too. It always amazed me the different ways the girls thought to shock and dazzle the crowd. I had something to learn each time. Especially from Stef and Rosé who at this point I considered friends, if not family.

I was sitting at the bar on a bit of a time out from my 'bird watching' with another glass of white wine in my hand when Ally walked over. I heard her before I even seen her.

"This is Rios, our current bartender, and I'm sure at this point you've gotten well acquainted with one of our resident dancers, Peaches." The blonde hyped, rubbing my back appreciatively. I smiled, turning to try and make a good first impression on whoever she was speaking to. It didn't dawn on me that I'd be seeing exactly who I wanted.

I could feel the nerves curdling in my gut. Normani stood there innocently, looking between the both of us.

"Yes, I have." She nodded. "Nice to see you again for the second time tonight."

I held steadfast to the glass in my hand. At this point it was my anchor.

"Likewise." I said with a small smile.

Whatever was going on between us, Allyson seemed to ignore.

"Normani, here, is interviewing to be on bar—" The static and a murmur from her walkie talkie cut through her entire tangent. She rolled her eyes, holding it to her ear before talking into it. The woman shot us a look. "I'm so sorry, I have to go handle something. Normani, you can expect an email from me within two to three days, alright?"

The brunette smiled graciously. "No problem! Thanks again for the opportunity."

"Of course, thank you for coming in. Have a good night!"

We both watched her retreating back. Well, I did. Normani, however, was looking at me. I could tell from the way intimidation crept down my spine.

I took a heady sip of my glass.

She didn't seem to care that I was visibly squeamish underneath her gaze. Her eyes searched all over my face. Her lips began to slowly tug upwards.

"Why are you nervous?"

I looked at her and then away. I couldn't help but feel like my cheeks were red.

"I'm not nervous."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." I murmured. I was looking everywhere but in her direction.

"It's okay. I can be wrong." Her smile widened. "If it makes you feel better, you make me a little nervous."

This caught my attention. "I do? Why?"

She leaned in a bit. Her expression seemed mischievous. A few seconds passed until she finally spoke.

"Do you think I could have another private dance tonight? You know, before I leave."