BEING HALSEY

CHAPTER 58

The club is hidden behind the Lime gas station. Both Tray and I walk past the empty burger bars, Chinese restaurants and shuttered shops. The streets are awfully quiet and I shiver as the cold wind brushes my hair.

We're met by a drunk guy at the entrance trying to pick a fight with a couple of bouncers, mean and muscular in their ill- fitting suits. There's a sign placed on a desk written in bold capital letters, MEMBERS AND IMPORTANT GUESTS ONLY... THAT'S AN ORDER!

Tray leans in and whispers something to the bouncer and we're allowed straight in without any questions. Dozens of people are sitting at white tables, drinking, talking and a few are dancing to the trap music booming on the huge speakers.

My gaze travels around the room.

A plasterboard ceiling is supported by glittery pillars on which pinpoint lights flicker in rotation. Red, green and blue. Two overhead fans whirl to dispel the fug of cigarette smoke and cheap scent. A group of girls pass us dressed in short black skirts and fish-net tights.

It looks more like a stripper's club.

The barmaid behind the counter is a fake blondie with large spiky hoops hanging from her ears. Her blouse is cut low and her fingers heavy with rings. She takes Tray's money as he orders for our drinks and winks at me.

I hold Tray's hand tight.

"You want to dance?" Tray shouts over the music.

I nod and empty my glass of tequila. We walk downstairs towards the dance floor. Tray grabs my waist swiftly and draws me to his muscular chest. I chuckle and kiss his wet lips. The sound of music being shut off startles us.

" And now, ladies and gentlemen may I introduce our special guest tonight." A woman steps on the stage, microphone in hand as people start to clap and cheer.

" Tonight is a very special night to me," She says softly. " I'd like to dedicate this song to the man in my life." She smiles. " I sang it to him when we first met. It means so much to me. I hope y'all like it."

Her shimmering silk dress is slashed from her waist and her auburn hair fashionably frizzed. She's stunning. The keyboard player starts playing and she sings about the face of love...

" I gotta pee... I'll be back." Tray says and disappears through the crowd. I hug my arms and sway as the sweet lyrics fill my heart.

***

TRAY

A hand drops on my shoulder.

" Looking for company handsome?" The redhead grins.

" No need to be shy. We can take a walk if you like..." She says. " Her singing voice is a mess." She adds and dig her bony fingers in my arm.

" Sorry love, not tonight." I shake my head and smile.

Not any night ever.

" You don't remember me? I'm Blue, Peanuts friend."

Of course I remember. That's why I'm avoiding you.

" Oh, I remember now." I lie.

" I was with Peanuts earlier but he had to sort out some issues at the Lux club. Pity, we was going to celebrate with him."

" It's been a while since the last time we talked."

" Can we talk outside? I'm starting to feel dizzy."

We walk outside together and one of the men on the door smirks at us. Blue sticks her tongue out at the bouncer and puts her arm in mine's. A gesture that says he's with me and we're going to have a long memorable night.

" Will you please order a cab for me?" She says and does that eye thing. The one girls like to do when they want you to buy them stuff.

" Sure, no problem."

We're walking down further the road when she asks, " So what are you doing in a place like this alone?"

" Nothing. Enjoying myself."

She giggles as a black car pulls up right infront of us. Two men jump out and before I understand what's happening, I'm hit in the stomach with a fist that feels like a lump of steel. I shut my eyes as a second blow hits my jaw.

I sink towards the ground as sticky blood ooz over my mouth and chin.

Everything goes black.

***