Fifty Shades of BLACK SILK

BLACK SILK: Part 36

Angela took me to a concert at a small club to cheer me up. I'd quit my job and stopped seeing Christian, I was in desperate need for a pick-me-up.

I'd been to this club before and knew it wasn't a high-end dress code and the music was just loud enough that we could still hear each other. Angela and I were smack-bang in the middle of the crowd. The band playing was of the indie\alternative rock persuasion. They had some smooth rock sounds too, very Sade-esque but modernised.

"Who gives a fuck about Christian," Angela slurred. "He's not the only guy on the planet."

I think she was having more fun than me.

"I'm going to get another drink," I said to her. I'd been getting drinks with low voltage, time to switch it up and get fucked.

"Hi," I waved my hand at the bartender, "hey! Sir! Can I get a drink!?"

Were they ignoring me or couldn't hear me?

"Need a hand, sweetie?" some butch guy asked.

"No thanks, I'm fine."

"You're really sexy."

I chuckled uncomfortably. "Okay."

"Want to go somewhere?" he moved closer.

I was sandwiched by bodies hovering over the bar that I couldn't get away unless I made a scene. I just waited patiently for my opening.

"No thanks, I'm—I'm with someone."

"She can come, too, baby." He moved even more closer.

Okay, now it's getting ridiculous.

"Hey," a voice called from behind me.

The butch guy waddled backwards. "Do I know you?"

"I wasn't speaking to you." The voice said. I turned around and Christian was standing right before me. Eyes sharp and intense. They darted between me with sincerity and the butch guy with rage. "Are you okay?"

"You didn't say you were with someone, babe," the butch guy slurred.

Christian rolled his eyes and pushed his way in between me and the butch guy. "You can leave now."

The butch guy raised both his arms in the air, palms facing forward and trailed off.

I sighed when the guy left but then caught my breath when I realised Christian was standing right in front of me.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I nodded. "What are you doing here?"

"Enjoying the music."

I peered up at him. His eyes hadn't let go of me since he appeared. "You weren't, like, stalking me, were you?"

Christian cracked a smile. "I miss you, but I wouldn't creep you out. I know the band. The singer and co-founder is my friend. He asked me to come to his show tonight."

"And like magic, you're here."

"Funny that," he smiled. "What are you drinking?"

"Oh, I, uhh—"

"—there you are!" Angela interjected. Then, she followed my line of sight to Christian. "Oh my God! Is this the guy!?"

"Hi," Christian said.

"You are the worst person in the world," Angela angrily pointed at him.

"Angela!" I hissed.

She ignored me. "You don't deserve love!"

"Angela!"

Christian laid his eyes on me, apologetic and yearning. I could tell he wanted to say something but wanted to wait for the right moment. Or at least a better moment than between Angela's babble.

"You would learn well from Fiona Apple's song 'Oh Well'. It's about unconditional love and not receiving it and it fits perfectly with you."

"ANGELA!"

"What!?" she shrieked.

"Just..." I wanted to scream, "go back, okay, I'll meet you soon."

She shrugged her shoulders. "Okay."

I sighed. "She'll be back soon. Once she realises she doesn't have a drink. You should go to avoid any more confrontation."

"Was all that she true?"

I sighed and it didn't seem to have the effect of relief. "What do you want, Christian?"

"Can we talk?"

"So, talk."

"Can we go somewhere?"

"I don't want to leave Angela."

I turned around and watched her dance with a group of people. She was good at making friends while drunk. I'm an annoying drunk.

"We'll be close. We'll just be outside." He grabbed my hand gently but didn't yet pull. "Come on."

I gave in and followed him outside the venue. The air was cooler and crisper, as soon as I stepped foot outside, I breathed in a deep breath and let it all go. It was the refreshment I needed when I was inside.

"Why haven't you answered my calls or texts?" Christian started.

"Do we have to do this now?"

"I don't want to fight. I just thought—" he stopped short— "I just thought we were something."

"Well, we're not." Then, I mumbled, "you made that clear."

"Huh?"

I shook my head. "Nothing. Can I go back now?"

"You're free to leave whenever you want. You don't have to ask."

"What are you doing here?"

"I told you. My friend—"

"Yeah, I know about your friend. I mean, what do you want from me?"

"I can't stop thinking about you," he said after a slight pause. "It's not just the sex. It's you. I miss you. I want you. I—I want to say more but I feel like it's the worst time. I'd hate to say it now."

"Say what?"

"Go on a date with me."

"That's what you wanted to say?"

He shook his head. "No, no. Later. Let's just start over."

"Hi," he extended a hand, "I'm Christian."

I sighed but took his hand slowly. "Madison."

"So how about that date?"

"Fine. But I'll set it up."

"You'll what?"

"It's going to be something normal and ordinary. We're not flying to France and be whined and dined at a Michelin start restaurant. It's going to be my choice."

"Will you let me know the details, then?"

"I will. Tomorrow."

"Promise?"

"Promise."