Untitled Story

Chapter Eight

Walking into the club, I'm immediately hit by the smell of alcohol and the loud music that reverberates through my body. Filtering through the crowd, Lucia guides me to the bar, which people seem to already be using as a balancing aid.

I attempt to shout over the music. "It's barely even ten o'clock, how are people that drunk already?" I point in the direction of the congregation of men practically laying half on the bar.

"Because some people only go through life working, so whenever that glimpse of happiness comes in the form of a drink, they down it with reckless abandon."

I nod my head in agreement as we find a free spot at the bar to order our drinks. My eyes scan the room while I leave Lucia with the job of ordering. As much as I dislike it, there is something to be gained by shining your brightest smile and feigning interest, both things that should be at the top of Lucia's resume.

In the darkness of the room, all I can really make out are heads moving like the peaks of waves in the ocean, as the bodies dance to the heavy bass of the song. Lights of different colours fan over the crowd, bringing attention to certain individuals for a second, before it moves on to the next person.

Lucia nudges my arm while holding a drink, which I gratefully accept. Taking a sip, I allow the liquid to burn down my throat, welcoming the warmth I'll feel when it kicks in. As my eyes continue to scan around the room, they stop on a familiar figure near the door. Her dark hair flows perfectly over her shoulders in soft curls. The red dress clings to her body, barely moving as she saunters into the room. Her heels accentuate her toned legs as she gracefully walks towards the bar - towards us. When my eyes scan back up to hers, she wears a knowing smile.

"Evening ladies." She says once she gets close enough for us to hear over the noise of the club.

"Hey! You look fantastic!" Lucia squeals beside me, pulling Lexi into a hug, who smiles at me over Lucia's shoulder.

I can't seem to find my voice; or any coherent thought at all. They seem to have all fled as soon as Lexi walked into the building.

Leaving the quick embrace, Lexi's eyes scan over our outfits. "You both look amazing!"

I feel a heat rushing to my cheeks, and I'm suddenly grateful the room is poorly lit. I still struggle to get my words out, but I manage to breathe out one word. "Wow..." This must be how all the guys feel in films when their date descends a staircase, and they are just completely lost for words. What a cliché.

Receiving an elbow to my side, courtesy of Lucia, I'm somewhat pulled out of my trance enough to remember how to be a human in social situations. I clear my throat. "Lex, you look stunning."

She looks down at her outfit, as if unsure. "You think?" Her eyes meet mine again and all I can do is nod. "Thank you."

Despite the dim lighting, I find my eyes exploring hers again. I'm not sure what I'm looking for, but I can't seem to look away.

Lucia interrupts the moment by pulling Lexi's attention her way. "Would you like a drink?"

I turn to face anything other than Lexi, so I zone out of their conversation. I remember what Lucia had told me on Wednesday in regard to Lexi, and I need to pull myself together so that I don't give her the wrong impression. Despite the magnetic attraction I feel towards her, nothing can happen. I can't put myself in the same position I was in with Beth. I don't think I could handle more heartbreak from my parents, and I'm not entirely sure I would be able to lie to them.

I'm getting far too ahead of myself. I simply need to act friendly, like I would with Lucia, and everything will be okay. We can go on being friends, and I can figure out what the hell to do about my relationship with Tony.