Then There Was You

XII

Erica helps me get ready for our night out.
She's picked me out a white bodycon dress from my wardrobe; its mostly bandage style, lace around the waist and the bustier, and slim lace straps.
Personally, I feel it's a bit too fancy for a night out on the town. But Erica insists when she sees me in it.
Much to my surprise, my make up hasn't budged. I hardly need to touch it up at all. The only change I make is a layer of bright red lipstick. I take my hair down and leave it loose; the curls have held nicely. I blast it with hairspray and then leave it alone.
The girl I see in the mirror looks excited and gorgeous. I pair my dress with red heels and it gives me another few precious inches of height.

We're ready to go at 8pm. I realise I don't even know where we're going yet but I'm excited.
"I can't believe how gorgeous we look," Erica says smugly, as she looks at her reflection in the mirrored elevator door, swishing her hips; the red skirt of her dress fluid with the movement. I push the button and call it to our floor. We're still giggling and admiring ourselves when the elevator doors pop open, revealing a surprised Henry.
"Wow... I wish there was always beautiful women waiting for me on my floor," he says charmingly. I smile shyly at him as he gets out and joins us in the hallway. No one making a move to leave. I try to get in the elevator but Erica grabs my arm, forcing me to stay in the hallway. "We'll miss the lift," I say.
"We'll get another!" She says quietly.

Henry gives me a long look, taking in my new attire. I feel my cheeks heat and try not to look nervous. "Where are you girls going?" He asks politely, not taking his eyes from me. I turn to Erica, and look at her, a question I would also like an answer to.
"We're going to Buskers first, and then we're heading to Copper Face Jacks," she says to him excitedly. He looks at her only as she speaks, and then he turns his attention back to me, a small smile playing on his lips.
"You should come!" She insists. I shoot her a shocked look, which he doesn't miss.
"I've been to Copper Jacks before," he says, still looking at me. "I might come down later." He says casually.
"I'll text you," he says to me.
"Okay," I say shyly.
He pushes the button and calls the elevator for us. He stays with us until we get in.
"Bye Henry! See you later," Erica calls casually.
He gives us a small wave, his eyes raking over my body one last time, and then the doors close. Suddenly, the evening just got very interesting.

We meet up with our group in the foyer and we spilt up into two taxis. We arrive at the first destination quickly: Buskers.
It's a large, modern pub that plays live music every night. As we enter, I can hear Mumford and Sons 'The Cave' being played. I look around excitedly for the singer, I love live music. He's standing on a raised platform, guitar in hand, at the other end of the room. The wall behind him is blue and the word Buskers is lit up brightly in white neon behind him. There's just something about a man with a guitar that makes me go weak at the knees.

I order myself a Cosmo to begin with and we settle into two tables. The vibe in the pub is happy and energetic, and the singer is good.
It's not long before I'm signing along with him, my feet tapping uncontrollably.
We're all definitely over dressed, but it doesn't stop us from enjoying ourselves.

We're having such a good time, I forget to check my phone. It's not until we all pile into the next taxi that I pull my phone out from my purse. My heart skips as I see I have a message from Henry:

"I hope you're having fun :)
Where are you?"

I quickly text him back, letting him know we're on our way to the club. It's 10.30pm.
I could have sworn I'd just sent the text thirty seconds ago, but my phone pings loudly.
It's him:

"I'll see you soon."
Shit, he's coming.

"Who are you texting huh?" Someone asks me. I look up at the speaker, it's Craig, his expression polite and friendly. He hasn't ever spoken to me before until now. I think it's a bit weird he hasn't even said hello but I decide to answer him honestly.
"Just Henry. He's going to meet us at the club," I tell him. His face falls slightly but he quickly recovers.
"I hope he doesn't keep you all to himself," he says, leaning in close. I can smell the alcohol on his breath, "I was hoping you would save me a dance." His voice is playful but there's something in his eyes that makes a cold shudder run through me. I try to lean back, pushing myself further into the seat.
"Uh maybe.." I say, laughing without amusement, trying to disguise how uncomfortable I was. He nudges me playfully with his shoulder, and I have to fight off the urge to push him away. But he leaves me alone after that.