Seeing Blind |NH|

Chapter Twenty Six

I got inside and immediately made my way to the bar where I ordered the strongest drink the bartender could make. Melissa came up behind me, wrapping her arms around my waist.

"Let's dance, Niall."

"Let me get my drink first. You want anything?"

"My usual, please."

"Coming right up."

I turned back to order her drink and as I was waiting, she started dancing with Harry and Kendall.

"She's a cute girl," I heard her voice from beside me.

I turned, "Thanks."

Esta ordered her drink and another for Jace, I assumed. "You better dance with me some tonight, Niall. I miss my friend. I'm sorry we haven't had a chance to catch up since you've been back."

"Well, we've been busy."

"Yeah. But I wish we had had the chance before you started up again. I guess now we'll just have to catch up after this tour ends. And before you start the next one."

"There won't be a next one," I muttered.

"Huh?"

"Nothing." The bartender brought me my drinks. "Thanks," I said, tipping him. I turned around and for the first time all night, really looked at her. She was gorgeous. I mean, I had always thought she was pretty but something about the way the lights hit her face just made her stunning to me. I smiled at her.

I couldn't stay irritated with her no matter how irritated with her I actually was. Not that she was irritating me, just the whole Jace being back irked me to no end. I couldn't fathom how someone like her could possibly tolerate someone who treated her the way he did.

"I'll dance with you in a bit," I said, walking off towards Melissa on the dance floor.

Awhile later, Melissa disappeared to the ladies room and I was left to wander back to the bar. As I approached, I saw Jace and he saw me. I attempted a smile towards him and he did the same. Wanting to avoid him, I tried to find a stool somewhere else along the bar but I had no such luck as the one available seat was right next to him. I sat down and ordered a drink.

"Good choice."

"Huh?" I said.

"Your drink.  Good choice."

"Oh, uh, thanks."

Silence.  The bartender brought me my drink. 

"Niall!" I turned and saw Esta coming my way.  At first, she didn't see Jace, but when she did, her smile and demeanor changed.  "Hey, babe," she said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.  I know I made a disgusted face.  I acted as if the drink was too strong when she turned back around to face me.

"Okay if I dance with Niall for a song or two?  I feel like I haven't seen him all night."

"Sure, go right ahead," Jace said, smiling before giving her a long kiss before letting her go.  I nearly puked.  In fact, I felt a little of my drink come back up my throat.

"Dance with me, Niall?" She asked, turning to me.

"Of course," I said, looking past her to see if there was any hint of jealousy or something to prove to me that Jace really was up to no good.  I saw nothing.  'This guy oughta win a goddamn Academy Award for this performance,' I thought.

I finished my drink as she grabbed my hand in hers and we both headed out to the dance floor.  She started to sway her hips while bringing her arms around my neck.  I rested my hands on her hips, bringing her closer to me, making sure Jace saw the whole thing.  I'm pretty sure he twitched as her body inched closer to mine.