Monarchy of Roses

Chapter 17

"We're going to a real nightclub, where they play modern music. And you look amazing", said Clara.

"I've never worn anything so short, what's Dad going to say?", Nika fretted.

"You're an adult going to a nightclub, I've seen girls wear even sexier outfits. Besides, don't you want to impress Josh?", teased Clara.

Nika blushed. Her and Clara had gone shopping that afternoon as the red-haired girl insisted they go shopping for dresses. Nika did have to admit that the glittery dark purple tube dress looked good on her, the color flattering her fair skin and dark hair as it clung to her figure. The neckline showed off some cleavage and a purple star pendant hung around her slim neck, matching her purple high-heeled sandals.

"You look great, Josh is going to love that outfit. Purple always looked good on you, since you have the Snow White coloring", said Clara. She herself wore an emerald green tube dress in a similar style with her red hair pulled back into a French twist, a chunky green necklace around her throat.

"Just let me know if you're going to hook up with any Australian boys", teased Nika.

Nika took one last look in the mirror and grabbed her matching clutch purse as she followed Clara out of the room. At first, she was unsure about wearing such a short dress and heels, so different from her usual style. But when she saw Josh's eyes light up and the surprised and appreciative look on his face, she immediately felt confident and stood straight and tall. "Wow, you look amazing, Nika", he said. Nika felt a blush on her cheeks as his brown eyes raked over her body appreciatively, a slow smile forming on his lips. He wore fitted black trousers that clung to his slim hips and a white buttoned-down shirt with black wingtips on his feet, his brown hair neatly parted to one side as the subtle scent of aftershave lingered on his skin.

"Thank you, this is the first time I've ever been clubbing, I mean, at a place that has modern music", she stammered.

"I don't go to clubs that often, unless it's to check out a DJ or with John to hear some new EDM. But I'm going to dance with the prettiest girl in Australia", he teased.

John nearly did a double-take when he saw his daughter, never seeing her all glammed up like this. "You look great, Nika. I never thought I'd see you all glammed up", he said in surprise.

"There's a first time for everything, Dad", she replied.

"Yeah, Uncle John. Maybe you'll find yourself a girlfriend", said Clara.

"Nah, I'm celibate", he said.

"Dad, one day you'll meet someone awesome", said Nika, hugging her father.

"Maybe, maybe not. Just have a good time, I haven't gone to a club for dancing in years", said John.

"Australian clubs outside of Sydney aren't full of jerks, LA clubs are the worse with people", said Clara as they waited outside a club.

"When I go to a club with John, it's to hear the DJ. There's odd clubs like that out in the valley", said Josh.

"It seems as though you have gone with Dad more times that I have", Nika mused aloud.

"You were still a kid, we couldn't take you out to a dance club in the valley", said Josh.

"Am I still a kid, Josh?", she teased.

Josh just laughed as he put an arm around her waist and kissed her cheek. "Absolutely not, Nika. You're all grown up", he murmured.

The trio entered the club and once past the foyer, the main room of the club opened up to reveal a massive room bathed in purple lights and dry ice. Tiny tables lined the perimeter of the dance floor except for one side with a bar while a balcony overhead had private tables and booths for the VIP's. A DJ in a booth spun vintage jungle music from the 90's while the dancers gyrated under the purple lights.

Nika looked around curiously. "I'm going to dance, you two have fun", said Clara.

"I'll get us some drinks, it'll loosen us up", said Josh.

He led her towards the bar and ordered their drinks, a whisky sour for him and a lemon drop martini for her. "I'm not sure what you'd like, but girls generally like lemon drops", he said.

"I barely drink since Dad can't have any", she said.

Nika nodded in thanks as the bartender set down their drinks and Josh set up a tab. She took a sip and watched the people dance, seeing that in spite of the music it wasn't much different from the Northern Soul dancing. "This is your first grown-up club, right? Just relax and enjoy yourself", he said.

Nika felt more relaxed after finishing her drink. Josh had finished his own drink and took her hand as he led out onto the dance floor. At first she just shuffled along since she was unfamiliar with the beat, then gradually became more confident after a few songs. Josh gave her an encouraging smile as he danced, smiling in delight as she danced more confidently. Soon her dancing looked a lot more confident as she moved more and more gracefully, her cheeks flushed and her blue eyes sparkling.

It was past eleven when they had to leave as Josh went to the bar to settle their tab. Nika felt her phone vibrate and saw a message from Clara saying she was leaving with a guy. "Should I text her back?", she asked.

"Just say we're leaving and to text her dad", he said as she replied back.

There was a cab waiting outside for them as Josh opened the door and helped her in. Nika was still feeling pretty good after dancing and a few drinks as Josh held her close in the backseat. His arms went around her waist and his lips grazed her cheek, the fringe of his hair just a whisper against her skin. 'Just wait", he whispered in her ear.