Beyond Denver

Chapter 5

"Stop looking for her. When Meggie is with Mike, she is in another dimension, and nobody else exists," Denver says. He attempts to loop his arms around mine as my eyes search for Meggie in the crowd. He walks me back toward the floor, stopping where three girls move their hips with the beat. "This is Amaya, Luna, and Danika," Denver quickly points toward them. "We are all part of the same group. Maybe they saw her but don't have so much hope she is still here."

The three girls notice our presence as we approach. Denver says something to each of them, and they all shake their head no.

"I was hoping for a ride."

"Relax, Cassidy. I'm with you. Meggie can be selfish, especially when she is drinking."

"I bet it was all a setup," I say in frustration. Denver moves his arm away with a laugh.

"Okay, you win. I begged Meggie to bring you over here. I put all the pressure on her."

"I knew it."

"It was your fault. I didn't ask you to be attractive."

I spread my fingers through my hair, "Denver, let's not go there..."

He nods, "You don't seem to give me much of a choice, but... to make things easier on you, I'll grab a beer."

My hands clench over my dress as Denver heads to the bar. My back touches the wall while I watch hundreds of people dancing under the flickering green and purple lights. "Hey," I hear a voice coming from next to me. I turn around to see a tall, familiar guy with olive skin and a remarkable pair of jeans and white shoes.

"I am sorry I bumped into you earlier and didn't apologize."

Right. I think to myself. "Are you apologizing an hour later?" I ask in disbelief.

"Well, some people never apologize. You should be grateful," he says with a smirk.

"I almost ended up in the hospital," I exaggerate just to be a little dramatic.

"Ah ah. I'll pretend I believe that. I'm glad your brother saved you."

My brother? Is he talking about Denver?

"I'm Daniel, by the way." I hear his voice through the beat, his warm breath reaching my neck.

"I'm Cassidy."

"Cassidy is a beautiful name. I've never seen you here. First time?"

"Yes, first time."

I slightly flirt with Daniel. I smile at him as he asks more questions. Somehow, it makes me feel good.

"I must confess I've been watching you for a while. What do you like doing in your free time?"

"I guess you'll have to find out," I smile back at him.

"Well, in this case, I'll give you my number. What about lunch tomorrow?"

"I'm working tomorrow, but we can go to dinner."

"Dinner sounds even better," Daniel says. As I was about to get his phone number, Denver approached. "Oh, you are the guy who almost killed her a while ago," He spit the words into the air with an ironic smile.

"Sorry, bro. It was unintentional. Would you like to get a shot with me?" Daniel offers Denver. "The offer is good for you, too, sweetheart," Daniel looks at me.

"Sure," Denver replies fast enough. His eyes are genuine when he takes the offer from Daniel, but I can see the concern in his expression. We all head to the bar, and I wonder how this thing will turn out between Daniel, Denver, and myself.