"Come on. Live a little," Gemma coerced me to agree. She asked me to join her and James on a night out with some of their friends. I contemplated it for a few seconds. Just like the other times, ready to decline and made some excuse. "I don't...-"
She cut me off before I could reject her invite. "No. I'm not taking no for an answer this time." She insisted that I should stop locking myself up and enjoy my young life. In the short time that we were together, I learned that Gemma was very persistent if she wanted to. Nevertheless, I could be quite stubborn too, but tonight she was right. It was high time I explored the city and had fun.
"Great! Hurry up! I have a surprise for you." I had to smile to myself, wondering if I should regret my impulsive decision. Then again, this was the reason why I moved out here in the first place. To start making a life for myself. To leave behind all the bad memories and my past that haunted me.
Wearing a simple, red dress that accentuated my slender curves gave me a bit of confidence. I loved this dress, my favorite of the few decent clothing I owned. I applied light makeup and styled my long, reddish-blonde hair on a high ponytail. Simple and chic.
I grabbed my small purse, put on my heels, and went straight to the living room. Seeing Gemma hugging James in the middle of the room made me feel like a third wheel. I began doubting my decision to tag along, feeling a bit rusty and afraid to make a fool out of myself.
"Are you sure that I'm not interfering with your date?" I asked them. Hoping they would change their mind. Whom was I kidding? Gemma would have a fit if I backed out now.
"Nope. No more excuses." She grabbed me and shoved me out the door. "I promise you. This night will be the best night of your life. I will introduce you to –" She paused for a second before continuing. "–the rest of the gang."
I suddenly felt uneasy. Gemma was up to something. I could feel it. If she set me up on a date, I would skin her alive. However, she was right. I needed to have fun tonight. Somewhat, I felt excited for the first time that I moved out here.
The posh-looking club was full of young adults, slick dress executives, gorgeous models, celebrities, and among other people. Judging from the line outside, many more wanted to be part of this gig.
We made our way to the bar and ordered tequila shots. Downing mine in one gulp burned its way down. Not used to hard alcohol, I had to cough a few times before I got the hang of it. Then one more shot, Gemma insisted, I was ready to let loose.
"Never seen you before." The ash blonde-haired named Daniel said as he leaned closer so I could hear him. I nodded my head, adjusting my senses to my surroundings. "I think I would notice someone as gorgeous as you." Unmistakably, that one was a line.
"Yup, this is my first time." I turned to him and closely scanned his face. He was good-looking, tan-skinned, with well-built muscles based on the outline of his shirt. He certainly looked like a model who just had a photoshoot at the beach.
The way Gemma was grinning made me realized what this was. Was he part of this? I could not tell. "I guessed you did not expect to see me here." I took a gamble and asked Daniel, leaning a little closer so I would not have to shout at him.
"Nope, I assumed that neither did you," Daniel asked. When I nodded, he smiled, and we both knew that Gemma tricked us. We were set-up for a blind date.
"Would you mind starting over again and just enjoy the evening?" He pulled out his hand for a shake. "Hi! I'm Daniel." I took it. "I'm Scarlet."
Daniel turned out to be quite entertaining. After a while of drinking, talking, and laughing with him, I began to relax and finally enjoyed his humorous personality. I discovered that James was his best friend, grew up together, and went to the same college.
"Would you like to dance?" Daniel asked as we were the only ones left behind on the table.
I grabbed his hand and dragged him with me. "Let's go." I was bold, daring, and I was here, might as well make the most of this night. I thought to myself. I declared this night to be about fun. I guessed most of that was the fault of the alcohol in my system.
After a couple of good laughs, a large amount of liquid courage, we were partying the night away. I was not a good dancer, not even average, but the alcohol and the euphoria it brought did not stop me. On the large dance floor, I let myself free, swaying to the beat, not having a care.
At some point, I turned my head, there he was, seating in one of the VIP lounges. It was relatively dark, except for the moving lights, but I was able to recognize him. He seemed to be looking right at me. I must be drunk. I must be seeing things.
I made a glance once more in his direction, and he was still looking. I ignored him and continued dancing with Daniel, who was enjoying the beat himself.
Gemma noticed him too. "Who?" I asked, pretending to be unaware.
"Nathan," Gemma whispered in my ears. A part of me, the drunk part, was curious and excited, while the sane one warned me to be cautious. "Be careful. He's bad news." I just shrugged my shoulders, not wanting it to be a big deal.
I figured that if I did not pay this guy attention, then he would eventually lose interest. I did not need the unnecessary complication of dealing with him. My life was complicated enough as it is.
Drunk and tired, "I'm going to the bathroom," I told Gemma and Daniel. I went directly to the sink, splashing some water to my cheeks and the back of my neck. This simple act eased some of the heat from the effects of the alcohol.
The image in the mirror stared back at me. A beautiful face with a gorgeous body. Attractive physically, but beneath all this, I knew there was something wrong with me. Mentally and emotionally, I had a broken soul. I had no idea how to fix that.