I hated whenever people said that phrase because inevitably, the worst always happened.
“I don’t have anything to wear.” I said in a last minute attempt to get out of it but I could feel myself caving.
“You know my pin,” he smirked because he knew he had me there, “So, are you in?”
“Fine, whatever, but if I hate it, it is on you.”
As evening fell, I grew anxious. I hoped that before we got to the bar, my anxiety would reduce but if anything it only seemed to increase a little more.
As we stood at the door I did a mental check of my outfit; ripped skinny jeans, a sleeveless black corset-like top and black ankle boots. I knew I looked good but I couldn’t help but brush away imaginary lint as we made our way through the double doors.
Darius was right, the place was packed with people. Most people were seated and talking amongst themselves and a few people were on the dance floor. Darius saw us from his booth and waved us over. He was seated next to a pretty petite woman with wispy blond hair and kind eyes.
“I’m glad you could both make it.” Darius said as we took our seats opposite him, “This is my wife, Marla.”
She held out her hand to me first, “You must be the two Darius has told me so much about. It is so nice to finally meet you. I do hope you’re enjoying your stay here.”
“I am,” Nathan said then he dropped his voice to a whisper, “Although, I’m not quite sure about her.”
I pinched his side hard making Marla and Darius laugh.
Darius ordered beer for us, apparently it was uncultured to drink anything other than beer on a Friday night out. I knew it would be rude to refuse so I accepted it although I made sure to watch how much I drank because I tended to get carried away with beer.
Darius was obviously the more talkative one while Marla would occasionally add her own input from time to time. Watching them was almost as entertaining as listening to them. They were obviously in love; they never went more than five seconds without touching themselves one way or the other.
It was either his hand would hold her or she would place her hand on his shoulder. Either way, it was cute to watch and I couldn’t help the pang of loneliness that hit me when I realized that I might never get that.
“Do you want to dance?” Darius asked and for a second I thought he was talking to Marla but I realized that his eyes were on me.
“Oh no,” I shook my head, “I don’t really dance.”
“Nonsense, you won’t get the full experience if you don’t spend at least five minutes dancing.”
He got to his feet and despite my refusal, he pulled me to mine and dragged me onto the dance floor. An upbeat song was playing and I didn’t know the steps but he guided me through them and he did a darn good job because it actually looked like I knew what I was doing.
Against my better judgment, I was having fun and that was why when the song ended and I was twirled into someone’s arms, I didn’t pull away. I was vaguely aware of my surroundings are for once I felt like I could just breathe and do what I wanted without being judged.
The guy I danced with barely had the chance to introduce himself as Pierre when Nathan tapped him on the shoulder.
“Is it okay if I cut in?” he asked and the guy nodded and stepped away.
“I don’t think that’s how it works.” I tsked but Nathan simply shrugged.
“When have you ever known me to play by the rules?”
The song playing was slow and somehow, the bar looked darker. It took me a second to realize that the lights had been dimmed. He stepped closet and splayed both hands on my waist while I wrapped mine around his neck. We swayed to the song in silence and after a while, I let out a deep sigh.
“Thank you for making me come,” I said it under my breath but we were close enough that he could hear, “I’m actually having fun.”
“You’re welcome,” he paused before adding, “I actually thought you would hate it.”
“Now it makes more sense why you wanted me to come.” He laughed and I found myself laughing alongside him. “I didn’t know you could dance.”
“Like I said, I am a man of many talents.”
The song came to a stop after that and the light came back on. I realized how closely pressed me were against each other. I was acutely aware of his hand touching the sliver of exposed skin between mytop and jeans. I looked up at him, our noses were brushing and the raw emotion in his eyes hit me.
Suddenly it felt like the room was closing in on me and I couldn’t breathe. I stepped back from him, “I need some air.”
