ONE
Sophie
“Sophia Louise, you better get your ass out of this car before I go inside and have one of the bartenders drag you out!” Claudia’s voice was a mix of impatience and playful authority, cutting through the dim light of the parking lot.
“Lidia, this sounded like a fantastic idea back at the house,” Sophie huffed, her head lolling back against the plush upholstery of the Camry’s passenger seat. A wave of apprehension washed over her as they parked outside the club, transforming her casual musings into an impending reality.
Unlike her audacious best friend, Claudia, Sophie felt trapped in a bubble of uncertainty. This was her first venture into a club like Surrender, with its pulsating music and vibrant lights spilling out onto the street. The last club she had visited was a much smaller venue, and after a series of unwanted encounters that had left her feeling exposed and uneasy, Sophie was convinced that the club scene just wasn’t her realm.
“Well, I didn’t change the station,” Claudia teased brightly, her enthusiasm infectious. With a firm yet gentle grip, she reached in and tugged at Sophie’s arm, coaxing her out of her hidden retreat within the passenger seat. The familiar warmth of Claudia’s support washed over her, making the daunting task of stepping out into the night just a little more bearable.
Sophie wobbled to her feet, her borrowed kitten heels clicking on the concrete. She adjusted her dress against her thighs, wishing it extended below her knees. The silky fabric fit too tightly in places, making her uncomfortable. Looking at her reflection in a nearby window, she could see that the olive green her best friend had chosen suited her, complementing her fair skin and raven hair, and highlighting the green in her eyes.
“My mamma always said that the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.”
“But I don't think she meant going to a play party at a BDSM club.”
“Modern problems get modern solutions.” Claudia shrugged and smiled. “We’ll have a night of sexy fun, and maybe you’ll stop moping for a while.” She raised her hands in front of her. “I’m not dogging you or telling you how to grieve your relationship, but staying in the apartment isn’t going to help. Oh, and if you don’t go in, I’m not either, and I’m way too cute not to show off this outfit!”
The girls laughed as Claudia spun around, her newly blonde ringlets spinning around her shoulders. She wore a black tulleskirt over a matching lace bodysuit that didn’t leave much to the imagination.
True to her bubbly personality, Claudia paired it with neon blue fishnets and matching butterfly nipple covers.
Sophie raked her fingers through her dark hair and sighed in resignation. “Okay, lead the way.”
Hanging tight to her friend’s fingers, Sophie hurried behind Claudia as she led them down a warmly lit staircase that soon opened up to a small waiting room.
“I need your ID.” Claudia plucked hers from her bra and extended her hand.
“I know how this works; most clubs are the same.”
Opening up her small clutch, she handed her card over. She quietly surveyed the room, and there was another pair waiting to get in as well.
“Hey, ‘Dia, you’re bringing a plus one tonight?”
“Rickey!! This is my girl Sophie. It’s time this one gets out of her shell and finds someone worthy enough for all those curves!”
“Oh god, Claudia!” Heat bloomed over her cheeks, and she wished the floor would swallow her whole.
“It’s true! Sheesh, I can’t even compliment the goddess that is my best friend, and the fact that she’s had relationship after relationship full ofpeoplewho don’t deserve her time and energy.”
“I’m sure the whole club heard you,” Rickey laughed, handing the girls back their IDs.
“Alright, tonight’s a little different than a regular club guest night. This is a vanilla play party, meaning there won’t be any furniture or equipment on the floor for use. Most implements and all sharps are excluded from this evening’s events. Party rules are as follows: consent is key, no means no–do not ask twice or you will be escorted out. Consent and respect go hand in hand. No hard play, that’s down from up high.”
Exactly how over her head was Claudia getting her?
Rickey reached across the counter and fastened a bracelet on Sophie’s wrist, indicating there was no going back.
The two of them headed down the spiral staircase to a small landing with lockers. Relinquishing her belongings to Claudia, she watched in amazement as her friend managed to get both purses into such a small space.
“Perfect.” Claudia slipped the key card into her cleavage. “Everything’s safe and sound. I can’t wait for you to look around.”
“I thoughtyouwanted to explore?”
“How else was I supposed to get you out of the house with all that sulking?” Flipping her hair over her shoulder, Claudia craned her neck, scanning the bar area.
Sophie’s eyes narrowed. “Oh, hell. Damn it, Lidia, you’re hunting. I’ve known you long enough to know your tricks.” They’d been friends for years, and she knew the bolder Claudia became, the more she tried to hide how unsettled she was.
