Ido nothave the energy to put on makeup or rummage through my closet to find the right outfit.
“Come on! It’ll be fun.” She grabs my hands, smiling. “We’re gonna dance the night away, and maybe you’ll meet a guy who will help you get your mind off of stupid Maddox.”
“Nope. I’m staying home. Go and have fun with Serena.”
I, in fact,did notstay home. I’m currently standing at the entrance of Lush Lounge with Mazi as an intimidating bouncer checks our IDs. He gives us a curt nod and steps aside, allowing us to pass through.
Lush Lounge is the perfect spot for a ladies’ night out. The vibrant magenta walls and glittery dance floor create a lively atmosphere. The back wall is adorned with flowers, and there’s an adorable white wooden swing hanging from the ceiling. A group of girls eagerly take turns on it, giggling and striking poses as they try to capture the perfect Instagram-worthy photo.
We spot Serena at the bar chatting with a burly man who has greasy, sandy-brown hair. He looks out of place in his loud yellow plaid button-up and baggy khakis.
He could definitely use some fashion advice.
“Thank you so much for coming!” Serena pulls us in for a hug. Even in heels, she’s barely over five feet tall. “I felt like my brain was gonna explode if I took another practice exam.”
The man beside her opens his mouth and a creepy, nasally voice oozes out, immediately sending a wave of discomfort through me. “Aren’t you gonna introduce me to your friends?”
Serena hesitates, her fingers nervously toying with her glossy black hair. “Oh, sorry, babe.” She forces a smile, clearly trying to smooth over the awkwardness. “This is my boyfriend, Randall. And these are my friends, Mazi and Annalise.”
“Nice to meet you.” He extends his hand, and I shake it reluctantly. His hands are clammy and soft, as if he has never experienced a hard day’s work.
He reaches his hand to Mazi, but she doesn’t take it.
“I thought we were having a girls’ night.” She glares at Randall, revulsion twisting in her face.
“I have to make sure to protect my baby girl from all the creeps.” He possessively wraps his arms around Serena’s waist, kissing the side of her neck.
She lets out a nervous laugh, shooting us an apologetic glance.
“The only creep she needs protection from is you,” I mutter under my breath, just loud enough so Mazi can hear.
We each take one of Serena's arms, linking ours through hers. “Come on—let’s take some shots and then take pictures by the flower wall.”
“While you ladies do that, I’m gonna hit the restroom,” Randall says. “Don’t go dancing with any other guys while I’m gone.” He smacks Serena on the ass as he passes. “Or you’ll be in trouble.”
Even though he said it playfully, the flicker of unease on Serena’s face says she knows he’s not playing around.
“Order me a strawberry margarita, yeah?” he says over his shoulder as he saunters off.
Once Randall’s out of earshot, she turns to us. “I’m so sorry!” she groans, burying her face in her hands. “When I told him I was going out tonight, he insisted on coming. He told me he was worried about me going out without him since I can’t handle my liquor. Truthfully… I don’t think he trusts me.”
She waves down the bartender to get his attention. “Hi, can I get a strawberry margarita? And—uh—are you girls okay with lemon drops?”
Mazi and I both nod.
“And three lemon drop shots, please,” she adds, sliding her card across the bar.
“I don’t understand why he doesn’t trust you,” Mazi says, shaking her head. “You go to work and then come straight home to study!”
“Exactly! I barely have time to do anything!”
“That man is way too controlling,” I say. “I would feel suffocated if I was with someone who wanted to doeverythingtogether.”
“What do you even see in him?” Mazi asks, her brows furrowed. “You’re gorgeous, and he’s, well…”
“A walking red flag,” I cut in, finishing her thought.
Serena doesn’t disagree with us or try to come to Randall’s defense.
