A low, seductive bass pulses through the air. It pushes back against the pain in my chest as I step into the club’s main room. A narrow and deep space, draped in velvet and dim golden lights.
The extra security detail is somewhere here; I don’t have to look for them. That was the deal when we agreed on this place that could barely fit fifty people. I wanted to feel normal for a night. If shelling out six figures for an extra private corner booth counts as normal.
Eliza and Quinn would probably call it unhinged. Oh, well. They don’t have to know.
The scene I’m walking into is unexpected. The girls are already seated. Eliza is mid-rant, talking with her whole body,hands flying, while Quinn sits next to her, arms crossed, her expression a mix of defiance and adolescent sulking.
“There’s nothing going on between me and that man-bear,” Quinn huffs.
“You mean the man who used to cross the street to avoid your coffee shop, and now shows up. Every. Single. Day?” Eliza’s voice thins on the last words.
“And?”
“And you haven’t used the bear mace under the counter to send him packing,” Eliza points out, exasperated.
Quinn raises a glittery blonde brow. “Would it make you feel better if I did?”
“That’s not the point,” Eliza fires back, turning to me for backup.
I throw my hands up. “No idea what this is about. But it’s quite entertaining. Please carry on.”
“Whatever. I’m not wasting this outfit.” Quinn struts onto the dance floor, her gold sequin dress catching every flicker of light.
A tray of shots appears by my side, and I grab one. Toss it back without thinking. The burn stings, a welcome distraction from the memory of his eyes, warm greens that truly saw me.
I’m fine.
Eliza looks at the glass and then back at me.
“Oh, sorry. Did you want one?” I say, feigning innocence.
“What’s going on with you?”
“Nothing. Let’s dance.” I drag her by the hand before she can press harder.
Song after song, I let the music swallow me whole, moving to the beat. Until my muscles burn and sweat dampens my skin. I move like I can shake off the feeling of my heart caving in on itself. Spinning too fast, I nearly knock into someone’s shoulder. But I don’t stop. If I do, I’ll fall apart.
The girls sway and twirl, hands up in the air and giggling. Eliza looks radiant. Happy. That’s all that matters.
Another tray of drinks passes by. I don’t hesitate.
Eventually, I collapse into the booth, panting. Eliza slides in beside me, and we both watch Quinn flirting and dancing with some guy who’s been trying to get her attention for the past ten minutes.
She looks like she’s having the time of her life. I want to be her so desperately, it hurts.
Eliza lifts her phone and snaps a picture, then sends it off. I glimpse her screen.
ELIZA:Oops. Wrong number. Sorry.
SHERIFF WALKER:Where are you?
I didn’t think sweet Eliza had it in her. “You’re evil.”
She snickers, typing fast. “Let’s call it paying it forward.”
ELIZA:My bacheloretteeee!
SHERIFF WALKER:I’m calling Carter.
