As I started to sway my hips again, Grayson turned and looked at something on the small table. He lifted it up and peered at it, holding it in front of his eyes, and then higher, up into the light.
Which was when I realized what it was.
“Hey!” A security guard grabbed Grayson’s wrist, freezing it in the air. Where he had even come from in that crowd, I had no idea.
“I’ll be taking this,” he said and snatched the small plastic baggie of white powder out of Grayson’s hand. “And you’ll be coming with me. Out of the club!”
My mouth fell open, and my heart skipped a couple of beats with the music as the security guard dragged Grayson toward the door. Demir grabbed my hand and then steamrolled his way through the crowd, pulling me along behind. When we got to the street, Grayson was standing there, dumbfounded, while the guard announced that he was banned for life.
The guard stormed inside. Demir turned to me, then to Grayson. Grayson looked dumbfounded and confused as he met Demir’s eye, then mine. And finally, I cast my eyes back to Demir, angst clouding my face.
I only had a second to worry, apologies fluttering at my lips for the club and every other decision that evening, before Grayson broke the silence with a long, loud laugh. He grabbed his side, and after a breath, Demir and I joined in. I slapped my knee, and Demir threw his head backward as he guffawed, and with Grayson’s smile, it was like everything was forgiven.
“Maybe we should call it?” Grayson said once we finally settled down. “I’m pretty sure no more good can come of this evening, and I have to wake up tomorrow and figure out a new debit card.”
Demir laughed, then took my elbow. “I think that’s a wise decision. Although I have to say, I enjoyed getting to know you, Grayson.”
Grayson nodded, smiling to himself. “Me too,” he said. “Both of you.”
I gestured down the road. “Shall we drive you home?”
“I’d like that. And thanks again for dinner. And for the medicine.”
“Anytime you need someone to poison and cure you,” I said. “You got our number.”
