“I guess those fancy wedding rings don’t stop them, huh?” I muttered.
“I guess not. I’m sorry, girl.”
“It’s okay.” I waved her off. “It will still be a fun night.”
I looked back in the line for any sign of Sarah, but didn’t see her. I figured I would find her inside. We showed our IDs to the large, bald bouncer outside the venue whose face meant business and headed inside the dimly lit club. My eyes adjusted to the dark as upbeat rock music filled my ears. On stage was a high-energy band who jumped around the stage as they played their instruments. The crowd bobbed to the music.
Our group made its way to the bar, finding an empty spot large enough to accommodate the six of us. Jeremiah ordered a round of drinks for all of us, vodka sodas for Sadie and me, and a round of beer for the men. I thanked him and took a long sip of my drink, leaning my back against the bar and watching the band. I tapped my foot to the music as Sadie sipped on her drink beside me, swaying to the music.
“That’s not your first, is it?” I asked, eyeing her drink with a smirk.
“We might have had some champagne on the limo drive here.” She giggled.
“Good. You deserve a night out.” I nodded.
It was nice to see Sadie let loose a little. She was such a hard worker and an amazing mother to her daughter, Ayah. I didn’t know how she managed it all, but Jeremiah was a really good husband and father. They made up a really impressive team. One that I envied. I hoped to find a connection like theirs one day, but it wouldn’t be tonight. Because none of these guys were single.
As hot as Ben was, all he did was talk business with the other two men there, as if he couldn’t get away from it for one night. I refrained from rolling my eyes as they turned their back to the music and began talking stocks. Jeremiah was enjoying the music at least, coming up behind Sadie and swaying to the music with her. I was surprised he was into this type of music. It was cute to see the two of them dance.
From the corner of my eye, I spotted a head of purple hair. Thankful to see another friend that wouldn’t make me painfully aware that I was single, I grabbed my drink and excused myself before walking over to Sarah. She looked effortlessly cool in ripped denim and a black shirt that hung off her shoulder. Her hair swayed back and forth as she bobbed her head to the music, singing the words loudly.
“Hey,” I said, nudging her with my shoulder.
“Juliet!” she shouted, pulling me in for a hug. “You came! Isn’t this band great?”
“They’re really fun!” I nodded, looking toward the stage just as the singer jumped off of it and into the crowd.
She reached behind her and grabbed her beer, holding it up in the air and grinning at me.
“Cheers to a night out!” she said.
I tapped my glass to hers, the clink drowned out by the music as the band played an even faster song, making the crowd go wild as they held the singer up above their heads.
“Come on.” I gestured toward Sadie at the other end of the bar. “I want you to meet one of my best friends.”
Sarah nodded eagerly and took my hand. We weaved through the dancing crowd, careful not to spill our drinks, and sidled up along the bar.
“Sadie,” I said loudly, trying to be heard over the music. “This is Sarah! We work together!”
“Nice to meet you!” shouted Sadie, holding out her hand.
“You too!” shouted Sarah, shaking Sadie’s outstretched hand.
I didn’t bother with other introductions until the band closed out their set and headed offstage. The club lights burned a little brighter as soft music played over the speakers to fill the silence. Then I introduced Jeremiah and his friends also made theirintroductions, their eyes roving over Sarah as if they didn’t have wives at home. I refrained from rolling my eyes. I doubted any of them would have a chance with Sarah, who was cooler than any of them. They had probably never met a girl like her with her piercings and vibrant hair.
“Do you come to shows a lot?” asked Sarah, looking from me to Sadie.
“Not really. I’m usually at home with our daughter, Ayah,” said Sadie.
“And I’m quite the homebody,” I said with a shrug.
“But my husband, he loves the headliner tonight. Will something or another,” said Sadie, gesturing to Jeremiah.
“Oh yeah. He’s awesome. I’ve only seen him once before, but he’s really up-and-coming,” said Sarah excitedly.
“Is he as upbeat as the first band?” I asked cluelessly.
“Nah. He’s a little more mellow. He’s a one-man show. Plays acoustic. You’ll love him,” said Sarah.
