“That’s good to hear, I wasn’t sure. I guess I pictured you all tucked in bed early every night.”
“You think about us in bed? I’m sure nothing but pure and innocent thoughts.” Jack said, raising an eyebrow.
Bella’s cheeks flamed and she replied with a laugh “You know what I mean!”
“I do; I was only teasing.”
Carrie stepped back into the room, “I’ve got us two tables in the VIP section at Candleroom. The shuttle is waiting outside for us, who’s going? There is room for all.”
Everyone cried out "I'm in!", and they turned to Jack and Bella, imploring them both to go.
A crowded nightclub isn’t my thing but if Bella is going, I’m going,Jack said to himself.
If he’s going, I’m going,Bella thought.
“Okay, let’s go - who’s ready for a good time?”
Bella fired off a quick text to Jackie, telling her that her night was running longer than expected, and would she be able to run by the house and let Primrose out for a bathroom break. Jackie quickly texted back a “thumbs up” emoji. Arriving at Candleroom a few minutes later, Bella eyed the line to get in and sighed. It had been forever since she had been to a club. She looked at Jack, who was eyeballing the line too, and they gave each other a look that said, “This better be worth it!”
Carrie gathered everyone up and marched straight past the line to the door. Greeting the doorman, she said, "Hey, Rico — long time no see."
Grinning at Carrie, Rico said, "Hey, Ms. Shaw — it's been too long." He unhooked the rope and waved the group through to the audible grousing of those who'd been waiting for hours.
Escorted to the roped-off VIP area, Carrie took drink orders and gave them to their dedicated waitress, promising a very big tip if she brought them back quickly.
It was loud in the club, so loud Bella couldn’t hear a word anyone was saying; she sent Carrie a quick text, knowing she’d have it on vibrate.No one pays for anything, use the Amex Black,she texted. Getting a quickalready on itin return, Bella looked around. Most definitely not her scene. She could see Jackwas talking to her, but she couldn’t hear a word. The crowded dance floor was heaving, and the bass from the music was thumping so hard her teeth were rattling.
Jack leaned in closer, practically shouting in Bella’s ear, “It’s louder in here than the flight deck of an aircraft carrier launching an F14!”
“What?”
“I said it’s louder in here than the flight deck of an aircraft carrier launching an F14!”, Jack shouted back.
“Yes, this place is fantastic,” Bella replied.
Deciding that she’d had enough already - it was too much for her - she quickly finished her drink and texted Carrie that she was leaving. Carrie waved with the “okay” sign. Right at that moment there was a break in the music, and Bella leaned over to tell Jack she was calling it a night.
“I’m done too. Would you like to share an Uber?” he asked. After Bella nodded yes, he said he’d meet her at the door, he was going to speak to Mike.
“Mike, I’m out of here, this isn’t my thing. You and the others stay, but not too much longer, and keep it light on the booze.”
“Yes sir.”
“Behave,” Jack said.
Mike gave Jack a “Who me?” look and turned back to trying to get Carrie’s attention.
The driver made his way to Bella’s house first and would continue on to Jack’s hotel. They made small talk, laughing about the club and how out of place they’d both felt. The driver arrived faster than Bella liked to her house, as it meant thenight was ending. Jack stepped out to open Bella’s car door and walked her to the door, telling the driver he’d be right back.
“I hope you all had a good time tonight. I’m happy we were able to give you a break from training.”
“Did you have a good time tonight, Bella?” Jack asked.
“Dinner yes, club no, I was feeling my age back there” Bella laughed.
“Same. Well, good night, Bella, it was nice to see you again.”
Bella hesitated, then said softly, “Would you like to come in for a nightcap or coffee?”
