AllFreeNovel
Share Us
1
MIA
"What do you mean you can't make it?" I whine over the phone, putting my flat iron back on the bathroom sink.
Rylee sighs apologetically. "Chris planned a surprise dinner for our anniversary, Mia, and I can't leave him hanging."
"But your anniversary isn't until next week!"
She sighs again. "I know, but we'll both be at work that day. Come on, cut me some slack here."
Cut her some slack? Rylee and I have been friends since I moved to Las Vegas after my acceptance to UNLV for fashion design and we ended up as roommates, and this has been the pattern from that very moment. We schedule a time for a girls night and she either cancels or invites complete strangers that end up hating me by the end of the night. And now that she has a boyfriend, he's become her favorite excuse.
"Uh, Mia? Hello?" she calls impatiently.
"You know something?" I ask.
"What?"
"My designs have always been better than yours." I end the call and stare myself down in the mirror. "You need real friends."
And you can find them tonight.
Finishing my hair, I head to the closet and browse for the perfect outfit: something that will look good and be comfortable enough to dance all night. The perfect piece — it should also have a Vegas vibe, being at one of the hottest clubs in town.
After trying on several pieces, I settle on an ensemble of dark ripped skinny jeans and a shimmery gold crop top with delicate spaghetti straps – just tight enough to show off all my curves without looking vulgar. To complete the look I slip into some ankle-strap black stiletto heels - they'll make me tower above everyone -and accessorize with simple yet elegant golden hoops earrings and two matching bracelets.
Lastly, for an added touch of glamor I grab my blush pink clutch which matches perfectly with my lip color: light pink matte. The outfit is perfect; subtle yet sexy– just what every girl needs during her nights out in Sin City.
I head out into the night, greeted by Las Vegas' bright and vibrant streets. The city buzzes with energy as cars honk in the distance and music echoes through alleyways. I take it all in — from dazzling neon signs to lavish high-rise buildings—and savor every moment of this bustling metropolis before me.
As I make my way towards the club, people huddle together outside– groups of friends dressed up for a good time that's sure to come while others linger away from prying eyes or chat amongst themselves quietly on street corners - everyone eager for an enjoyable evening full of fun entertainment drinks and dancing.
But then there are those lost souls who wander aimlessly about – anonymous shoppers looking for deals or adventure; escapists attempting to flee their mundane lives back home; listless drifters going nowhere fast plaguing vacant sidewalks with seemingly nonstop random mumbling’s belying islands amidst streaming multitudes sporting flashy LED lights and suits (both literal & figurative).
The intensity increases every time I reach another block until most streets seem completely crowded or filled with unknown forms waiting for exciting nights ahead -they are all looking forward towards being engulfed by the city's energy. As I wade through the crowd, a group of men spot me and start hitting on me.
"Hey, sweetheart," one of the men greets with a greasy leer. "You look lost. Need some help?"
I smile stiffly and shake my head. "I'm not. Thanks anyway."
Another man steps forward, reaching toward me. "Well, aren't you a cute little thing?"
"Yeah," a third man chimes in. "Why don't you stick around and keep us company.
I back up enough to avoid being touched and say, “I appreciate your offer, however I'm here with friends tonight."
The men look around, clearly searching for said friends. "Looks like you're alone to me."
Starting to inch away, I tell them that I'm meeting them downtown, and they jump to offer to escort me, which I politely refuse as I'm walking away. Once I'm a few feet down the sidewalk, I begin to consider that this might not have been the best idea.
The men don't seem to be backing off and their lecherous gazes make me feel uneasy. I decide to quicken my pace, but as soon as I look over my shoulder, I realize they're following me. My heart races and my hands start to sweat. I can feel the fear creeping in and before I know it, I'm running.
As I turn the first corner I see, my heart is racing and my mind races faster. What if those men follow me? Are they still watching me? I quicken my pace and look over my shoulder. Nothing but empty streets. I let out a sigh of relief, but it's short-lived as I crash into someone. It takes me a moment to regain my balance and when I do, I look up into the eyes of a tall, dark-haired man who has a rugged look about him.
"I'm sorry," I say quickly, "I didn't see you."
He smiles and takes a step back so we're no longer pressed up against each other. "No problem."
