I pour myself one last drink. Suddenly, I want to feel numb. It all has to do with Nico.
My tongue darts into my cup, tasting the tangy cranberry juice.
“We should dance.” I gulp down the remaining contents, drop the cup in the nearby trash can, and tug his hand, leading him to the dance floor. Chris chuckles as he sips his beer.
Once on the dance floor, I turn my back to him and circle my ass on his crotch.
“You’re so beautiful, Serenity,” he whispers in my ear over the music.
Nico surrounded by several women comes to mind, and I aim to do something I’ve never done. Sleep with another man.
I swivel on my heel and grip his muscled arms. He’s dressed comfortably tonight. Burgundy and white school cap, white and burgundy team t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. He looks handsome. It’s apparent all the women want him. They’re dancing and staring at Chris while biting their lower lip. He throws them a sexy grin, and his hand moves from my waist to my ass as his gaze sweeps over me.
Oh boy, he wants to fuck me. It’s not like I didn’t know that. It’s different when I look into his eyes and witness the hunger and lust. I smile as my body sways to the beat. The liquor makes my body feel alive. I’d like one more vodka and cranberry before I dance the night away. Chanting chug, chug, chug in the next room and the laughing and those around me made this the best party.
Chris and I leave the dance floor and return to the kitchen.
“Do you mind if I chat with the guys for a bit?” he asks.
“No, I’m going to make my drink.” I moved to the counter and poured vodka into my red cup.
“Hey, Serenity?”
The voice cuts through the music and laughter swirling around me.
I glance to my right and find Nila smiling. Colored party lights sweep over her porcelain face in flashes of pink and blue.
“What’s up?”
“We’re having a blast. Are you?” she asks.
The bass from the speakers vibrates through the hardwood beneath my sneakers, pulsing up my legs.
“I’m really enjoying myself. I was just about to head back to the dance floor.” Nila smiles brightly. “Great. Serenity, meet Pera, Vi, and Laneesha.” Pera is around four-foot-nine, her mocha complexion framed by a sharp red blunt bob. Vi looks effortlessly beautiful, though she still wears makeup—the purple eyeshadow striking against her pale skin, making her gray eyes stand out. Finally, Laneesha’s sleek dark hair is tied back in a long, low ponytail. Her flawless mahogany skin glows, and her brown eyes sparkle as she dances in place to the rhythm. She and I are roughly the same height.
We exchange greetings while someone nearby lets out a loud laugh. The air smells like expensive perfume, sweat, alcohol, and whatever sugary mixer someone spilled near the makeshift bar area.
“You all should make drinks and come dance with me.”
Their faces light up immediately.
“That sounds fun,” Vi says with an eager grin.
A few minutes later, we’re moving together on the crowded dance floor, bodies swaying beneath flashing lights while the DJ blends one song into another.
Vi leans closer so I can hear her.
“Is Chris your boyfriend?”
I laugh, nearly choking on my mixed drink.
“Girl, no. I’m not saying it like I don’t like him. I’m just not looking for a relationship right now.”
“Oh, yeah, I get it.” Her fingers curl around my arm gently.
The seriousness in her voice cuts through my buzz.
“Just be careful.”
