AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Wear something sexy,” she said, leaning over to the passenger side, looking up at me.
“Okay.” I sighed, and then waved her off.
“Mom?” I called out, making my way down the hall. I found her in the tea room with a friend. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“Lauren, come in,” she said smiling, “Mrs. Peterson and I were just having tea.”
“Hello.” I nodded and smiled. “I was checking to see if you wanted to have dinner with me,” I asked.
“That sounds great. I have a stew on the stove.”
“Okay.” I smiled, turned and left them to their tea.
I stayed in my room until my mother called me down to eat. Then after dinner, I took a long shower, dried my hair and after the third outfit I decided on something simple. I pulled on a pair of charcoal skinny jeans, a hot-pink, off-the-shoulder fitted top and my favourite black patent-leather heels.
I brushed my hair again and then straightened it. Once satisfied with my hair, I started on my make-up, adding a hint of light-pink shimmer shadow, blackest-black mascara and a high sheer rose gloss to my full lips. I was impressed with myself for being ready before Cassie arrived. When Cassie walked in, she was wearing a jet-black jersey turtleneck dress, with knee-high boots. She looked as amazing as ever.
“I didn’t realize you were going to wear a dress,” I groaned, feeling underdressed.
“I’m wearing this for Charlie. He loves my long legs,” she said with a giggle. I shook my head and laughed as I followed her out the door.
When we arrived outside the club called Gravity, the line stretched around the building. I huffed, disappointed. Cassie glanced at me as she got out of the car.
“What’s wrong, doll face?” “I didn’t realize how busy this place was,” I replied. “There’s a line already.”
“Oh, honey, we don’t wait in line.” Her head flung back as she laughed. Cassie held out her hand to take mine as we walked up to the front doors. The bouncer smiled at her and unlatched the velvet rope. She gave him a big smile and slipped past him.
“Charlie owns this place,” she replied. “Come on. Let’s see if he is here yet.” She pulled me along behind her, slithering our way through the crowd. We stopped at the bar along the way, where she ordered us both a martini. She turned around to face the crowd, her eye scanning the faces. I accepted my drink from the bartender with a smile. He winked at me before helping someone else.
As I turned, moving to the music, I spotted Mason out of the corner of my eye on the other side of the bar, both elbows planted on the wood and swirling the straw around in his glass. He glanced up from his drink and his eyes met mine. I ignored that familiar hateful stare and turned away.
“Your cousin is here,” I sighed with a roll of my eye.
Cassie glanced behind me. “Yeah, he frequents this place,” she said.
“Does he have a drinking problem?” I asked.
“Not that I’m aware of, but then again I don’t pay much attention to him.” she said, and then waved at someone. I followed her stare and spotted a handsome young man with dirty-blond hair and ice-blue eyes.
“Hello, gorgeous,” he said, walking over and kissing her cheek.
“Babe, I want you to meet my best friend, Lauren,” Cassie introduced. Charlie smiled and reached around her to take my hand in his.
“Pleasure to meet you, Lauren.” he leaned in close. “What a lovely name, by the way.” He smiled then turned to Cassie. “I haven’t heard from you all day. I wasn’t sure if you were going to show up,” he said, hugging Cassie close.
“Sorry, I was out with Lauren. We shopped for her masquerade gown today.” Her shoulders bounced with excitement.
“How exciting.” he joked. I laughed and she playfully punched him in the stomach. “I’m sure it was fun.” He kissed the side of her head lovingly. “Look, I’m up in the booth if you want to join me. I have some friends from out of town here tonight that I want you to meet.” He wrapped his arm around her neck, pulling her away.
“Sure.” She reached out for me to follow, but I shook my head.
“You go. I’m going to have another drink, then see if I find anyone I know,” I said. I wasn’t in the mood for small talk— maybe after a few more drinks.
“George,” Charlie called out to the bartender. “Drinks for her are on me tonight,” he said pointing me out. The bartender nodded, then handed me a glowing pink bracelet, giving me another wink. I felt my cheeks sting.
“I won’t be long,” Cassie mouthed as she walked away.
I smiled and waved. I sipped the martini and scanned the crowd until someone stood in front of me.
