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The fact Bryn has loosened up since Jax found girls to pick up pisses me off and his ‘I told you so’ expression doesn’t help.
Bryn and Liam head off to the opposite end of the club and I debate whether to follow. Jax and the girl are in direct view from my table. I follow Bryn.
4
JAX
Shit, I’m drunk.
The lighting in this place doesn’t help — the pink, violets and blues spin around as the strobes flash across the crowds, illuminating people like we’re in some psychedelic kids TV programme. Bright. Blinding. Nauseating.
Sofia gyrates against me and I hold her ass as much to steady myself as put my hands on her. Not like I’d have to be sneaky about it, she’s all over me anyway with her hands on my backside too, lips against my neck. Her mouth keeps heading towards mine; but until I can orientate myself and find somewhere quiet, she’ll have to wait.
The DJ playing tonight works the Euro club circuits. I’ve heard of him, but I don’t often come to clubs like this. Will and Nate happily hold court in the centre of the dance floor, girls around. If fun is on the agenda, they’ll be there, whatever the music. I’m more specific about genres. I’d rather spend a sweaty night with a poorly tuned rock band than a full night of clubbing. Still, free flowing booze and girls, I’m not complaining.
Tegan likes the music and ambience, enthusiastically dancing with a group she’s befriended. Tegan’s on the edge, but under scrutiny; a couple of the group are guys and I keep an eye on whether either of them touch her. Amused, I watch as Tegan skillfully dodges any attempt by the taller guy who’s intent on taking hold of her hands. Where the hell is Bryn? Surely, I’m not the only one he wants keeping away from his sister?
As the lights play across her body, I’m distracted by the movement of her ass in the clinging dress, and the way the material moves up her thighs as she dances. I have a girl with me who I’m positive would do anything I asked, but all I want is my hands on Tegan. Why the fuck does she have to be out of bounds?
“Jax…” Sofia licks my neck and as her teeth close around my earlobe, I’m pulled away from Tegan daydreams.
I slide my hand down into Sofia’s, and indicate I’m leaving the dance floor and tug her back to the table.
“Not here,” she whispers. “Come.” Sofia pulls me in the direction of a quieter spot. “So we can talk.”
We both know talking isn’t on the agenda.
TEGAN
Why did Bryn come tonight? He said he hates this kind of music and always has. Liam’s displeasure was clear as the pair of them skulked off to the quiet tables near the bar. Was this all to supervise me?
Escaping his unwanted scrutiny, I chat to a group of people, friends and colleagues from a local ad agency. We soon switch from swapping stories to dancing; the music too loud for conversation. Unlike the student nights at my local clubs, there’s no immediate hitting on each other, just the enjoyment of the music and atmosphere. This is refreshing after my last few nights out in London where every guy I met started the will-she-won’t-she bullshit and ruined the evening. I never understood the idea that a successful night out includes picking someone up; the time should be fun with friends.
I position myself away from the Ruby Riot guys as I dance with the group, and keep my back to Jax and his hook up. I tell one of the guys, Tomas, that I’m taking a break from dancing, and he gives me the thumbs up. I head off the dance floor. Jax is no longer around.
Pulling my damp hair from my neck and twisting it into a high ponytail, I locate the bathrooms. The queue stretches back further than I’d like and as I only want to cool down, I decide to check out the balcony area outside. The club overlooks the river and despite the late January cool, I love the idea of the night time view across Lisbon.
Giggling alerts me as I head along the darker hallway to the stairs, and in the shadows, a guy rests against the wall, hands beneath the dress of the girl pressed against him. Right, maybe not so different to the clubs back home. Averting my eyes, I continue, but when the giggling is followed by the girl saying “Jax” I halt.
Jax and random pick-up devour each other, although amusingly, she seems to be doing most of the devouring. He’s slumped against the wall, not at full height, a look I’ve seen in clubs the world over. He’s drunk.
They continue their passionate clinch, and I grimace. Dry humping in public is tacky. At least I hope that’s what they’re doing. Deciding I don’t want to see the girl’s ass if he pushes her dress any higher, I look away.
With the disgust, edges in the unwarranted jealousy. I wouldn’t want to swap places with her, not in the darkened hallway of a club, but I’m still pissed off he went straight for another girl. Couldn’t Jax at least use the opportunity to show Bryn he’s wrong about him?
Why should he? He’s a twenty-one year old rock god in training ruled by his dick. Ugh.
I agree with Bryn, if Jax tries to hit on me, he’ll get a shock because I’m not falling for the crap that puts girls into the position she’s in. Some girls need to learn the meaning of self-respect.
I clear my throat loudly and walk to the stairs, not looking back to see if I alerted them.
On the balcony, the wind blowing in from the river bites and I rub my arms. Although the temperature is higher than it would be in London, I’m cool in my dress. Tomas, from the ad agency group, told me there’s a great view of the sunrise up here and I’m disappointed it’s the wrong time of year, because sunrise happens after the club closes. Settling onto a metal chair next to a table, I take in the view of the dark river and lights twinkling along the bank. Summer here, sitting with friends and a few drinks, must be amazing. Winter not so much, no surprise the other tables are vacant.
The heavy bass thumps from below, mingling with the voices of people leaving the club and heading to the car park. My ears ring from spending time immersed in the music and I don’t notice the door close and a different couple approach. We all smile in greeting through the shadows, and they sit on a nearby chair, the girl on the guy’s lap. Sensible people, they have coats.
A third person arrives, closing the door heavily. I look over and to my amusement, a confused looking Jax stares around, pushing his hand through his blond fringe.
“It’s outside,” he says. “Why are we outside?”
