AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Sorry, Edie,” she mumbles.
“You won’t tell him, will you?” I ask.
“Do I look like a snitch?” Her smile turns into a hard frown. “Don’t be like that, cousin.”
“Sorry,” I reply. “I’m just still wrapping my head around everything that’s happening.”
“All good, cousin.” Mercy sighs and then looks to the heavens. “Look, I’ll tell my dad because you know yours will call everyone, including him. But until then, let’s give you a few days of freedom.” She grins. “Got a place to crash?”
“I was kind of hoping I could crash on your couch?” I ask furtively. “I know New York’s pressed for space.”
“For you, girl? I got all the space in the world!” Mercy smirks. “Come on.” She takes my hand and leads me into the bar. “I work here and live upstairs. Once you get settled, I’ll introduce you to my coworkers.”
“They’re nice people, right?” I ask, eyeing the scowling bald man with the tattoos behind the bar.
“Jesus, Joseph, and doggy-style Mary.” Mercy gives me a look that’s a mix of concern and annoyance. “I keep forgetting you’re the closest thing to a cloistered nun in this fucked-up family.”
“What’s with the name?” I frown at Mercy. “Somewhere Bar.”
Mercy laughs, but the scowling man behind the bar breaks out in a friendly smile. “It’s always five o’clocksomewhere. Get it now?”
I grimace at the terrible pun. “That’s clever.”
“C’mon, Edie,” Mercy gestures at me. “Put your stuff down. Take a deep breath, and let’s hit this town!”
We walkthrough the heavy brass doors into a lower Manhattan club. I’m immediately swallowed up by a sea of sweaty bodies. Mercy grips my hand so hard it tingles as she drags me through the crowd. As she searches for her roommate Alyssa, my eyes are drawn to the art adorning the walls—a vivid contrast to the wild vibe in the place.
“Mercy! Eden?” Alyssa’s voice cuts through the noise, and I spot her waving. “Eden, what are you doing here?”
“She legged it,” announces Mercy.
“I moved out.” I try to sound confident, but I sound like a brat. “My dad … He’s just … suffocating me, you know?”
Alyssa looks at Mercy. They’ve known each other so long that they can communicate with glances.
“Maybe he’ll come around,” Alyssa shrugs. “For now, though, let’s enjoy your big night. You deserve it.”
“Thanks, Alyssa,” I say, hugging her tightly.
Alyssa stares at us and then laughs. “Mercy, your cousin looks like the innocent version of you. If you gave up cigarettes and one-night stands.”
“Alyssa, I say this with love …” Mercy laughs. “But you are one opinionated bitch.”
As we walk further into the club, I can’t help but be drawn to the art again—bold strokes and vibrant colors that defy the commotion around us. I stop momentarily, captivated by a piece that speaks to my disordered feelings as I clutch the purse Mercy lends me for the night.
We can’t find an empty table, so Mercy drags me onto the dance floor. Her eyes sparkle with mischief. “Let’s tear this place down, baby cousin!” she shouts over the noise.
I can’t help but grin, but I feel on display. Back in Holtsville, I was a small fish in a small pond. Now, I’m a small fish in New York City. I don’t recognize the songs. My body moves mechanically to the beat, but deep down, I know I’m out of my depth. New York is an exciting and terrifying mix of drive and energy. This world is so different; these people are wild, bold, and confident.
For the past few minutes, a man has hovered near us. He’s tall, with dark hair and an unnerving smirk that sets the alarm off in my head.
“Hey.” He’s holding a phone and grinning at me.
Light flashes from his phone. “You’re a star now!”
Before I can respond, Mercy appears between us, her face set in a determined scowl as she snaps her fingers. “Take a hike, bozo!”
The man raises his hands defensively as his face twists into a scowl. He mutters a string of curses under his breath and disappears into the crowd, leaving me feeling weird. Mercy wraps an arm around my waist, her grip firm and protective.
