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Sara pauses thoughtfully for a moment before she continues. “You know what? It’s been a while since either of us have even been on a date, never mind anything else. That’s pretty wild, isn’t it? Don’t you think we should change that?”
I groan in despair. “I donotwant to get back on the dating apps. That was a nightmare. I don’t think I hadonegood date during that phase.”
“No, I didn’t mean that. Let’s go out dancing.”
I cock an eyebrow, a little intrigued, actually. “Should we?”
“Well, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? You can borrow an outfit for me. Let’s have some fun. If we meet some nice guys while we’re out, then so be it. But if not, we can just blow off some steam and enjoy ourselves.”
“Okay.” I jump to my feet. “Come on then, let’s find something to wear.”
We race into the bedroom, giggling with our drinks in hand, and we pull endless dresses out of her wardrobe. Luckily, we’re the same size, and we’ve shared clothing before, so this will be fun. Sara has dresses of all styles and colors, and we try on a few before I decide on a little black dress, which is flirty and sexy. Sara picks a hot pink sultry dress that looksamazingon her. I think we’re ready for a night of fun.
“Where are we going to go?” I ask Sara as we leave. She knows much more about the bars and clubs around here, so I’m more than willing to follow her judgment.
“I think we should head to that cocktail bar first,” she says decisively. “You know, the place where they have that red drink? I love that. Then we can go to Vibes.”
I nod eagerly. “Sounds good to me. Let’s do it.”
Surprisingly, I’m excited about the idea. I wasn’t planning on heading out tonight, but why the hell not? What else will I do? Sit around and stew over my interview with Alex? Yeah, that doesn’t sound fun at all.
***
Those cocktails might have been a little too moreish. I cling to Sara as we leave the bar to head to Vibes to make sure I’m not so tipsy I fall. I don’t want this awesome night to be ruined because I’m not great at walking in Sara’s sky-high heels. I don’t knowhowshe managed to convince me to wear these.
The neon lights of Vibes flash, drawing us in. The thumping music can be heard from outside, to give us something to get us pumped up as we wait in the long queue.
“Urgh, if only we were VIPs,” Sara grumbles as we lean up against the wall. “They have their own separate door and everything. No queuing for them.”
I follow her eyeline, watching people getting swept in easily while we wait here in the cold. A lightning bolt of recognition strikes me as I see a familiar man enter through the VIP door.
But it can’t be, can it? No, I just have him on my mind, that’s all.
There’s no way that was really Alex…
Chapter 5—Alex
“Why the face?” my teammate and friend, Benjamin, laughs as he pats me on the shoulder. I only came back into the changing room to grab my belongings. I didn’t know anyone else would be here. I guess that’s why all my feelings are plastered across my face. “You look like you’ve just been tortured.”
“Speaking to the press… you know that’s torture to me.”
He rolls his eyes. “Oh, come off it, man. I don’t know why you’re so funny about shit like that. It comes with the territory. It’s just one of those things. Plus, you can always have fun with it, right? Tease the journalists a little. As long as Coach doesn’t work out what you’re doing, you can pretty much say what you want.”
I kinda hope, in that moment, Riley didn’t take all the stuff I said too seriously. I didn’treallywant her printing all of that. We were joking around, right? I’m sure she saw that. I don’t think I’m done with Riley anyway; I’m sure we have more to do before the lifestyle piece goes to print. I can’t imagine she’s asked all she needs to.
“Anyway, I know how I can cheer you up,” Benjamin continues smilingly. “We’re all headed out for the night. You have to come. You need to get out and blow off some steam.”
I frown and shake my head. “Nah, I don’t think so. I’m not in the mood.”
Benjamin slings his arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer to him. “I’m not taking a no for an answer. Clearly, youneed some kind of pick me up. Look at you! You’re stressed out and in a bad mood. You need to let loose.”
“I dunno, Benji. I have bubble bath plans today. I can’t change that up.”
But he doesn’t want to hear me. “Nah, don’t be so boring. You need company tonight. You need to get the hell out of this funk. It doesn’t suit you.”
I’m not in the mood at all, especially not after the day I’ve had, but I recognize that look on my friend all too well. He isn’t letting it go, and he won’t. Not until my ass is out at the club, and he has what he wants. The thing is, as much as I want to shoot him down, Benjamin isusuallyright. Often, when he forces me into something I don’t really want to do, I have a good time, which is why I don’t bother fighting him more than I have to.
“Sure, okay, whatever.” I offer him a one-shouldered shrug. “I guess let’s do it then.”
