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As I move to pass cash to the bartender, Tammy snatches it from my hands and stuffs it in my bra roughly. “Oh no, you don’t. Miss Independent can let her friends spoil her for one night.”
I huff dramatically but concede. I won’t argue for now, I will simply pay for everything with a vengeance tomorrow and for the foreseeable future.
“Want to dance?” Candace shouts as she grabs and spins me around to the melody, holding me with one hand and her drink with the other.
“We’re still waiting for our tequila!” Tammy squeals as she pulls us both back to the bar and I giggle.
Candace leans over and whispers in my ear, “I think I’m already drunk, can you take both of these for me?” I respond with a nod as the bartender, as if on queue, sets the shots down in front of us, with a slice of lime for each.
Tammy and I stand side-by-side as Candace glances from between us with a knowing look in her eye. I wink at her and down the first shot, chasing it with the lime before throwing back the second with ease.
Tequila is much easier to shoot when you’re already somewhat intoxicated.
Pushing both glasses away, the bartender eyes me warily, and I smirk at him, “Can I get water with lemon, please?”
Relief flickers across his face as he pours the water, plops a lemon and small straw in the cup before sliding it over to me and I hand him a bill. From the corner of my eye, I can see that Tammy is watching, but she won’t argue the generous tip. We both know people are severely underpaid and a little kindness goes a long way in this country.
“Are you sure, sweetheart?” He asks loudly over the music.
“Absolutely, keep the waters comin’!” I squeal as Candace and Tammy drag me into the middle of the floor. We sway and gyrate to the music as everyone else does.
An indeterminable amount of time goes by, and I’m sure I must be at least decently intoxicated as I open my eyes from ourdancing only to realize that Tammy and I are alone amidst the crowd of people.
“Where’s Candace?” I ask into her ear as we sway to the music.
She glances around, trying to see past the bodies but it’s so cramped neither of us are able to spot her.
“She said she was going to find Henry but, I can’t see either of them.” Tammy slurs out, and I grab her wrist as my dancing slows to a stop.
Maybe we overdid it a little too much with our pregame.
“Let’s get some water and see if we can find her from the bar.”
Tugging her along as we move away from the crowd of bodies toward the bartender from earlier, he sees us coming and grins. With a nod he slides two waters in our direction, each with a lemon and straw.
“Have you seen the guy and gal we were with by chance?” I shout over the music to the bartender, and he glances around, then points in the direction of the dance floor.
Following his gaze, I notice Henry and Candace on the other side of the room grinding their hips together in tune to the music and my smile widens.
“Thank you!” I shout over to our newfound beverage serving friend, and he nods before moving to pour drinks for the other patrons.
Tammy and I refill our waters one more time, and ask for two fresh ones for Henry and Candace before making our way to them. They are red-faced and are dripping sweat, gratefully downing both refreshments. Reaching the bar once more, the bartender sets out four waters as Henry orders a round of Patrón and a mixed drink for each of us. He distributes the tequila and holds his non-alcoholic beverage out for a cheers.
“Cheers and a happy 25th birthday to our best friend and coworker. May tonight be a night to remember!”
Tammy and Candace both cheer and shout ‘Happy Birthday!’ as the three of us toss back our shot of tequila. Candace gags and immediately chomps on her lime as Tammy and I choke down a laugh.
“Did I hear it is a little lady’s birthday today?” Tammy’s eyes flicker wide with shock as she and I both turn in the direction of the voice. A man in his mid-to-late forties stands behind us a little too close for comfort. His skin looks leathery and wrinkled from overexposure to sun and even in the dark his teeth are yellow and crooked.
“Yep, it’s my birthday,” I say curtly and Tammy goes to pull me closer to Candace and Henry.
I gasp as the man grips my wrist tightly, almost to the point of pain, “I’d like to buy you a celebratory drink.” It was a statement, not a question. He’s making a demand.
My heart rattles in my chest. The mixture of my traumas and alcohol making a noxious blend of anxiety and building anger within me.
“Hey!” Tammy’s voice sounds out in warning.
“I’ve got plenty to drink, thanks.” I wrench my grip from him and slide closer to the bar. The bartender is already staring at the man, leaning into the bar with his arms splayed out as he watches the interaction.
