FADING (A novel)(8)

After leaving the studio, I sit in my car and call my dad. I just want to get it over with. I talk to him on my drive home and the conversation is the same as always. I apologize to him for my outburst, and he makes excuses for my mother. The conversation couldn’t have ended any sooner. I was done with it.

?????

‘The Edge of Glory’ by Lady Gaga is blaring throughout the house while Kimber and I get ready for our night out. I’m looking forward to seeing Jack, which is a bit odd for me because I never really take that much interest in guys.

I pick out a pair of cute white shorts, a sleeveless satin hot pink top with a white Moroccan pattern, and a pair of nude pumps. My hair is down in soft, wavy curls. I apply some lip-gloss before Kimber and I head out.

We arrive at Remedy, and the place is already packed. Kimber and I walk in and find a few of our friends sitting at a small group of couches that are set off from the dance floor. We make our way over to greet everyone. When I find Jase, he takes my arm and drags me to the bar with him.

“You thirsty?” I ask sarcastically.

“Not really. I just saw Mark,” he says as we slide onto our barstools.

“Isn’t that the hottie you used to see that plays guitar?”

“Exactly.” He eyes me with a serious look. The bartender approaches, and Jase orders us four shots of tequila and two beers.

I shoot him a questioning look and say, “Okay, spill it. Clearly you’re into getting drunk, so tell me what happened.”

The bartender sets the drinks down in front of us, and Jase slides two of the shots and a beer my way. We clink our tequila shots together and down them quickly.

“He caught me kissing his roommate,” he confesses.

I start laughing at him and take a swig of my beer. “You can be a slut sometimes, you know?”

“Trust me. I know,” he says and hands me the second shot. We sit there for a while and continue to talk and laugh. Warm arms wrap around my waist, and I turn my head to see Jack standing behind me. He looks good in a pair of worn jeans and a simple black V-neck shirt.

“Hey, Jack,” I say. When I stand up, I feel the effects of consuming the shots so quickly. Plus, I haven’t eaten a lot today.

“Whoa, you okay?” Jack questions as he grabs ahold of my arm.

“Yeah, just stood up too fast.” I turn to Jase and introduce the two guys to each other. When I sit down, Jack does as well and orders us another round of beers.

“So, what did you do today?” Jack asks.

“I spent the morning at the dance studio to get in some practice. Then I came home and took it easy for the rest of the day. You?”

“Been harassing the new pledges at the frat house.” He laughs and takes a drink of his beer.

I sneak a quick glance at Jase and roll my eyes. Frat guys were never my thing. Maybe it’s their arrogance, but I didn’t catch that about Jack when we went out the other night.

Jack leans in close to my ear and whispers, “You wanna dance?”

Taking my hand in his, he helps me off the barstool, and we make our way to the crowded dance floor. I start to move to the beat of the music that blasts throughout the club. ‘Push It’ by Garbage is playing, and I lose myself in the sea of people dancing around me along with the flashing lights and loud music.

Jack is behind me, and I feel his arms as they slide across my stomach, underneath the hem of my top. He moves in sync with me as I dance to the rhythm of the song. I can already feel drops of sweat trickling down my spine, and it must be the tequila that is making me feel bold when I reach up behind me and wrap my hand around the back of his neck. I feel the stubble on his jaw as he glides his chin along my damp neck and takes a soft bite. Shit, that’s hot.

Turning me around in his arms, I can see the heat in his darkening eyes. I rake my fingers through the hair on the back of his head as he pulls my hips tight against him, and he leans down and covers my mouth with his.

I’m not sure what has come over me. Since my conversation with Roxy, I have been a little bit bolder with myself. But here, in the middle of this dance floor, kissing Jack, is pretty damn bold for me.

Jack and I continue to dance through a few more songs when we decide to take a breather and get a drink. We walk over to our section and sit down on one of the couches. I take a long drink of my beer and nearly choke when Kimber suddenly yanks me off the couch.

“I’ve gotta piss,” she says to me while looking at Jack.

“You’re such a lady.” I smirk at her and give Jack an apologetic look. “I’ll be right back,” I say to him. He nods back at me while stifling a laugh.

Kimber is nearly dragging me to the bathroom. As soon as she closes the door behind us she says, “What the hell was that shit on the dance floor all about, hooker?”

I start laughing. “What are you talking about?”

“What do you even know about this guy?” she questions.

“Well, nothing. I guess that’s what makes it kinda fun,” I say as I lean in to look at myself in the mirror. I lick my finger and swipe it under each of my eyes in an attempt to fix my makeup. “And why are you always spying on me?”

“Hey, can’t blame me for watching. It was hot.”

We both start laughing, and I shake my head, feeling a little embarrassed about the indiscreet show we gave her on the dance floor.