Page 331 of Dark Love

“You brought Vex cookies.” Her eyes widen.

“Yeah. Do you…um…know when he’ll be here?”

She shrugs. “Sorry. I don’t.”

This is going oh so well. Stupidest idea ever. “Um, do you think I could get something to drink? A soda or something.”

“Sure. Would you like it fancy?”

“Why not.” At least something will go well today.

“Be right back with it.” And she’s back to dancing.

How long am I going to wait for him to maybe show up? A single drink. When it’s gone, I’ll leave. Until then, I’ll people-watch and pretend my head isn’t throbbing.

The book is nixed and so is dinner. Straight into bed for me with twenty thousand aspirin.

While the bartenders have their own choreographed form of dance, the people on the floor as a group create a visual anarchy. How can a hundred people move to the same song and not be in sync with each other, with the exception of one couple towards the edge of the group? Unlike last week, these people aren’t trying to make out in public, yet somehow their movements are way more sensual. Are they a couple out for a night on the town together?

“Your fun drink.” The bartender is back, setting a pink drink with several bright red cherries in front of me. “A Shirley Temple.”

“That looks wonderful.” I take a small sip. “It’s as good as it looks.” I slide a twenty across the bar to her. “No change.”

“Thanks.” It disappears into the tool belt around her waist.

Why didn’t I wear a fun dress to match this drink? Because pink and sparkly aren’t you. Warm colors look better with your complexion.

That sounds pathetic.

Fear.

You’re in a club. Enjoy it for as long as you can.

I set my drink down and turn to face the dancers again.

The man next to me gives me a friendly smile.

Nope. Nope. Nope. Even though he seems normal enough, I don’t even want to encourage him in the slightest. With the barest of a smile, I continue rotating until I’m facing the main part of the room with a clear view to Vex’s table.

The show doesn’t disappoint, even if the empty table does.

***

“Can I get you another drink?” the bartender asks a bit later, taking away my empty drink.

“No. That’s it for me. I think I’ll head home.” I’m not feeling so great.

“You sure? You’re not looking so hot.”

“I’m just going to go to the bathroom before I get a cab. Thank you again.” I give her a little wave, which feels completely stupid here. Then make my way into the line for the bathroom.

The music gave me such a migraine the world is spinning a bit.

Why can’t they make larger restrooms for women? The line practically crawls.

“It’s your turn.” The woman behind me taps my shoulder.

“Thanks.” I can’t remember the last time I felt this…bad… The world spins and my stomach rolls in the opposite direction. What’s wrong with…

---