Page 3 of Guarded By Death

I lay down on the blanket as Zack finally joins his friends. It doesn’t get passed me when he sneaks glances my way every once in a while.

"I don't know why you don't just give that poor boy a chance," Liv says, gesturing her pink nails towards Zack.

I can’t help but laugh. "You know how I am with him; I wouldn't want to jeopardize our friendship. We've been friends since we were seven, why don't you date him?" I ask quizzically.

"Because he doesn't look at me like that." Her eyes trail from mine to where Zack is standing. I look over at him, taking in his longing expression as he quickly darts his eyes back to the friends in front of him.

I let out a dramatic sigh and roll over to grab my book. I read for what feels like hours while I enjoy the warm sun tanning my back. My stomach growls, and I look over at Liv who is staring in Zack's direction, completely lost in a daze.

From my peripheral vision I note a dark figure staring in my direction. An unusual sting of fear washes over me as my eyes pan to the tall silhouette, who seems to vanish into the breeze.

Too much sun and not enough food, I tell myself. I'm paranoid for no reason. No one is watching you Scar, chill. "Hey, do you want to go to your house? I’m starving," I beg Liv with a playful pout.

"Yes! Let me go wash off this oil in the ocean, wanna come wi-" Before she can finish her sentence, I’m darting to beat her there. The water is cool against my hot skin as I throw myself into the ocean. Liv is yelling 'cheater' behind me as she runs into the waves. We splash each other for a while, laughing and enjoying the lazy summer day before we head to her house to hang out until it's time to get ready to go.

My fingers are crossed that tonight goes well.

Two

Thirsty Thursday

The early part of the night was spent in a cloud of hairspray and perfume as we tried on dresses and skirts. Liv ended up in a black mini dress with matte black stilettos, ankle breaker heels on.

I, without having any say, wore a tight red dress, as short as Liv’s. I opted for wedges, though. Liv knew I would be stumbling all night in stilettos, so she didn’t complain.

The warm summer breeze flows through the car as we drive to the city. The further we go the darker the roads get; the GPS is taking us to an unfamiliar spot.

"What happened to the big club downtown?" I look over at Liv in a confused state.

She bats her lashes innocently. "Well, I heard they make sure to check ID's there ever since some kid got so drunk, he threw up on a cop, and I didn't want to risk them getting cut up, so The Luxe it is." She shrugs.

Great, now I’m hoping the fakes won’t get past the bouncers and we’ll have to go home. I’m not opposed to fun, but all this makes me a little nervous.

And while I’m scared of the unknown, I can admit I am a little excited about my first trip to a nightclub. Although, now I know we’re going to a place that doesn't check ID’s so my nerves work back up and my excitement dwindles. If they don’t care enough to check, how good could this bar be?

My idea of a good night is the opposite of Liv's, she loves dancing and bouncing to the rhythm of the music. I, on the other hand, don't dance. Music, I do love. I'll take a good concert over a club any day. I guess that's why I am so nervous about tonight, it's out of my comfort zone.

That can be a good thing though, right? I try to remind myself that this won’t be the end of the world.

We park a block away from the club and trot over to the old brick building with neon beer signs plastered across the front. I shouldn’t be surprised when the muscled bouncers let us in, without checking anything.

Walking into the dimly lit club I become acutely aware of the eyes that are focused on my best friend. She's a beauty no doubt, with her long blonde locks cascading down her back and legs that make her taller than half the guys here.

A striking contrast to my petite height and frame. Most of the guys here probably couldn't see me through the crowd, and for that I am thankful. I'm in no mood for flirty conversations tonight. A fun girls night is all I want. Hopefully, Liv and her charm are off for the night.

The music is lively, inviting me to tap my feet. I'm hoping I can get over my shyness to enjoy the night. I see Liv over by the bar dangling her parents debit card between her manicured fingers. A mischievous grin adorns her face when I walk closer. “Mai Tai or Pina Colada?” She asks.

"Liv, you know I don't drink; besides I'm driving." I remind her with a bashful smile.She then points up to the ‘Thirsty Thursday’ sign and winks.

She dances with her shoulders. "I just want you to loosen up a bit, schools over and we're going to college in a few months! It's your birthday, it's time to celebrate. Plus, one drink won't hurt after we've been here for hours. I'll even order some wings!" she grins, knowing my weakness is food.

I feel a small tap on my shoulder. "Hello, ladies." A semi-deep voice says from behind me. Turning around I note two guys standing in front of us.

"Hi," Liv says with a striking smile as she eyes the blonde one. "I'm Liv, and this is Scar."

She's such a flirt. I smile at the boys. The other one, with cropped brown hair and bright blue eyes, reaches his hand out to me.

"I'm Logan and this is Carter, nice to meet y'all." He says with a bit of a southern drawl. Good looking, too. He’s wearing a nice button-up and has dark jeans on. I shake his hand.

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