Page 24 of I Survived and will rise again

"Of course I am," she replies with a smile. "Plus, they're going to look hot as fuck in those cop uniforms."

A deep growl rumbles from Ash's throat.

Donnie turns to me and asks, "Looks like you’re the only one who hasn’t made a decision, Shorty." His eyes are a vivid blue that sparkle in the sunlight. “Have you thought more about going to school?”

"I'm not sure," I admit. Nobody knows that Ash stumbled upon a contest that offers a full scholarship to the art college in Nashville. Excited by the opportunity, I started working on my portfolio and submitted my work. Now, I'm anxiously waiting to hear back from them. Ash has been incredibly supportive and optimistic about my chances of getting in, and we both agreed to keep this news to ourselves until I get an official acceptance letter, in case I don’t get accepted.

"There's a great photography program in Tennessee," Donnie reminds me.

"I know." I offer him a small smile. Ever since he decided to go to Vanderbilt, he's been dropping little subtle hints and reminders about the photography program in Tennessee.

"Promise me you'll think about it?" he asks, practically pleading.

"Yeah, I promise," I say quietly, watching Ash's eyes lock on me through the rearview mirror. We share an unspoken bond, a secret only we know. A sly grin spreads across his face, and he playfully winks at me, cementing our silent agreement.

CHAPTER 9

Sadie

Two months later

As we step into the packed nightclub at Rythm Connexion, the thumping rhythm of "La Nueva Y La Ex" by Daddy Yankee hits us immediately, accompanied by the neon lights illuminating the entire room. The air is thick with the scent of sweat, alcohol, and perfume, and the heat from the mass of bodies is almost suffocating. We make our way through the tightly packed crowd, dodging the occasional bump or shove, and finally find a small, available corner booth.

We quickly squeeze into the booth and take in our surroundings. The interior is bathed in a kaleidoscope of colors that catches our attention. The club is spread across two levels, and we could see the main dance floor as we entered. I glance up and see the second level now with its VIP section, extra seating, and a second bar.

The strobe lights on the dance floor are incredibly bright, flashing with the rhythm of the music blasting from the speakers. The DJ's booth is positioned on a high platform above the crowd, affording the perfect view of the sea of people dancingbelow. Along the sides of the dance floor, a group of girls dance on elevated platforms.

Before the rest of us settle in, Tiny disappears, muttering something about how she will be back.

With her long black hair cascading down her shoulders and an infectious smile on her face, Lupe leans across the table. "I can't believe we finally made it out to the club! It's been way too fucking long."

Telle nods enthusiastically, her caramel-colored wavy locks tumbling over her shoulders as she speaks. "I know, right? And we are looking sexy as hell," she replies, excitement dancing in her amber-colored eyes that almost look like the shade of honey.

Tia shouts over the music, "I need a drink, like, yesterday!" Tia meticulously chose her outfit for tonight—a gold sequin crisscross top that perfectly complements her complexion, paired with tight black leather pants and a pair of open-toe gold heels that showcase her freshly done pedicure.

The bartender, a tall man with a shape-up haircut and muscles like the Rock, strides up to our table. He has a mischievous grin as he leans in and asks, "What can I get you hermosa ladies tonight?"

"I'll take a tequila sunrise," Lupe says.

Sitting across from Lupe, Tia flashes a flirtatious smirk as she orders. "Martini, extra dry, please."

"Vodka soda with a twist of lime," Telle chimes in, flashing a coy smile at the bartender.

"And for you, beautiful?" the bartender turns to me.

"I'll have a water with lemon, please," I say with a smile.

“Oh! And chips and salsa,” Tia adds. “Baby mama needs to eat something.”

The bartender acknowledges our order with a nod and heads to the bar.

"Hey, is it just me, or did the bartender look like Anuel AA?" Lupe asks, her eyes following him as he walks away.

Tia chuckles, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. "Lupe, you think every Latino in this city looks like him."

Lupe's brows furrow in mock offense. "No, I don't! But come on, you have to admit, there's a resemblance, right? The haircut, his smile, his ass... he could be his doppelganger."

Tia laughs, shaking her head.

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