Page 21 of Something Blue

I grin. This is exactly what I needed to clear my head. I’ve been so consumed by worries - I need to let it all go for one night so that I can think more clearly tomorrow.

People don’t function very well when they’re stressed.

“Let’s get some shots.” Dalila says, tugging me towards the bar.

She leans over and shouts something I can’t hear to the barman and I stand next to her, alreadydancing a little and fully prepared to let my hair down tonight.

A few minutes later she hands me a tequila. “Oh dear.” I grin.

“For tonight - you arerelaxing- ok?” She says sternly.

“Agreed.” I nod.

We clink the glasses together and I throw my head back, letting the tequila burn like fire down my throat.

I shudder and squint against the unpleasant taste, then bite down on a piece of pineapple splashed with tabasco. It’s the only way I will ever have tequila.

Dalila nods, and grabs my hand and pulls me towards the dance floor. I don’t argue one bit. I came here to dance. This is how I relax. I need this more than anything.

As predicted - guys are all over Dalila. She keeps having to glare at them, or blatantly push them away from her while she’s dancing. Once or twice someone tries to make a move on me, but mostly I am free to dance and enjoy myself.

When we take a break and head to the bar for another drink, I laugh at her. “You attract a lot of attention.” I tease.

“Oh, speak for yourself.” She laughs.

“Whatever, you have guys falling over you.”

“Did you not notice the row of guys trying to dance behind you?” She says, her brows knotted.

“Not really.” I shrug.

“What does a guy have to do to get the attention of a gorgeous girl like this?” Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome sides up behind Dalila and wraps his hands around her waist. She grins, recognizing her husband’s voice immediately.

“You came.” She says excitedly, turning to kiss Nevio.

“Can I get you two a drink?” He asks, grinning at me. “How are you, Neve?”

I shrug. “As good as I can be at the moment, I guess.”

“We aren’t allowed to talk about bad things tonight.” Dalila waves her hand at her husband, letting him know the rules. “We’re here to havefun.” She raises her brows, and he holds up both hands in defense. “Fun it is then.” He chuckles.

After another round of tequila’s Nevio leads us to the VIP table he arranged and the two of them sit down to catch up a little.

“I’m going to dance for a bit.” I shout over the music.

“I’ll be there soon.” Dalila grins.

“No rush, enjoy yourself.” I smile and turn away, making my way to the dance floor alone. I want to get lost in the music again. I want to dance until my feet ache and I’m so tired that I have no problems falling asleep tonight.

I’ve been dancing for about half an hour when hands run up over my waist. I turn, expecting to see Dalila wiggling through the dance floor to come and join me, but I find myself face to face with Celso.

My heart stops beating for a second and my lips drop open.

“What are you doing here?” I stammer.

He smirks, his lips curving up at the corners, creating dimples on his cheeks. His bright blue eyes are catching the lights and the look he’s giving me is making me think some very inappropriate thoughts.

I try to step away from him, but the dance floor is too crowded, and I bump into the guy behind me. Celso grabs me around the waist and pulls me tight up against his chest.

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