Page 18 of Up In Flames
I came to the club to try to get you out of my mind, and wouldn’t you know, my first dance partner had the same name as you, rendering my entire trip useless.
A few minutespass while I sober up with some water at the bar. I travel alone enough to have a few ground rules in place, and even though Callum is here tonight, technically making menotalone, I’m definitely the responsible one in our party.
Those rules include: always watching the bartender make my drink, never allowing them to turn their back to me, and never,everwalking to my hotel or taking a rideshare while I’m still buzzing. I love meeting new people, but I also know there are plenty of shitty ones who think just because I like things that shine and the colors of the rainbow, I’d go down without a fight.
Good luck, motherfuckers. Those years of martial arts training have kept me safe on more than one occasion.
My heart skips a beat when my phone buzzes in my hand, alerting me to a text reply.
Knox
Who is this?
I stretch my arm out,take a picture, and hit send. My selfie game is strong. With one eye closed in a wink and my lips parted in a playful smirk, the low lights of the club give me the perfect shadowing, and the rhinestones on my face catch the light fromthe bar, making me look like a fae prince. I chuckle, realizing Knox probably has no idea what that is.
Knox
Oh, for fuck’s sake. How did you get my number?
Taylor
My parents left it for me in case I needed to get in touch…and I definitely need to get in touch.
Knox
Are you okay?
The factthat he takes the time to ask about my well-being instead of going straight to being pissed off makes my stomach swirl.
Taylor
I’m fine.
Just wanted to say hello.
Knox
It’s 1:00 in the morning.
Taylor
If you didn’t want to be woken up, you should’ve put your phone on silent.
Knox
I’ll be sure to remember that from now on.
Before I can typesomething witty, my phone goes off again, making me smile.
Knox
Where the hell are you?
Taylor:
Atlanta
Knox
