6.Mia
I've been home for three days, and this is the first time I've left the house. It’s not my usual Friday night. Normally, I’m at home binging trash TV or engrossed in my newest book. But tonight is different. Here I am, sitting at the end of Cameron’s bed, staring at the daring outfit he picked out for me to wear. Cameron’s always been fashion-forward, so I trust his opinion, but this dress leaves little to the imagination and will barely cover my parts. He claims his inspiration came from the movie Pretty Woman- after she meets Edward.
As Cameron does my makeup, giving me a smokey eye with winged liner and topping off the look with a matte red lip stain, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. I tousle the waves of my golden hair, gently breaking apart the curls before setting it with hairspray. After hair and makeup, I slip into the silver mini-dress Cameron picked out. It sparkles beautifully on my body when I move, but the waist cut-out and cold-shoulder style leave me feeling a little exposed as I turn in front of the mirror. He tosses a pair of black stilettos my way, commenting, “Babe, no guy will be able to resist you looking this good.”
He slips his phone into the front pocket of his black skinny jeans, the denim hugging his muscly frame snugly. With a quick adjustment of the collar of his black matching button-down, he completes his look, his fashion sense evident even in the most minor details.
He undeniably has the boy next door look, that is, until he applies a light dusting of sparkles under his eyes and a little gloss to complete his look.
“I’m still not sure how you managed to talk me into this,” I mutter.
Cameron, my forever fearless accomplice, practically dragged me out of my room tonight, whispering promises of a legendary night out. I hesitated at first, fearful of the consequences of being caught by Dad or Karen, but the sparkle of mischief in Cameron's eyes proved irresistible.
I watch him smile at me through the mirror as he gives himself a final look over. “Time to live a little, Babe! Besides, it’s just one night.”
“But lying to my wardens? I’ll be toast if they find out." I breathe. “How did you convince Liam and Julio to not tell on me?” I ask.
“That’s for me to know,” he says before winking at me. “Consider this a pre-wedding, wedding present. Besides, you need a little rebellion before your arrangement is finalized. I promise you'll thank me one day.”
The concept of arranged marriages has been ingrained in me since childhood, a part of growing up in an Italian household. It's a tradition that's deeply rooted in our culture, and for me, it's always been a reality of my future. While some may find it unsettling, even oppressive, it's simply a way of life that I've come to accept. However, I can't ignore Cameron's discomfort with the idea. Despite his attempts to mask it, I can sense the unease in his eyes whenever the topic arises.
“What would I do without you?” I don't think I want to know.
“Probably be bored at home,” he remarks sarcastically.
He is definitely right about that. He’s the only one who could talk me into going out tonight. Cameron and I go way back, all the way to third grade, when we were paired up as reading partners. From that moment on, we were inseparable. Even when I was studying at Juilliard, thousands of miles apart, we still texted every day. And whenever he could, Cameron would hop on a flight to New York just to hang out.
"Any possible suitors yet?" Cameron asks, his curiosity evident.
"None yet, but I just got back from New York, so I think I have a little time before he sells me off to the highest bidder," I reply with a wry grin.
The buzzer rings into his apartment, pulling me out of my thoughts. That must be the rideshare.
“Come on, Princess. It's time to escape your tower and knock the dust off your kitty,” he teases.
“So, where are we going tonight?” I ask hesitantly, avoiding his comment.
Grinning like the cat that just ate the canary, he replies, "Club Diavolo. Brad was able to get us on the list."
Brad is Cameron's flavor of the week. I love the guy, but man, he goes through boyfriends like he does underwear. It's also why it’s so hard for him to understand why I'm waiting until marriage and not as giving as he is. But he’s happy, and that’s all that matters. Also, it’s why Cameron insisted on a night out. He’s very much the free spirit of our friendship and doesn't believe in arranged marriages.
Although Cameron and I share the same background, his family disowned him after he came out. Apparently, it ruined the arranged marriage that his dad planned for him, causing a massive fight between the two families when they had to break the marriage off.
Once a marriage contract is signed, it's nearly impossible to break. Cameron coming out was the exception. His father didn't know how to react. I think he was more upset about breaking the contract than he was about Cameron being gay. His mother didn't want to disown him, but it was the only way.
Ever since he moved in with his grandmother and has lived life free to be himself- his mantrais ‘Live your life the way you want and only the way you want.’ It’s not that I want this marriage, but I was raised knowing that this would be my future, so I guess it's easier for me to accept.
Sitting in the back of our rideshare, I stare out the window, loving how the city lights twinkle at night. The city's skyline sparkles against the dark backdrop of the starless sky, making everything else disappear.
A short while later, we arrive at Diavolo, one of the hottest new nightclubs in the city.
Tonight is a celebration, my way of rebelling against the shackles my father has kept around me. Although the thought of marriage terrifies me, tonight is about being free and having fun, leaving old Mia at home to worry about responsibilities and expectations.
Walking right up to the bouncer, he gives Cameron a quick nod before opening the rope to allow us in. We exchange knowing smiles, a silent affirmation of tonight's adventures that await us. The pulsing beat of the music echoes around the stale air, my heart thundering in my chest along with it as I step inside.
We make a beeline to the bar, ordering two tequila sunrises to calm the nerves bubbling inside my belly. I'm not usually a drinker, but tonight, I've thrown all my rules out the window, and when the bartender sets the colored liquid down in front of me, I quickly grab it and raise it in the air. "To freedom, my little rebel!” Cameron toasts us as we clink our glasses together before throwing back our first drink. The drink is very fruity but carbonated, and the bubbles tickle my throat. I’ll have to remember to be careful with these. I can't even taste the alcohol in them.
Heat creeps across my skin as I down my third drink. Despite my background in dance, ballet is a world away from the pulsating energy of a nightclub. The liquor lessens my anxiety, and the urge to lose myself in the music on the dance floor becomes too much. Slamming my glass down, I shoot Cameron my best puppy-dog pout and plead. "Come dance with me." He laughs, downing the rest of his drink before taking my hand and leading us to the center of the dance floor.
We immerse ourselves in the pool of bodies grinding together as lights sparkle and shimmer around us. An upbeat remix of “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen comes on, and I throw my hands up. “I love this song.” My eyes slip shut as I sway to the beat, losing myself to the freedom the dance floor offers. It’s intoxicating, a welcome distraction from my everyday life.
Dancing has always been something that came naturally to me, and the freeing sensation it offers fuels my passion. I crack my eyes open, and the odd feeling of being watched sends goosebumps across my flushed skin. Scanning the crowd, I don't notice anything suspicious. As I let the music take me away, a pair of meaty hands rest on my hips, and I cringe as they pull me back. The putrid smell of cheap aftershave and cigarettes fills my nose, and I almost gag right then and there. I push at his hands, trying to get away, but that only makes him tighten his grip. I'm trying to pull away, but this guy won’t let go.
I look around for Cameron, but he's nowhere in sight. The icky stranger's hands tighten around my hips, and panic begins to bubble inside me as I struggle to break free. But just when I fear I can't escape, my knight in shining armor appears. With a swift motion, he pushes the creep away, effortlessly sending him fumbling backward. I watch in horror as the creep stumbles past the crowd, missing the sea of people and right into the bouncer, where I assume he's escorted out.
Relief washes over me, but before I can fully process what just happened, I feel a jolt from behind.
I stumble forward, my heart pounding in my chest as I brace for impact. But instead of hitting the ground, I find myself caught in strong arms. His hands wrap around my waist, and for a moment, time seems to stand still. His scent of woodsy amber undertones and subtle hints of expensive cologne cloud my mind, making the chaos of the club fade away.
I'm enveloped by the gentle yet firm grip of my knight in shining armor. Just when I think he's going to let go, I feel him tighten his grip, pulling me closer to him.
The sensation sends a shiver down my spine, igniting a spark of something unfamiliar yet undeniably thrilling. With each touch, I feel drawn further into his embrace, as if he's casting a spell over me. Despite the pounding music and the swirling crowd around us, it's as if we're in our own world, dancing to the rhythm of my pounding heart.
The unpleasant memory of the creep's touch fades away, replaced by the warmth of my mysterious dance partner's embrace. I glance up at him, searching his eyes for any hint of recognition.
His eyes are dark and intense yet hold a sense of familiarity that I can't quite place. Suddenly, he leans in, his lips brushing against mine in a soft yet electrifying kiss. My breath catches in my throat as a rush of sensation floods through me. His kiss ignites a fire within me, sending sparks of desire coursing through my veins.
But our blissful moment is shattered as another man appears, whispering something into my mystery hunk's ear. The spell breaks, and reality comes crashing back in. With a reluctant glance, he releases me from his embrace, leaving me dazed and breathless.
As he disappears into the crowd, a sense of longing fills me. Who was he? And why did our encounter feel so significant? The unanswered questions swirl in my mind as I turn to find Cameron, needing to share the whirlwind of emotions that's left me reeling.