Chapter 6
Scarlett
We’re at our favorite club close to Seattle.
The three of us are drinking margaritas on the rocks at a table by the bar.
Exposed brick surrounds us while metal lighting and steel beams loom over our heads.
We’re here early, so it’s empty, but soon the vibe will be replaced with a packed dance floor and loud music with a pulsing beat.
“Wait, he requested to train with you?” Paige asks. I’m filling in the girls on the day’s events in detail, seeking hope for the weeks ahead with Mr. Red.
“Yeah. What kind of person would do that? I didn’t even shake his hand,” I explain as I adjust my backless halter. “Isn’t it weird how many times we ran into each other today? Do you think he knew about the yoga class? I didn’t tell him my name or anything. That’s crazy, right?”
“Just attraction,” Lana states in a flat tone. “And the possibility of you running into him again was bound to happen. It’s a small town.” She stares down at her drink and takes a sip.
I continue complaining. “You guys, how am I going to get out of this? I don’t want to work with him for a month.”
“He said what happened was out of character, right? Maybe he’s not always such a douchebag.” Paige shrugs with an optimistic smile.
“Yeah, you probably just caught him on a bad day,” Lana pipes in.
“Paige! I thought you were on my side? Ape on crack, remember?” I argue.
“Of course I’m on your side! You are booked with him already, though. I’m just trying to give you a little hope it won’t be terrible.”
“I can’t deal with this.” I throw up a hand.
“It’s not forever. He’s not from here, right?” Paige takes a sip of her drink.
“That doesn’t help me with the rest of the month. What if it is forever because he moved here? Or he’s choosing to stay out of spite.”
“You did say he was a hot ape on crack. I bet he’s good in bed.”
I make dagger eyes at Paige. “What about this conversation would make you think I want to hook up with him?”
“Nothing. But, he’s the first guy you’ve been attracted to in years.
Now, I know you like to get to know a guy, for whatever reason.
This way you’ll be getting to know each other really well, really soon.
” She nudges me, pushing her eyebrows up.
“Knowing each other so you can know each other in bed.”
Why do I associate with these women?
I throw some ice from my margarita at Paige.
“Hey! Not cool!” Her face turns a shade of pink.
“Woah, ladies, settle down. Lana, get a hold of your friends!” the bartender interrupts with a playful smile. His dark hair is gelled back, has gauged ears, and a tattoo sleeve on one arm pulling off that “don’t care,” bad boy vibe.
He’s looking like he wants to throw Lana against a wall and have his way with her. He’s been checking her out all night, which she hasn’t seemed to notice. Getting her name, staring at her the whole night, and outright asking if she was single wasn’t a big enough hint for Lana.
I try to get her to notice this guy, just to pull her into the moment. “Lana, go get us another shot, would you? I need to take the edge off.”
“Okay, sure.” She goes to the bartender to order.
“I doubt anything is going to come from that, Scarlett,” Paige says, turning to me.
“We can try to push her into something!”
“Hey, I’m all for a good dick down, but she’s beyond lost right now.”
We watch as he takes her request, gives her a wink, and passes her a napkin.
“Okay, play it cool. She’s coming back!” I tap Paige on the arm.
Lana brings a tray of three shots and the napkin.
“Cheers!” we say, clinking our drinks together in a triangle and downing the shots.
“So, what’s the napkin say, Lana?” I ask, lifting my chin towards the evidence. I’m positive it’s a cute love note with his number.
She looks up after reading it and tells us, “I’m not getting the next round.”
“Lana! You’re no fun! He’s hot!” Paige declares.
“You go get hit on then!”
“He wasn’t after me.”
“You guys, I’m fine.”
“Lana, it’s been three months. Wouldn’t it help to at least try and move on? Even if it’s just a rebound, doing something to get Ryan off your mind,” I persuade. “A guy with tattoos and the look he’s giving you would be a shame to pass up.”
“I don’t need a guy. I have a toy at home some women would argue is better. He’ll never hurt me, keeps me satisfied, and is always right where I left him. Guys are just around to break your heart. I don’t need them.” She flicks her hand like she’s shooing a fly.
Lana hasn’t been the same since her boyfriend decided to up and leave with no explanation. He moved to New York for his dream job without an invitation to her. She has been broken hearted ever since.
Paige and I have offered to hunt him down. It’s a wonder we haven’t, after what he did to her.
“I have to feel it, and how can I do that when I don’t feel like myself?” Lana explains, making me regret bringing up the issue.
I give her a hug around one shoulder, looking at her with a sympathetic look. “We’re here for you, La La. Anything you need, just let us know.”
She responds with a half-smile. “Screw guys. We came here for a reason—to have fun and dance.”
I look around at the several people filling the club. “You’re right.” I tap her glass with mine. “Let’s go!”
We make our way to the center of the dance floor, swaying to the beat. The dancing helps me stay focused on tonight. Mr. Red is just a client I have to deal with—tomorrow.