Chapter 17 #2
“It’ll be three years on Halloween,” Chloe smiles as she recalls when she started.
“There was this huge Halloween party and one of the main dancers couldn’t make it.
Jena was looking for someone to replace her last minute and the two of us knew each other from the studio downtown,” She glances at Cohen who is taking it all in, clearly interested in Chloe’s story. “You remember that night, right?”
“I do,” He nods in response. “I was just starting out as well. I think the dancer got a stomach flu, or something. It was crazy!”
“Probably the craziest night I’ve worked,” Chloe agrees. “And I was wearing a bunny costume, it was great. Anyway, after that I was offered to stay permanently and I said yes.”
“That’s great,” I try to picture it all in my head. “I wonder what Halloween parties at the Eden look like.”
“Oh, you’ll love them!” Chloe nods with enthusiasm. “Just make sure you have your costume ready in advance. No one will offer a hand in all that chaos if you end up needing last minute adjustments.”
“Noted,” I smile.
“But anyway, because I’ve seen what’s out there and I’ve been working here for a decent amount of time, I find it incredibly difficult to believe someone would just quit,” Chloe finishes her drink and places the empty glass back on the bar.
“Yeah, I understand what you mean,” I look away, noticing Cohen playing with his phone. He shut off from our conversation and seems lost in his thoughts.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Mia interrupts him and he forces a smile as he lifts his head to look at her.
“Sorry, I’m just tired,” He leans over the counter and grabs her hand before placing a kiss on her palm.
“It’s cool how your dad doesn’t mind you working here,” I say to Cohen, recalling the conversation I witnessed between him and his clearly rich father.
“What?” He looks at me with a confused look on his face.
“The guy I saw you with the other day,” I explain. “I thought he was your dad, you two looked pretty close and it didn’t seem like you’re in desperate need for money to get a job here. I think your dad is cool for being on board.”
“Oh that,” the look on his face is uneasy. “I guess you can say that.”
“What if we go out one of these days?” Mia asks the three of us. “All of us, but outside of work.”
“That’d be fun,” Cohen leans in again, his eyes not leaving Mia’s.
“I would love to, but I have way too much to study,” I sigh, finishing my own drink. Just thinking about having an entire day off to do nothing but unwind and rest, brings a tear to my eyes.
Soon, Riley. You’ll have that soon.
“I don’t think I can make it either,” Chloe adds. “I’m trying to pursue a painting career and I spend most of my free time in my studio.”
Mia sulks, turning to look at Cohen. “Don’t worry, we can have fun even if it’s just the two of us.”
“Maybe even more so,” Mia laughs leaning over to place a quick peck on his cheek and her handbag drops from her lap, spilling all of her things on the floor. “Damn it!” She curses, jumping to her feet to pick it all up.
“It’s so cute how clumsy you are,” Cohen looks at her with a wide smile on his face which seems to affect Mia more than one would expect. She places her headphones on the counter, her full attention on Cohen now.
“Mia, you might want to put those in your bag or you’ll end up forgetting them,” I point out, remembering the time we went out to celebrate her birthday and she forgot her entire purse in the lady’s room.
“Don’t worry,” Mia laughs. “The forgotten purse incident won’t repeat itself.”
“Just in case,” Cohen walks over to where his jacket is and takes something out, then returns. “If you ever do end up forgetting something at the club, here’s my spare key. So you can come back and pick it up any time,” he slides the key over to Mia who takes it.
This can’t be normal.
The entire night I’ve been noticing strange things about Cohen and him giving access to the club with so much ease to someone who has worked here for only a few days just feels strange.
And to make things worse, I still haven’t figured out a way to tell Mia about my suspicions regarding Cohen.
Seeing her so excited and happy around him, makes it harder.
“Okay, friends,” I jump off the stool straight to my feet and put my denim jacket on. “It’s been fun, but I have to leave now.”
“We’ll miss you,” Mia pouts, reaching out her arms to hug me.
“I’ll miss you too,” I reply, hug her back. “But unfortunately, I have an exam early in the morning.”
“I know, I know,” she sighs. “I’m proud of you for working so hard.”
“I’m proud of you, too.”
After saying goodbye I head outside, ready to call an Uber, when I see a familiar face leaning on a black car, waiting.
“Miss,” the driver greets me with a smile, opening the door for me.
“Again?” I raise an eyebrow. “He’s unbelievable.”
“I’m just following orders, miss.”
“I know,” I say, taking out my phone and dialing Zeke’s number. He picks up almost immediately, his voice a lot less annoyed than mine on the other side of the line. “What is all of this about, Zeke?”
“Oh, you mean Elliott?” He asks.
“Of course, I mean Elliott,” I snap back. “Unless you have someone else waiting for me at my place.”
“No, it’s just Elliott,” His voice is calm.
“I told you I didn’t want a babysitter,” I reply. “Or need one for that matter.”
“I know you don’t, but that doesn’t make the road you’re taking home any less dangerous,” he points out. “I don’t want you going home alone.”
“I feel like I should be annoyed with you…”
“Does that mean you’ll accept the ride?”
“Fuck it,” I sigh, glancing at the driver patiently waiting for me by the door. “Yes.”
“Would you also accept meeting me for a drink tonight?” That’s the one thing I don’t see coming. And I should say no. I have an exam in the morning, for crying at loud.
“Yes,” The words leave my mouth before I can take another moment to think about it.