Chapter 5
“We are here!" Diana roared over the loud music blasting from many speakers in the car. She clapped her hands and banged her head vigorously to the high tempo song, while smiling wildly at Garrick.
We found a parking space and Garrick turned off the car engine. He looked back at Eunice and I, and said, "You have to be careful in there. There is usually this camarilla in there. Stay safe and have fun."
I stepped out of the car and immediately felt the smog in the air. It was dark... A couple of other cars parked around and about us. The ambiance resonated solitude. I put my hat back on and tighten my fancy blazer across my body before casting a sideward glance at Eunice, almost like I was waiting for a cue to advance forward.
She walked up to me and took my hand and led me behind the chuckling couple in front of us. As we inched closer to the main entrance, soft sounds of violin began to fill the air, gently. My uneasiness started to grow... Those goose pimples were back, tightening my skin, and filling my mind with anticipation.
Our entrance was greeted by warmth and the snug hands of coziness. The cold was trounced by the heat inside... Ah! The combination of wearing cold and overpowering heat felt like sprawling under my duvet, with my toes out. Such an amazing feeling it was.
The main hall was dimly lit, with fancy lights at various positions and two remarkably beautiful chandeliers. My legs were heavy and I hardly even noticed that Eunice still held my hand. I looked around. Couples loitered about multifarious corners, while groups of friends took more distinctive spots. I could easily spot a few loud talkers; some had obviously had too much to drink and were telling tales after tales of random jokes and experiences. Eunice and I strode towards the pub and took our seat near a middle aged couple who seemed contented with just watching everything that went on around them. Eunice ordered for something... I really didn't hear what she requested for. I knew it was free, plus I was too taken in by the lovely things I saw. We sighted Diana and Garrick, already laughing their night away with a group at one of the far end. Old friends, maybe, I thought. Someone tapped me on my shoulder, and I turned sharply like a scared little girl. It was the man behind the counter. He put down a tray of two glasses, containing some colorless alcohol. I am not an alcohol person, so I couldn't tell what it was. I smiled at him and he left. Then I realized... Eunice was not by my side any more. I made for my phone to call her, but immediately decided against it. She probably left on purpose... to make me an official product on the counter.
I began to feel more comfortable and decided to take a sip from my drink. I knew it was strong alcohol. I never trusted anything without a color. I contracted my nostrils to block whatever pungent alcoholic smell might emanate, and poured a little into my mouth, then gulped... It burned.
About fifteen minutes had gone by, and I finally caught a glimpse of Eunice, sitting across from Garrick and Diana, being chatted up by a guy with near blonde hair. She was laughing a lot, so I imagined she was having a wonderful time. I began to get a bit jealous... Eunice caught my stare and returned it with a smirk. I looked away and took another sip of my drink. My skin was loosening up gradually; I was feeling more relaxed. The alcohol was hot and quite hard to swallow, but it had a resultant soothing effect. My night was turning into a happy one; the DJ played soft romantic songs and mixed with jazz. Heaven! Alas, my feelings were reverted when songs of heart break came on. Suddenly, I urgently needed to pee. My eyes were quite drowsy, but I managed to get myself off the bar stool and saunter towards the ladies. It was not difficult to find.
I descended on the toilet seat with alacrity and involuntarily heaved a sigh of relief as my pee gushed out in a sputter. I could still hear the songs in the background. I tried to take my mind off it, but the harder I fought, the stronger it became. I gave up, and allowed it sink in. That seemed to work... as my nerves began to receive calmness. I finished up and flushed. Nothing would be allowed to ruin this night for me, I told myself.
The DJ had changed the tempo of the music when I got out. Pop songs were now in the mix. I saw a staircase that led upstairs and I decided to explore. As I Climbed the flight of stairs with care, I suddenly remembered that my purse was still at the bar.
Briskly, I turned to return to the bar when I saw him, standing with a cute smile in front of me. I used to have disinclination towards creeps. But this creep was a cute creep. God! He was handsome. He had long masculine face with his beards trimmed into a teddy. I notice his height, Oh my god! I had always been melted by tall and handsome men─ which explained my fascination with basketball. Even till now, I can't say that I know how the game is played, but I enjoy watching those honks, running around, nicely muscular and sweaty.
The halyard of my emotions began to raise the yellow flag of my heart. My brain attempted to hesitate, but my heart said no. I said no.
"Hi...Miranda, what are you doing here?" he said.
And just then it occurred to me. He knew who I was. Wait… I knew who he was. Oh my god, the little sips of alcohol I had taken was messing with my head already. I was staring at Kyle and I did not even know it. He looked so handsome under the lights. His face made me melt on the spot.
“Oh Kyle, please forgive me, I almost did not recognize you” I said as my head began to analyze the possibility that my best friend had set this up.
“Oh that’s okay. I could hardly recognize you myself. You have lost some weight and you look so much like the most beautiful angel in heaven. ” he joked. Of course he had to be kidding and teasing me because I knew that I was a mess. Oh no, I was sure that I was a mess. But it still made me blush anyway.
I was still enchanted by his looks and my mouth could hardly form any words
“Are you here with Eunice? I think I caught a glimpse of her from afar” he said.
"Hmm hmm" I nodded.
Honestly, I would have nodded to whatever question he asked─ even if it was whether I was an accomplice to the murder of Michael Jackson.
He gave that charming smile again and led me toward the bar. I explained to him that I was having a drink before I decided to look around. His lips form an Oh, and he asked me what I was having. I blushed and answered truthfully that I had no idea, and then looked down in embarrassment. Well, he already knew I was not much of an alcoholic. And he definitely could spot the alcohol in my eyes if he looked closely enough.
"No worries. A decent girl shouldn't know too much about alcohol, anyway." he spoke, much to my delight. He still had his princely charm.
The guy behind the bar smiled and handed my bag over to me. He had kept it somewhere under the magnificently built counter. I just loved everything about the place. The inch perfect design of every single piece that made up the whole setting….ah! Awesome! The designs on the floor were beautiful... a mix of Mozart and conceptual flooring. The name of the establishment was written in graffiti behind where I sat. Everything was so organized and planned, from the lighting to the sounds, to-
"Scotch..." I heard him say, drawing me away from my mental admiration.
"Scotch…" he repeated.
"Huh?" I turn to him in shock.
"You are having scotch. The drink... It's scotch" he explained.
"Oh… Oh..." I croaked.
I realized my mind had drifted away into a stream of its own consciousness, and I had completely forgotten that I had this handsome American Adonis in front of me. He was still smiling, obviously sensing the distance of my mind. I felt a sudden coldness on my wrist. I abruptly looked down and found his fingers slightly placed on my hand. A sharp rush of hormones ran through my spine.