I’m so happy that my shift is over. It was stressful, and I’m in dire need of a drink now more than ever. A big, stiff drink. I walk upstairs to the staff changing area and take my mobile out of my locker. I notice a text from Megan.

Have an amazing night out tonight, Jen. We love ya. Xx

Thank you, Megan. Love you too Xx

I head off into the side rooms and give myself a little wash in the showers. I do not like public showers, but there is no way I am going out tonight smelling like the hospital. Just the thought of being watched in the shower by someone that I do not know makes me cringe, so I make it quick when I use public facilities. I do want to look good though since it’s a night out with the staff. I slip on my dress, add heels, and brush through my hair leaving it down the way it naturally falls. I take a seat in the green bucket chair near the window and grab the red polish to finish off my nails.

Go shake your bum. Xx

Haha, I will do. I need to de-stress. Xx

Any news from Rich? Xx

No, nothing hun. Xx

Oh well, get a move on. Xx

With that response, I separate everything in my bag that I don’t need for the night, keeping just the items I do need. Walking down to put my things into the car, I turn around to see Lori, one of the new girls at work. She seems very quiet, but I don’t think she will be like that for a long time.

“Lori.” I wave.

“Hi Jenny, how are you?” She asks.

“I’m good. Are you going over to Alison’s leaving do?” I question.

“Yeah, just for a couple,” she replies.

“I’ll walk over with you then,” I add.

Lori, a newly qualified nurse, has beautiful long brown hair clipped back with a little flower hair clasp. She has mesmerising blue eyes; she is like a dark angel. She is wearing a long pink top with a little tie around the middle over some cute jeans. Lori’s topped off her outfit with black heels. She looks amazing.

“I hate walking into events alone,” Lori states.

“Me too,” I agree.

As we approach the bar door, I take a deep breath. I do not really want to be here, but I promised Alison I would see her before she left for Australia. She plans to continue doing the same job, just in a place she really wants to live and work. She will be close to her best and oldest friend Kristy. I think she will be a lot happier once she gets settled in there.

“Jenny! Lori!” Alison yells as we walk into the room.

“Hi, hun,” I say as I’m being dragged into Alison’s arms with Lori right beside me.

“Oh my! I can’t believe how drunk I am. Everyone keeps giving me wine,” she says holding up a glass of red wine.

“What would you like to drink, Alison?” I laugh.

“Water and lots of it.” She places her hand on her head.

“I’ll get you water.” I turn and face Lori. “What would you like to drink?”

“A small white wine would be great. Thanks,” she replies.

Alison goes off to join everyone at the table while we get the drinks. I love this bar because it is quiet and only a ten-minute walk from my work door. The setup is such a clever idea; it is attached to a club. People just move within the same building to go from the bar to the club. I especially love the décor because it is all different colours throughout.

The bar staff are busy as always. They wear plain black t-shirts to set them apart from bar patrons. I stand there waiting for our drinks to arrive, watching everyone talk and eat nibbles. There is nothing better than seeing everyone relaxed.

“There you go, Miss,” the bar man says.

“Thank you.” I take hold of the drinks and walk off over to sit at the table with Lori. The next hour or so is just full of drinking and laughing about the things we have done.

“Let’s head into the club!” Alison yells.

Of course, some people jump at the chance to go, while others decline due to work tomorrow.

“Jenny, are you coming to the club?” Alison asks.

“Nah, I’m going to head home.”



“Nooo! Come on, Jen, we need to party,” she says, grabbing hold of my wrist and pulling me into the club.

I love the club side; it is so much fun. There is only about an hour till it closes, so I guess it will be fun to dance the rest of the night away. Alison runs over to the DJ before appearing back on the dance floor where we are all dancing together. All the lads left, so it has turned into a true girl’s night out. The lights are flashing, the music is pumping, everyone is dancing, and there is not a care in the world.

I need to pee, so I leave everyone and head over to the bathroom. Through the crowds of people, I see him. I’m unable to move. I never thought I would see him here.

I instantly feel sick to my stomach, my nerves shot. I quickly run into the bathroom, hoping he did not see me. I pee before standing in front of the mirror surrounded by loads of drunken women. I touch up my makeup, making sure I look good before I take a deep breath, push open the door and step back out onto the dance floor.

I walk straight over to the bar to get a drink. “I’ll have a water, please,” I tell the bartender.

“I’ll have a beer. Place hers on my tab.” I turn around to see him, standing so close to me that there is not even an inch between us.

“I can buy my own drink, thanks,” I say.

“It’s my treat.”