by Layne, Lyssa
Inside the club, Tyler had decorated with balloons and light sticks. We didn't realize there was a theme tonight and I didn't remember seeing anything special on our schedule.
''Hey, girls!'' Tyler greeted us, as we walked into the employee room.
''Tyler,'' Bekka stepped closer to him, leaving Val and I behind. ''What's the occasion tonight?'' She placed her hands on his chest and he covered them with his.
''I just thought I could throw Val a little goodbye party.'' He crooked his left eyebrow towards us.
''You did all this for me? You didn't have to, but I'll enjoy my last night here even more now.'' Val smiled sweetly at him.
Bekka was still staring at Tyler and I could feel the tension building between them. I motioned to Val, silently suggesting we should leave them alone for a few minutes.
We got behind the bar with the other bartenders. There was double the normal staff on duty - I guess Tyler really was planning on going all out for Val’s impromptu goodbye party. I helped get the bar ready to go, keeping an eye on the other staff. They all seemed to have experience - this shift was going to be a lot easier than I first thought.
''Nix, did you notice it's karaoke night tonight?''
If there was one thing I feared in this world, it was karaoke. I turned around to look at the equipment on the stage, confirming Val’s observation. ''I won't sing,'' I snapped.
''I guess we'll see,'' Bekka laughed, and got back to her chores. She knew how much this would kill me.
There were two types of karaoke singers. The first group were the drunken ones, completely aware that their voices sounded like a beat up 1990 Toyota Tercel. The second type was formed by tipsy girls who really could sing, but didn't have the guts to sing without the courage gained from a few shots of Tequila. In both cases, I found them lame and I had a strong urge to roll my eyes at every contestant. This was the very reason I despised karaoke.
My excuse? I just don’t like singing in front of an audience. I didn't mind Val or Bekka listening to me, but anyone else felt too intimidating. As much as I dreaded karaoke, I had a terrible feeling in my gut that liquor-induced singing would be in my immediate future.
CHAPTER FOUR
It quickly became evident that Tyler was giving us a night off - he just wanted us to stay at the club and enjoy our last night together. He knew how close we were and how difficult it was going to be for us to be apart.
The club was almost at maximum capacity. It was summer and all the students were out of school; consequently it was a busy night. The music was loud, I’d never seen a night quite like this one. People were lined up four deep at the bar to get their drinks, giving the bar staff no time to catch a breath between customers. There were shots and beers all over the tables. Everyone was having fun and the ambiance was perfect.
Nobody had approached the karaoke machine and I was thankful.
Val and I were dancing among all our regular customers. It was great to be off-duty and enjoying a night with them. We spotted Bekka and Tyler talking, their bodies inclined towards each other - closer than I’d ever seen them before. Bekka was running her finger up and down his chest as they spoke. She was playing a game – being Bekka, the seductress. It was pretty obvious she had feelings for Tyler, because normally she was much more reserved. Val was just as surprised as I was, when Tyler leaned in and they shared their first kiss. And it wasn’t a simple first kiss, it was as hot as hell! Bekka pulled him closer and they kissed for a very long time, neither of them coming up for air. Bekka was gripping his shirt and holding him in place, not letting him go.
When they finally did stop kissing, Bekka couldn't stop smiling. I watched them for a little while, as they chatted and laughed together. She seemed more than happy - ecstatic would be a better word to describe her. It made me wish Tristan was here tonight, so I could kiss him again. I hadn’t talked to him before coming to work, and I considered calling him now, to see what he was up to. I decided to text - maybe he would come if I invited him.
Nix: Big night at the club! You should come... please?
Tristan: Yeah, I’ll be there soon. C-ya babe.
I smiled when I read his reply. He was really coming to see me! I thought things were going well between us. He liked me, I could feel it in his kisses. I couldn't wait to see if there would be more. Hopefully, there would be, and next time they wouldn’t be so rushed. I wanted to run my fingers through his hair, I wanted to feel him close to me. My desire for this relationship to go somewhere and progress into more was growing ever stronger. I didn’t want to just prove the girls wrong - I was meant to be with Tristan… not Levi, I was certain about that.
I offered a round of shots to Val and she accepted right away. Her night had already started and she was in party mode - nothing could stop her. On my side, I needed to relax, leave the anxiety behind me. I opted for a few Jim Beam Black shots. I liked bourbon and this one tasted good - a full bodied flavor with smooth caramel and a touch of warm oak. It was my favorite.
I felt the warm liquid burning as it ran down my throat. I wanted more, but I knew better. I didn't want to be drunk before Tristan arrived. I’d had four shots. Already my arms felt heavy and the tips of my fingers tingled. I was tired from the emotional day and the alcohol was soothing.
The girls and I ended up on the dance floor, dancing like no one was watching. Our hips were following the beat to a Beyoncé song. We sang and laughed. Dancing wasn’t something I was very comfortable with, but I let the music and alcohol control my body and it became easy. It was the beginning of a great night. Needing a little break, I went to the restroom to check on my tattoo. The bandage was still holding in place, regardless of the crazy dance moves. I hoped Levi wasn't going to show up. I couldn't say I hated him, but there was something about him I just couldn't figure out and his temper during my appointment surprised me. One minute he was flirting and blowing air over my tattoo, and the next he was acting like he didn't want me there. I was confused and didn’t know what to expect from Levi the next time I saw him.
If Tyler and Levi were friends like he implied, he most likely intended to show up tonight. I had never seen him previous to last week, before he asked me for a smile. Nothing made sense and it crossed my mind to ask Tyler. I walked over to him quickly. He held Bekka tightly in his arms. I figured he could tell by my expression that something was up. I had no poker face, it was always impossible for me to hide my feelings. This whole situation had me confused and I had to know who Levi was and what he wanted.
''Ty, can I ask you a question?'' My voice came out louder than I expected. Bekka looked straight at me - knowing I was up to something, that I had a plan and I had questions, lots of questions. Who was Levi? Where was he from? I had to know as much information as I could. He was intriguing, but also frustrating. We shared a love/hate type of connection, without the love. I hoped Tyler could confirm my belief that Levi was no good, and then I could just forget about him and concentrate on Tristan.
''Yeah. Sure,'' he frowned.
''Who’s Levi? Where’s he from? What's his story?'' I blurted out.
''That’s more like three questions, Nix. Why are you asking? He’s just a good friend of mine,'' Tyler replied, nonchalantly.
“Why haven’t I seen him before he turned up last week?'' I pressed.
''He crashes here at night. He just came back to Seattle. He was on the East Coast for a few months and he doesn't have a place here anymore, so I offered him a bed.''
''What about the lawyer thing?''
''It’s not my story to tell, Nix.'' He patted my shoulder gently. ''Ask him - he won't bite.''
Damn it! There was something Levi apparently wanted to keep hidden, and I didn't like it. Why would someone spend all those years in law school, if the subject didn't interest him to begin with? Becoming a lawyer wasn't easy, as it required long hours spent studying. I’d once thought about going to law school, so I knew it was no laughing matter. It was definitely not something you got into, not
unless you were sure you wanted to do it.
Tyler and Bekka left me to my thoughts, working through the why’s and how’s. Despite my concerns, I was feeling mellow and my thinking was slowed down. Obviously the side effects of JB - it was messing with my ability to think logically. Just as I saw Levi walking into the club, with his dishevelled brown hair, I felt strong arms wrap around my waist. I stiffened automatically, wondering who the hell it was, but I still couldn’t stop staring at ink boy. He glanced up and our eyes locked. My beat increased in tempo. Levi had my brain scrambled – as much as I wanted to stay away from him, I also wanted to get to know him better. I wanted to learn what those tatts on his arms signified. I wanted to know why he was back in town. I wanted to know why he wasn’t practising law. Everything about him had me curious and wanting more.
''That's a very short skirt you have on tonight, Nix.'' Tristan murmured in my ear, before feather kissing my neck. I looked away from Levi, my cheeks heating and my body reacting to Tristan’s nearness.
''You scared me,'' I admitted.
''Your skin is so soft,'' he whispered. I turned around to look at him - he sounded different. ''You are so beautiful tonight, baby.''
''Are you drunk?'' I asked, with a giggle. I hadn't known him for very long and I’d never seen him like this before. ''You’re kind of cute.''
He smiled a lopsided grin. ''I had a few drinks before I came here. So yes, it’s a possibility.'' He leaned in and pressed his lips against mine. I nibbled on his bottom lip and he pulled me closer, devouring my mouth. I had never been kissed in such an unrestrained manner before. My entire body lit up with excitement. He pulled back, offering me a smile. ''Do you want to dance with me?''
''I would love to,” I breathed.
He led the way through the crowds to the dance floor. The sexual tension between us was so strong, more powerful than ever. His hands slid from my hips to the side of my breast and down to the small of my back. We laughed, kissed repeatedly, and smiled. We didn't do much talking, our bodies were in control, doing all the communicating for us.
For the first time in months, I let myself go. I enjoyed myself, letting my walls down. I knew him – even if it was just a little, I knew him enough to feel safe. We danced until the DJ put on a rock song and then went straight to the bar and ordered another round of shots. Jim Beam and Tequila - I knew better than mixing alcohol, but I wanted to have a good time.
I spotted Levi sitting at the end of the bar. When our eyes met, he saluted me with his hand, holding a bottle of beer. I nodded back. I remembered that I wanted to talk to him, but with Tristan’s cologne all over me, I didn't care anymore. I turned to Tristan, who’d taken his second shot, and he kissed me again. I could taste the tequila and lemon on his tongue. He kept his arms around my waist, one of his hands settled on my behind. It made me feel like I was his, that he wanted me and me alone. We were inseparable - repeatedly kissing with our tongues colliding, seeking out one another. His hands roamed across my body, touching my revealed skin. This had never happened to me before, and it should have been nerve wracking. I’d always thought of myself as a timid person, shy and not prone to public displays. Tonight was an exception, I didn’t care what other people thought and he made me feel special.
Much to my disgust, the karaoke machine was started up. The first contestant to reach the stage was a tall, thin redhead. The club went quiet as we waited for the song to start. The girl looked nervous and I didn't know what to expect, whether she could even sing. The music started and I groaned inwardly - it was one of those songs with the high notes which no one could ever hope to reach. I kept my fingers crossed that she could do the song justice, but I knew it was unlikely.
Tristan watched her singing her heart out and, to my surprise, he seemed to enjoy it. He applauded when she sang the last lyrics of the song. I downed my two last shots of JB, in hopes that the headache this girl had just given me would go away.
Unfortunately, I started to feel dizzy instead. I’d had a lot to drink and I closed my eyes, concentrating on not falling over. The floor felt like it was made of marshmallow, and the vibration of the loud music was jarring. I grabbed hold of a table and breathed in slowly again, feeling better after a few seconds. Bekka ran over to me and pulled me onto the dance floor. I didn't have time to say anything to Tristan, he just watched me disappear into the crowds. I felt torn – while I wanted to be with him, I also wanted to enjoy my night with Bekka and Val. That was, after all, the whole point of the night.
Val was already dancing in the middle of the floor. We were dancing to a mix of Rihanna and Jay Z and I soon realized they had as much alcohol in their systems as I did. There was no doubt about it, this was going to be a long and fun night.
Bekka was wearing a grin so wide, it touched her eyes. ''I think this is it, girls! I'm pretty sure that Tyler and I are... together,'' she squealed.
I knew it already, but to hear her confirm they’d made a move towards each other made me smile. I squeezed her in my arms, ''I’m so happy for you, Bekka,” I said, trying to stay steady on my feet.
''What's up with you and Tristan? You’re really letting go tonight!'' Val shouted over the music.
''I am. I don't know what we are, but we’re having a good time.'' I searched for him by the bar. He was sitting on a bench with the red haired singer at his side. They were just talking, I thought. At least, I certainly hoped so.
I shook the depressing thought away and danced with my friends again. I had never had so much fun in my life. I felt free, with nothing to inhibit my fun. My arms were up in the air, my hips moving seductively, and I was at ease with my body. It felt really good to let go of all my worries and just live.
The strong arms I liked very much came around my waist again and the soft lips I craved so much ran up and down the tender skin on my neck. I placed my hand over Tristan’s and leaned toward him to meet his lips.
''I have to go, baby,'' he said, slipping one of his hands down my skirt. The touch of his skin against mine shattered me. I hadn't expected it and the erotic touch made my heart pound against my ribcage. He cupped my behind with his hand. ''You are so sexy, Phoenix. I want you,'' he whispered. I stiffened as I processed what he wanted from me through an alcohol-affected brain. He’d taken me by surprise. I wanted him, too - but not yet. We weren't nearly ready to move our relationship to the next level.
“I don’t think tonight is a good night. I’ve had too much to drink and I actually want to remember my night with you when I wake up in the morning.”
''I’ll text you tomorrow, baby.'' His words sent shivers skittering across my body. He gave me a chaste kiss, pinched my butt cheek and left me standing in the middle of the dance floor wanting more. Val and Bekka both stared at me in disbelief, and I felt my cheeks heat. Had I missed the opportunity by not going with him? I was afraid I’d ruined it. I tried to find him in the crowd, but he was already gone.
I walked to a nearby table and sat down, relieving the ache and exhaustion in my wobbly legs. I watched the crowds dancing and having a good time, and I was in utter despair. My bubble of happiness had burst - I should have gone with him! He was what I wanted and I knew it. I could still smell him on my skin, and with the help of my imagination, I could still feel his hands all over me.
Bekka and Val joined me at the table, both of them covered in a light sheen of sweat. Bekka offered to get us something to drink and she went over to the bar to order while Val settled on a chair next to me.
''Nix... Be careful with that guy. I don't want you to be angry with me, but geez, girl! You were really going for it. It was almost too much, like take-it-to-your-bedroom kind of too much.''
''Yeah, well... He’s really sweet.''
''Just be careful, okay?'' She looked at me, her eyes full of concern.
I nodded and tried to hide my embarrassment. She was right – I’d had too much to drink and it had blurred my judgement. I didn't have any regret about Tristan, but she had a point. It wasn't my
normal behaviour and I realized it, regardless of the many shots I’d had. Bekka returned quickly with Levi following behind her, and they both had their hands full. I didn't know what to say to Levi -the tattoo appointment hadn't exactly ended on a good note. At first, I tried to ignore him, but he’d brought me a glass of water and a single shot of bourbon, so I had to offer my thanks. I started with the shot, letting the liquor linger in my mouth.
Everybody around the table remained quiet and I wasn’t sure why. Was it because of Levi? Or my behaviour? I took the ice cold water and downed it quickly, probably too quickly given how drunk I was. I thought I was going to be sick, but I kept calm and the nausea settled down.
''What are you doing here?'' I asked Levi, my eyes focused on the empty glass.
''Tyler invited me, so here I am.'' His tone caught me off guard. He obviously wasn't mad anymore, so I looked up and met his eyes. ''And I wanted to say I’m sorry about earlier. I was an ass and you didn't deserve it.''
''Apology accepted. I’m sorry, too. I gave you the cold shoulder and that wasn’t nice... but it doesn't mean we’re friends,'' I warned him with a wink.
''Don't worry about it, it’ll come. You’ll get to know me eventually,'' he said confidently.
Yeah, because he was suddenly always around and always trying to talk to me.
He smiled and when Bekka and Val did, too, it felt like all the tension dissipated.
''What do you girls think about singing a little karaoke?'' Levi suggested suddenly.
