Element, Part 1

by Doporto, CM

  “What are you doing?” She didn’t want Lise to glam her up. She preferred a simple, natural look.

  “I’m going to do your hair and makeup.” Lise fumbled through her cosmetic bag.

  “What? I already did.”

  “Come on. Let me do a few things. Please?” Lise begged.

  “Alright, but if I don’t like it, I’m washing it off and brushing out the curls.” Natalie folded her arms across her chest.

  “That’s what you say now. Wait until I’m done.” She rubbed a make-up brush in a compact and then stroked it across her cheek.

  Thirty minutes later Lise took a step back and smiled. “I’m done.”

  Natalie rolled her eyes. “I’m scared to look.”

  “Oh come on.” She stepped away from the mirror.

  Natalie couldn’t believe her eyes. What had Lise done to her? “Wow. I look so much older and…”

  “Say it. It’s okay.” Lise mouthed the words.

  “Pr- pretty.”

  “Yes, pretty and smokin’ hot.” Lise fanned herself.

  “I don’t know Lise. I might send the wrong message to guys.”

  Lise furrowed her brow. “You don’t look like a slut, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

  “Are you sure?” She leaned in closer to the mirror, studying her long thick eye lashes. She had no idea mascara could work wonders like this.

  “Believe me, you don’t. When we get to the bar, I’ll make sure and point some out to you. Okay?”

  Natalie giggled. “Okay. I’ll go out this one time, looking like your Barbie doll.”

  ***

  “Here, memorize the birth year. Everything else is the same.” Lise handed Natalie an identification card.

  “What? Lise where did you get this? This is illegal.” She turned on the overhead light in Lise’s car to examine it.

  “Relax. Can’t you have fun for one night?” Lise stared into the mirror on her visor, applying more lip gloss.

  “Yes, but why do I need this? I can have fun without it.”

  “Never mind.” She flipped up her visor. “If you don’t want to use it, don’t. I’m using mine.” She slid her fake ID into her wristlet and zipped it up. She opened the car door and got out, not waiting for Natalie.

  “Lise, wait up.” Natalie tried to catch-up but struggled in the stacked heels she wore. She didn’t mean to upset Lise, but she also didn’t want to get in trouble. Carrying a fake ID was illegal and since she didn’t care much for drinking she didn’t see a need for one. Besides, most bars allowed eighteen year olds in.

  Lise finally stopped to wait for her. “Sorry. I want us to have fun, that’s all.”

  Natalie put her arm around Lise. “We will. I promise.”

  “Alright.” Lise’s frown turned to a smile.

  They made their way over to the old warehouse. When they approached the building they saw that the line to get in wrapped all the way around it.

  Lise sighed. “Darn it. Now we have to wait out here in the heat and humidity. I’m gonna be all sweaty before I even start dancing.”

  Natalie nodded. “Yeah… I know. I have an idea. Let’s go up to the front and see if these VIP passes have any pull.”

  “That’s a great idea.” Lise led the way.

  At the front of the building two large guys in black suits guarded the entrance door. They were checking IDs and letting people in from the long line that wrapped around the building. Natalie saw a few girls walk up and hand one of the security guards a card, like the one they had, and get in.

  “Come on.” She pulled Lise by the arm, almost causing her to trip.

  “Owww, you don’t have to put the death grip on me.” Lise pried Natalie’s hand off.

  Natalie let go. “Sorry.”

  “Good evening ladies.” The stoutly security guard greeted them.

  “Hi.” Lise gave him a flirtatious smile and flipped her hair back.

  Natalie flashed the VIP passes to him. “We have these.”

  “Come on in.” He stepped aside.

  “Thanks.” Lise winked at him. “Wow, we didn’t even have to use our ID’s.” Lise whispered into Natalie’s ear.

  “I know.” She followed Lise into the newly renovated building. The bar had a vintage décor with exposed brick, aged paint, and rustic palm trees. Large canvas paintings hung throughout the bar showing a cultural flair of Little Havana. The rich muted colors gave it a tropical atmosphere that came alive with the beat of the fast Latin dance music.

  “This place is different but very cool. Feels like I’m in Miami or somewhere like that.” Lise looked around.

  “I know, it does.”

  “Come on, let’s get a drink.” Lise pulled Natalie by the arm but she didn’t budge. “Wow, you really need to lighten up on the weights.”

  “Hold on. I think that’s my Aunt Sharon with that group of people.” Natalie lifted up on her tiptoes to see over the crowd in front of her. When she heard the distinguishable laugh, she knew that had to be Sharon.

  “Yep, that’s her alright. Come on.” They pushed through the crowd making their way over toward her.

  Sharon, the complete opposite of Natalie’s mom, displayed a pretentious, outgoing, and an uncontainable zeal for life personality. She loved her aunt but felt sorry for her. After two failed marriages, she resorted to a single life and a devout commitment to her career as part owner of an advertising agency in Austin.

  “Having fun?” Natalie asked, hugging her aunt from behind. Sharon had a rule to never call her Aunt in public. She thrived on portraying herself as a younger woman. Even at forty-six years old, she rocked a body of a woman in her late twenties. If there was a procedure for it, she’d either had it done or planned on having it done. Sharon’s view: if it’s loose, tighten it; if it sags, lift it; and even if it’s not broken, you might as well have it fixed the way you want it.

  Sharon turned around. “Natalie… wow! Don’t you look gorgeous? Let me guess, did Lise do this to you?”

  Natalie nodded. “Of course...you know Lise.”

  “Great job, Lise. You need to make her up more often.”

  “I know, right? By the way, I love your outfit.” Lise touched the sleeve of her animal print dress.

  “Thank you. So what are you gals doing out here tonight?”

  “We’re celebrating. We both got internships at Kronberg Laboratories.” Natalie smiled at Lise.

  “You did? That’s wonderful. I wish you would’ve told me you applied. You know they’re clients of mine. I work closely with Lynn Pham in Marketing.”

  “Seriously? I’m going to be working in Marketing. Isn’t she the head of the department or something?” Lise asked.

  “Yes, she’s the director. I’m sure you’ll get to know her. Tell her you know me. I’ll also let her know the next time I see her.”

  “Okay. I will. You know it never hurts to network.” Lise winked at Sharon.

  “That’s right. You learn quickly. Come on. Let’s get us a drink.” Sharon urged them to follow her to the bar.

  “Okay.” Lise immediately followed Sharon and Natalie tagged behind.

  Natalie wondered if she should tell her aunt that she had been testing out some of their supplements but decided to keep it to herself for now. It probably wouldn’t make a difference to her anyway.

  Sharon turned to Natalie and Lise. “What do you gals want?”

  “Nothing, thanks.” Natalie replied.

  “What? Oh come on, have a little fun. Besides, drinks are on me tonight.”

  Lise chimed in. “Awesome, I’ll take a mojito.”

  “Three mojitos please.” Sharon leaned over the bar trying to get the bartender’s attention.

  The bartender walked over to them. “Sure. It’s an extra two bucks if you want it made with real limes or regular price for artificial mix.” He reached and took three glasses down from the overhead rack above him. “So what will it be?”

  Sharon winced. “We’ll have the rea
l stuff. Why is it extra for real limes?”

  The bartender shrugged his shoulders while cleaning the glasses with a towel hanging from his waist. “Oh you know…shortage of crops or something like that.”

  “Wow, this global warming is becoming more of a problem.” Natalie told Sharon.

  Sharon waved it off like no big deal. She gave the bartender her credit card and kept her eyes fixed on him, watching his every move. “They always need some excuse to make more money.” Sharon slipped a few bucks into the bartender’s tip jar and winked.

  The bartender smiled back at Sharon and wiggled his left finger that had a thick silver wedding band around it. “Thanks.”

  Sharon pouted her lips. “Oh well.” She then turned to Natalie. “So, have you talked to your parents?”

  “Yes, the other day. I told them I got the internship and that I planned on taking a few classes this summer and wouldn’t be coming home.”

  “This works out great.” Sharon’s eyes lighted up. “I’m going to Europe for the summer and could use your help. Would you mind checking on my place? You can stay there when you want and so can Lise.”

  “Sure. It will be a nice break away from the dorm.” Sharon had a rockin’ condo in downtown Austin that overlooked Lady Bird Lake. Besides the breath taking view, the condo had a modern décor with very high-end furniture, making it a lavish pad. Sharon, being a shopaholic, only bought the very best.

  “Great. I appreciate it. You have the code, right?”

  “Let me double check.” Natalie took her cell phone out from her wristlet.

  “Please take care of it, okay?”

  “Of course.” Natalie scrolled through her contacts until she came to her aunt’s number.

  “By the way, you’re welcome to stay there tonight. I’ll be heading over to Chad’s place afterwards.” Sharon winked.

  “I got it.” Natalie slid her phone back into her wristlet. “Who’s Chad?” She tried to recall the last guy she saw her aunt with. She never kept a guy around long enough for her to remember. Before Sharon answered, a guy with short spikey blond hair approached her from behind.

  “Hey there sexy.” He leaned forward and whispered in her ear.

  Sharon turned around and embraced the guy. “Hi. Don’t you look hot tonight?” She planted a big kiss on his lips and they exchanged more PDA than Natalie wanted to see. After several awkward seconds of heavy kissing and petting, she pulled away from him. “This is my niece, Natalie and her friend Lise. This is Chad.”

  “Hello.” Natalie waved.

  “Hi.” He nodded his head at both of them briefly.

  Lise stepped forward and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise.” Chad smiled, showing his extra bright white teeth that made his green eyes sparkle. His smooth baby face hinted that he was at least fifteen years younger than Sharon. Knowing her taste, he had to be in his late twenties.

  “Everyone’s sitting over there. We’re waiting for our drinks. Go ahead. I’ll be there in a minute. Do you want anything?” Sharon fixed his collar on his shirt and then ran her long hot pink fingernails down his chest.

  “No, I got a beer.” He held up his bottle. “I’ll be waiting for you.” He arched his brow and winked at Sharon and then slapped her on the butt.

  “Ouch.” She reached down and grabbed his rear end with both her hands and gave it a squeeze.

  “See you girls later.” He gave a quick wave and then walked off.

  Natalie nodded and Lise replied, “See you later.”

  Sharon turned to both of them. “I haven’t told him that I’m going to Europe yet. I didn’t want you all to mention it.”

  “Oh. No worries. I won’t say anything.” Natalie confirmed.

  Lise made a motion across her lips with her fingers like they were zipped shut.

  Sharon handed them their drinks and then held up her glass for a toast. “Here’s to a great summer.”

  “To a great summer.” Natalie tipped her glass to Sharon’s and then to Lise’s.

  She took a sip and when she lowered her glass she saw Ryan walking from the back of the room with Sal. She tried to tell Lise but the words hung in her throat. She managed to motion with her head and then coughed out, “They’re here.”

  “OMG! They’re here?” Lise turned around and began checking herself, ensuring everything was in place. “Do I look okay? Do I have enough lip gloss on?” She smacked her lips together.

  “Relax darling, you’re hot as they come.” Sharon winked at Lise.

  Natalie nodded, not giving Lise much attention to her rambling questions. She knew they were going to run into them. Why did she listen to Lise? She should have stayed home. Then she remembered what Lise said; talking to Ryan didn’t mean she had to hook up with him.

  Sharon’s eyes drifted over to where she had motioned to. “Aren’t they cute? Mmmm…check out those muscles.”

  Natalie rolled her eyes. Why did Sharon have to hit on every guy she saw? She turned around and sat her drink down on the bar. The last thing she needed to do was to drop it or spill it on herself.

  “Sorry. I can’t help myself.” Sharon ran her fingers through her short bleached out blonde hair. “At least they’re better looking than that no good ex-boyfriend of yours.”

  That comment stirred something up inside of her. Hearing about Tony was the last thing she wanted, especially tonight. She refused to let her thoughts ruin her night or the rest of her life.

  Ryan caught her gaze and he let out a big smile. Surely he wasn’t smiling at her? He kept his eyes fixed on her as he sauntered his way over to them. His cowboy swagger sent her body into full emotion overdrive. A flutter sensation swept across her body flooding her senses. Her heart froze but she managed to smile back.

  “Wow, Sal’s smokin’ hot. Isn’t he?” Lise leaned over and whispered in her ear.

  “What?” Natalie managed to break away from her daydreaming. That’s when reality hit. Why was she feeling this way? She had no business getting involved with anyone. Not now. She wanted to flee but before she knew it he was right in front of her.

  “Glad y’all came. Have you been here long?” Ryan had one hand shoved into the pocket of his jeans. He wore a trendy western shirt with embroidery on the front of it and distressed leather cowboy boots.

  She managed to choke out the words. “No, not long.”

  “I almost didn’t recognize you without your glasses.”

  Natalie felt her cheeks flush with heat. “Oh.” She diverted her attention to the zipper on her wristlet, tugging at it.

  “I mean… you look good. Pr- pr- pretty.”

  She looked up at him and smiled. She noticed the tips of his ears had turned a bright red. It was good to know she wasn’t the only one nervous. “Thanks. You look nice too.”

  “How’s it going?” Sal gave Natalie a smile and then turned his attention to Lise. “Gee, you sure know how to make heads turn.” His gaze slid slowly over her from her head to her toes.

  “Thanks. So do you.” Lise flipped her long blonde waves back and then took a sip of her drink. She held on to the tip of her straw with her teeth, biting it. Ryan greeted her but she barely noticed. Sal had her undivided attention.

  Natalie took a few silent deep breaths, trying to calm her nerves. Her legs felt weak and she wanted to sit down.

  “Hello. I’m Sharon Warren. Nice to meet you.”

  “Oh sorry, this is my… Aunt Sharon.” Natalie stated purposefully.

  Ryan and Sal shook Sharon’s hand and both said, “Nice to meet you.”

  “I gotta go, Chad’s waiting on me. You kids have a good time now.” She winked at the guys.

  “See you and thanks for the drink.” Lise held up her glass.

  “Oh, don’t forget you can use my place tonight.” Sharon whispered to Natalie but said it loud enough for the guys to hear.

  Natalie wanted to bury her face in her hands. She couldn’t believe Sharon said that. She didn’t know what to
say so she blurted the first thing that came to mind. “She’s recently divorced.”

  “Oh.” Ryan raised his eyebrows.

  “Let me guess, she’s a cougar?” Sal asked with a grin.

  Natalie busted out laughing and everyone else started laughing too. “Yeah, I guess you can say that.”

  “God bless her.” Ryan shook his head then took a drink. He lowered his glass. “I’m sorry. Would you like something to drink?”

  Natalie picked up her glass from the bar. “I have one, thanks.”

  “How about we grab a seat? That booth’s empty over there.” Sal pointed to an area behind the bar.

  “Sure.” Lise lead the way, practically running over to the quaint seating area. Along the back wall were several booth style chairs with overstuffed pillows and curtains draped in front of them. Dim lighting hung above a low table in front of the curved chair, giving it a romantic feel. Natalie knew this wasn’t a good idea, but took a seat next to Lise in the middle of the ‘u’ shaped seat. This allowed Ryan and Sal to sit next to them.

  “So, I take it you’re feeling better?” Ryan set his drink down on the table.

  “Yes. It was a dizzy spell, that’s all.” Natalie sat perched on the edge of the chair, struggling to keep calm and relaxed. Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. She took a sip of her drink and noticed her hand shaking. She put her drink down, hoping she wouldn’t knock it over. She glanced over at Lise and Sal. They chatted back and forth like they had known each other for years. During times like this, she wished she had a little of Lise in her.

  “Did you finish your freshman year?” Ryan tried to strike up a conversation with her.

  “Yeah.” She nodded. She wanted to get to know him, but she was afraid. She couldn’t get hurt again. For some reason he made her feel nervous, which only made her more introverted. Not to mention, wearing the short dress didn’t help either. His leg practically touched her bare thigh.

  Then she remembered something she learned in speech class. She took another sip of her drink and held onto the straw with her teeth. Inconspicuously, she took the straw from her mouth and held it in her hand. She fiddled and twisted the red plastic tube between her fingers, directing all her nervous energy to it. It brought a sense of relief to her, allowing her to relax.