Page 9 of Crash
I go to answer, but Courtney interrupts.
“Tessa, huge after-party at Bali’s house. We have to go,” she excitedly states, pulling Tessa away from my sight.
Tessa looks back to me and smiles. “Austin, you should come with us.”
If nothing else, she’s shooting her shot, and I’ll be damned if I let it foul or get blocked. “Sure. I don’t mind,” I answer.
“Cool. My big brother is policing me at a party. That’s exactly what I need.” Courtney’s snarky remark casts a look of doubt onto Tessa’s face.
“I’m going as a guest of the most beautiful woman in the room, Court. Not going to be worried about you.” The words take form and escape without me giving much thought.
Her mouth widens into a sultry smile, and I can hear my sister’s audible approval.
“Great. Since Tessa drove here, I will ride with her and you can follow. But first she has to change into something more befitting of the event. Hang tight, bro. We’ll be right back.”
“Actually, I’m going to my truck. I’ll meet you outside.”
Courtney drags Tessa away, and I head out to my vehicle. Upon entering, I go over my emails to make sure nothing new about work has come in, and of course, my social media platforms. I really don’t go on there, but sometimes people post some funny shit. Not to mention, the celebrity postings that give you just a little glimpse into their life. When I open the IG app, the first thing I see is a picture of Tessa and the guy she was dancing with locked in a lover’s embrace. The caption reads:Too hot for the stage!
I study her features from her lengthy legs and shapely body, to her firm breasts and round, voluptuous, tight ass. Her outfit, or lack thereof, leaves barely any room for the imagination. The way the latex hugs her curves is like it’s imitating her skin. There’s a twinge in my pants as I continue to go over the pictures displaying her various movements. Long leg kicks, to the splits, to floor movements with her back arched. All tastefully done, but sensual, nonetheless.
A tap at my window brings me from my trance.
“Watching porn in your car? Come on, bro, do that shit at home.”
“Courtney, I wasn’t watching… What do you want?”
“Well, we’re ready. If you can tear your eyes away from your screen, you will see that Tessa is in the car in front of you waiting to pull out. Which is something I hope you won’t have to do later,” she giggles at her implied innuendo.
It is funny, but I won’t let her know.
“Just go get in the car,” I scold.
She quickly retreats, laughing in hysterics. With her away from me, I can laugh, too. Tessa signals we are leaving, and I follow her to the after-party.
WE ARRIVE ATBALI’S,and the place is already packed with the dance crew from tonight plus a host of friends from the industry. I feel not only socially awkward seeing how I have nothing in common with the majority of those in attendance, but if a dance battle breaks out, I am not equipped to fight. The best move I have is the basic side to side. Courtney says I shouldn’t even be allowed to listen to music if I can’t let it move me. Yeah, it’s that bad.
“Hey, girl. You killed it up there tonight. There’s no way the backers won’t approve you for the tour.”
“Thanks, Robi.”
She stares at me questionably, and Tessa catches on.
“Oh, where are my manners. Robi, this is Austin, Courtney’s brother. Austin, this is Robi, one of our lead dancers.”
“Oh, so you’re the paramedic.”
“Well, EMT, actually. I haven’t taken my last exam.”
“I’m sure you will ace it.” Robi turns a sly smile and softly touches my arm, subtly trying to flirt with me.
“Of course, he will. Austin is great at his job,” Tessa proclaims, her voice smooth as velvet.
She takes my hand, and we move through the crowd to the dance floor.
True to my nerd-like form, I do my usual side-stepping dance, trying not to lose count in my head while watching her move in front of me.
“Here you two go. I figure you’d want a drink to help loosen up.” Courtney hands us two red plastic cups.
