Page 14 of Redeemed in Crimson
“You’re seriously kicking me out?”
“Yep,” I say, popping the ‘p’ because I know it annoys him. Allie comes to stand beside me, and I know she’s considering whether she should get her knife.
Looking between us, Dean must decide this fight isn’t worth his time today because he turns around and leaves without another word. I hear his truck fire up and peel out of our parking lot, and I breathe a heavy sigh of relief.
“Look…I know it’s none of my business, and I won’t keep pressing this issue, but if I don’t say this at least once, I think my friend card would deserve to be revoked,” Allie says. “You deserve a helluva lot better than him. I think you’re starting to see that, and I’m going to be there every step of the way to ensure you get a man who deserves you. He ain’t it, girl.”
I smile, knowing that she truly believes that. “Thanks, Al. I appreciate you. I think I’m going to take a bubble bath, order some Thai, and enjoy a nice quiet evening with my book.”
She gives me a devious grin that I know too well at this point.
“Allie…?”
“Well, there’s a really hot nightclub in the city that’s having Ladies' Night tonight. The DJ is someone I’ve been wanting to see for a while, and the drink deals are amazing. Look at this flyer! My friend Mel has a condo a few blocks away, and she already told me we can crash at her place after!” Allie’s face looks so genuinely excited that I find myself reaching for the flyer.
It looks like a nice enough establishment, although I’m not sure what kind of nightclub would name itself Rendezvous.The security measures taken to keep women safe are outlined in big print at the bottom of the flyer, and it’s clear the club has put a lot of thought into making this an evening that’s fun and truly for the ladies.
I’m not sure if it’s my incredibly tenuous relationship with my boyfriend, my desire to reward Allie for her steadfast support, or just a need to do something I usually wouldn’t do that has me saying yes. But I must say it out loud because Allie lets out a cheer and immediately launches into detailed descriptions of what both of us are wearing. She pushes me toward my bathroom, telling me to “shaveeverything,just in case.”
What on earth have I gotten myself into?
Before heading out for the night, we do a fit check. I’m wearing a white halter-neck bodycon dress that hugs my curves so well I’m almost in disbelief it’s me in the mirror. The V cut dips lower than anything I’ve ever worn while also holding up my braless breasts. It’s also shorter than anything I’ve worn,making my legs look incredible. I really owe Allie for letting me borrow this. On the other hand, she went for a blue halter dress that’s shorter than mine, with sequins hanging from every inch. The dress matches her hair perfectly, and I don’t know how, but she pulls it off.
We pull up to a club downtown, and a man in a tux opens the door for us. This is not what I was expecting.Allie hands the man her keys and grabs my hand as we walk inside.
“This is so exciting! I’ve never been here before, but I’ve only heard good things. The member fees are way out of my price range, but tonight is free for visitors!” I’ve never heard of a club charging a member fee, but I nod along like I know exactly what she’s talking about.
Who am I kidding? The only club I’ve been to is a country club, and those definitely have membership fees. Maybe it's a normal thing.
As soon as we step inside, we approach a hostess stand with a woman whose name tag reads “Maria.” She’s built like a model with a face to match and long black hair that’s pulled half up. Allie hands her the flyer, and Maria pulls out two wristbands.
“Welcome in!” she says, greeting us as she checks our fake IDs. Allie explained earlier she’s had these on standby for weeks, knowing one day Dean would be enough of an asshole to warrant using them. Maria does a double take but eventually gives them back and wraps the wristbands around each of us.
“These indicate you are a guest. This means you’re allowed three complimentary alcoholic beverages from the bar but also prohibits you from participating in anything beyond the first floor. Guided tours of the other floors will be availablethroughout the night. Your number is twelve, so listen for it to be called. If you want to tour, go to the bar and wait for the guide. If you’re interested in joining, please let me know, and I’ll add your information to our membership inquiry list. Have a great night, girls!”
We sit down at the bar, and Allie orders us both a vodka soda. I’ve actually never had a drink before. Dean drinks all the time, but I’ve been warned how unbecoming it is for me.
While we wait for our drinks, I look around. It’s dimly lit, with dark walls and blue neon lights illuminating the dance floor. A DJ is on stage, and a large group of people are dancing erotically to the music. The dance floor appears to be polished black concrete, while the area around the bar features actual hardwood. It’s classier than any bar or club I’ve seen in movies. I guess that makes sense why they charge a fee? For the upkeep?
The bartender hands us our drinks, and I hesitate but eventually take a sip. It really just tastes like soda. “Mmm, this is better than I thought it would be.”
“I thought you’d like it! I never see you drinking at home, though, so I didn’t know for sure.”
“I’ll be honest with you, Allie. This is the first alcoholic drink I’ve ever had.”
Allie’s eyes open as wide as they can, and she gasps. “What? You’veneverhad a drink? How is that even possible? Your boyfriend drinks like a fucking fish!”
I shrug. “Ugh, I don’t want to think about that asshole tonight.”
“Touché! Cheers to that!” Allie holds up her drink, and I clink mine against hers, then chug it down before slammingmy glass down on the bar. Allie laughs before following suit, and before we know it, we’re halfway through drink two.
My mind wanders to the biker troll who has been occupying my thoughts for weeks. Trying not to overspeculate about why Ledger’s texts have been less flirty than normal since the night on his bike, I go to pull Allie onto the dance floor when we hear the announcer call out for group eleven to come to the bar.
“Hmm, I guess we should just wait here since our group is next,” Allie voices my exact thoughts.
“I don’t even know what we’re taking a tour of.”
Allie gives me the most devious smirk I’ve ever seen and chuckles under her breath.
