Page 13 of Wicked Minds
5
RILEY
Me
Fine. I’m in. Under one condition.
Tara
Anything, so long as it gets your ass out of your apartment for something other than work.
Iroll my eyes at her dramatics. I’ve left the apartment… I go to the dance studio. Look, it’s been an emotional few weeks. I needed a week to sit at home and just be.
However, I’m now sick of being inside, alone with my thoughts and memories. After having spent all day trying and failing to get through to my mom so I could wish Rora a Happy New Year, I decided that a night out might do me good.
So long as there’s no risk of running into one of the guys.
Me
Anywhere other than The Depot.
Tara
Deal. See you tonight, bitch!
Decision made: I go in search of a suitable outfit for tonight and get ready, and I’m just sliding on my lipstick when I hear the blast of a horn from outside, followed a moment later by a text from Tara letting me know she’s here.
Giving myself a final once-over in the mirror, I decide I look pretty good in a slinky black dress and black glittery heels, with my hair lightly curled and makeup heavier than usual.
Grabbing my purse, I tuck my phone inside and lock the door behind me before heading down the stairs. When I reach the street, I smile at Tara as she bounces out of the back of the cab.
“Ready to ring in the new year?” she squeals excitedly, not waiting for a response before ushering me inside. She’s probably concerned I’ll change my mind, but I won’t. I’m all for letting off a bit of steam tonight.
The taxi is large enough to fit six people in the back, and all but one seat is already taken by other girls who work at Lux.
I’m greeted with hellos and more excited chatter as I climb inside, settling into the middle spot as Tara squeezes in beside me.
I relax back in my seat, letting the wave of conversation wash over me as the taxi pulls away from the curb. Streetlights pass us by until we leave Halston behind, the dark road awning before us as we head toward Springview.
Seeped in darkness, I pull my view from the window to take in the excited faces of my coworkers. Tara, with her vivacious spirit, can’t contain her enthusiasm, already bopping to an unheard rhythm. On my left is the new girl who started just before Christmas—Kelsey—her eyes wide with anticipation.
The cab hums with a contagious energy as the six of us embark on our New Year’s Eve adventure, and I can’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Tara, draped in sequins and carrying the enthusiasm of a firework, chats animatedly with the others about the wonders of some new club we’re going to in Springview. Apparently, it’s theitplace to go for a memorable night out.
“Riley, you’re gonna love it! The vibe there is insane,” she gushes, nudging me with her shoulder. Her infectious energy could make anyone forget their reservations, even a homebody like me.
I grin at my closest friend, knowing she wouldn’t steer us wrong, before glancing at Kelsey, who seems slightly overwhelmed by the lively banter. Leaning closer to her, I give her a friendly smile. “We’re going to have a great night,” I assure her, relaxing when she smiles back and bobs her head.
Eventually, the glow of city lights flickers outside the window as we enter Springview, and a few minutes later, the cab rolls to a stop in front of the new club. Its entrance pulsates with vibrant colors and the muffled beat of music escaping into the night. Tara practically leaps from the cab, the others on her heels as their laughter melds with the distant cheers of the city, and I can’t help but grin, soaking up the buzzing atmosphere of a promising night out.
Giving Kelsey a final reassuring glance, I step out onto the sidewalk. The cold December air nips at my exposed skin, awakening a sense of exhilaration as I stare up at the pink neon sign that spells outRoguein cursive writing, before shifting my focus to the line of people queuing outside.
We join the back of the line, chatting animatedly as we slowly inch closer to the doors, and I’m only half frozen to death by the time we pay the entrance fee and step inside, the thumping bass engulfing us instantly.
The vibrant atmosphere envelops our senses, the dance floor pulsing with bodies in motion and the air thick with celebration. I can’t help but grin, and spotting it, Tara squeezes my arm, her broad grin plastered to her face. “Oh yeah, this place is epic!”
All of us are dancers at heart, so we immediately gravitate toward the dance floor. We are swallowed up by the heart of the crowd, and soon, we’re all dancing as one, a kaleidoscope of laughter and joy under the neon lights.
Even Kelsey has shed her initial reservations and is grinning like a loon as we sway our hips and pump our arms in time to the rhythm.
