Page 1 of Mine for 24 Hella-Hours
Prologue
A month ago
Theentireclub’spowergoes out except for the several scattered emergency lights that produce warm, muted luminescence which isn’t much, at least the bar and the dance floor have some vision capability.
“Is everything okay?” a guy asks from across the bar and a few people lean in as well to hear my response.
“Yeah, mate.” I slide a beer bottle over to him. “Will be resolved soon. On the house in the meantime.”
A text flashes on my screen.
Ronnie: I’m on it.
I whisper over to Lisa, the bartender, “The bar is distributing a round of free drinks to ease the commotion.” Then, I exit the bar to the hallway to my left. “Coming through.”
I stride to the electrical panel with the flashlight of my phone, leading my steps on the black floor—I’m almost passing the restroom when a small, soft body bumps into me with such force I lose my grip on the device and the thud of it clashing with the floor startles her as she presses her hands to my chest.
“I’m sorry, was that your phone? I’m so sorry.”
“It’s fine. No worries.” To calm her panic, I keep my tone light when a small laugh slips out of me. It’s not her fault the club is in darkness mode.
Being trapped inside a void, knowing I can exit yet the need to explore it and find the secrets it hides in the shadows appeals to me.
Since I can’t see shit, the way we collided could’ve hurt her in some way. “You good?” Her sweet scent drifts in waves,wildflowers, hitting me with its potency.
“Yeah, all good.” No traces of pain sound in her dulcet, blanketing voice.
“Here by yourself or with friends?” we pull away from each other. I only manage to catch a vague outline of her from the faded emergency lights the bar’s projecting nearby.
“On a date actually.” There’s hesitation in her tone which tells me it’s not a good one.
“How’s that going?”
“Poorly.”
Yup. “Sorry to hear. Anything I can do?”
“Are you the fairy of the dating scene? Can you match me up with someone who isn’t a jerk or self-absorbed? I’ve had my fair share and it’s my first time here. Let’s say, could’ve been better.”
The way her mellow tone turned sassy in the blink of an eye as her mouth uttered those words. Lovely. I’m completely blind yet I feel her smirk searing me.
“That bad, huh?”
She hums in confirmation.
“Well, I’d hate for your first time here to suck, so mingle a little bit, maybe you’ll find someone.” That was really lame of me.
“Yeah, thanks for the advice.” She doesn’t sound satisfied; more like she’s had enough of it all. I can’t blame her. Dating is tough. Since when did it become a chore and lose its complete magic?
“Wait,” I clear my voice, staring at the blackness encompassing us. There is no sound of her amongst the chattering of the clubbers.
“I’m still here.” She responds.
“Save me a dance? I need to take care of something but I’ll be right back.” I haven’t dated in a really long time. My work is time-consuming, on top of being extremely busy planning my new goals. Still, her presence is enticing and it’s been a minute since I’ve had this kind of intrigue with a woman. Frankly, I don’t recall being this excited about anyone before.
“I’d like that, although, we can’t see each other.” The concern is evident, yet, I also hear an interest.
“Overrated right? This is as blind as a blind date gets.”
