Page 56 of New Growth
Iwasrunninglate.
My periodhad started unexpectedly, throwing off my entire night, so I let Esther leave ahead of me. Now, I was stuck taking an Uber by myself, scrolling through my phone with one hand while the other pressed against my stomach, trying to soothe the dull cramps.
When I finally arrived, the club was already jumping. The heavy bass of the music vibrated through the floor as I made my way inside.
Tonight was supposed to be a celebration—EL’evations had been officially accepted into the hair expo, and I wanted to mark the occasion with my team.
By the time I approached the table, the girls were already settled in our section, drinks in hand. I had put some effort into my look tonight, wearing a short black tube dress that hugged my curves, paired with patterned black stockings and pointed-toe heels. I thought I looked sophisticated—grown yet sexy. But unfortunately, Hope barely let me settle in before throwing out her usual brand of backhanded commentary.
“You look like a slutty substitute teacher,” she said, eyes scanning me up and down.
Great.
I would be lying if I said that didn’t shake my confidence, just a little.
I smoothed my dress down and forced a small smile. “Um, thanks?”
Hope smirked and took a sip of her drink. Before I could think too much about it, Johanna piped up from beside her.
“Don’t be a hater. You look good, Ellie.”
“Yeah, I love the blowout look,” Chelsea added.
I had spent some time earlier blowing my hair out to get a clean blunt cut on my ends, and I was glad someone noticed.
I smiled. “Thanks, girls. Where’s Es and London?”
“Bathroom,” Johanna and Chelsea answered at the same time.
I took a seat next to them, glancing over at Johanna, who was leaning comfortably against the couch, her drink half-finished already.
I raised an eyebrow. “You sure you can handle that, Jo?”
She scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Yes, I’m twenty-one.”
I gave her a look. “Yeah, but you turned twenty-one two months ago. You barely drink as it is.”
Johanna groaned dramatically, waving me off. “Oh my gosh, did we come here to party, or are you going to boss us around all night?”
I held up my hands in surrender, laughing. I wasn’t one to talk. “Do you.”
London and Esther joined us a few minutes later, sliding into the booth with fresh drinks in hand.
“Jeez, Ellie, you look fucking sexy! Do a spin,” Esther said, grinning.
I rolled my eyes but stood anyway, giving a slow twirl so they could see the full outfit. Compliments came from everyone—except Hope, of course.
Why did I invite her again?
As the night went on, we danced and drank, laughter spilling over the music. I had opened a tab for us, making sure everyone was covered, but I wasn’t expecting what happened next.
A bottle girl approached our table, carefully setting down not one, not two, but six sleek bottles of champagne.
Chelsea’s eyes widened. “Six bottles of Dom Pérignon? Elliot, you hiding money we don’t know about?”
I blinked at the sight before me. “Dom Pérignon? And six damn bottles? That’s over three grand!”
I quickly waved the bottle girl over before she could disappear into the crowd. “Babygirl, I didnotorder this.”
