Night By Night

“Welcome back cupcake,” he beamed as he allowed them through. Disco lights almost blinded Jennifer as she stepped into a world dominated by a kaleidoscope of colours. Jennifer squinted and then cringed as the music from the speakers threatened deafness. It didn’t make sense trying to talk here so she simply pressed through the crowd behind Sara. She would have never guessed that there were so many people inside. Sara made a beeline for the bar, tugging her along behind her.

“What will you have?” she screeched.

Jennifer cocked her head to one side, forcing herself to hear her above the noise. Just then Sara pointed to the bartender and it was then Jennifer realised what she was saying. She took out her cell phone and typed the words “strawberry daiquiri” and then showed it to Sara. This was a more effective way to communicate in here. Sara signalled to the bartender and placed her order; it was amazing how easily he understood her; Jennifer surmised that he must have read her lips-a necessary skill in a place such as this. She turned her back to the bar counter and rested on both elbows, taking in the scene. Just now the deejay was playing ‘thong’ by Sisqo and Jennifer unknowingly had begun to sway to the beat. She saw some unruly young girls throwing themselves on some men in the corner, laughing loudly so they could actually be heard over the music. One of them suddenly held her throat and rushed to the nearby opening bearing an image of a woman. She was obviously heavily intoxicated and the alcohol had exhausted her system so much it had begged for release. She shifted her gaze and met the eyes of a gentleman standing not so far from her, at the end of the bar. She was not sure if it was a smile she had detected while she was turning her head away but she wasn’t about to look again.

Just then the bartender came back with the drinks and Sara nudged her to get her attention. She spun and took the tall glass from her and sipped some immediately; the abnormal crowd had her sweating already and she drank the beverage as if it were lemonade. She turned then to look at Sara who was staring at her stupefied. Jennifer gave her a ‘shut up’ look and smiled. Jennifer then signalled to the bartender that she would like another. Sara stood there sipping her margarita and bobbing her head, and then froze when she looked behind Jennifer.

“Do you know that man?” she asked her as she shouted in her ear.

“Who?” Jennifer screamed back.

“That man at the end of the bar. He has been staring at you since you came in,” she blared.

Jennifer needed not to look to know whom Sara was referring to. She cringed once more as if she had just seen a disturbing image. “So?” she asked.

Jennifer shrugged to indicate that she didn’t know him. “Well, brace yourself because here he comes,” she shouted.

Jennifer could not escape now and Sara slid further from her to give the gentleman some room. Jennifer gave her the stare down but she pretended not to notice. She was already weaving her way into the dancing throng. She would get her for this later. She stood there with her back turned, hoping he would walk on by, but she knew there was no hope of that when she felt him tap her on her shoulder. She turned in slow motion, not in the least bit eager to face this man.

“Hi, I’m Adrian,” he mouthed. For once Jennifer was glad she could not hear anything. She pointed to her ear, indicating she could not hear anything he was saying.

“My name is Adrian,” he shouted, this time closer to her ear. She heard him this time and extended her hand in greeting.

“Jennifer,” she said, pointing at herself.

“What?!” he bellowed. “Hear what, can we go outside for a second?” he asked in her ear again.

Jennifer looked around her for Sara, but she was now entangled with some man not even Jennifer knew. Typical Sara; she was the epitome of fun; Jennifer was the opposite, or so she belittled herself. She remembered the heavyset man she had seen earlier at the entrance and thought she would be safe there. She looked once more for Sara who noticed her this time and used her hands to wave her along. She shrugged ‘why not’ and went with Adrian to the dimly lit hallway.

“So, as I was saying, I am Adrian. And you are?” he asked as soon as they were out of earshot of the bouncer.

“I’m Jennifer,” she said, trying to remember the last time she had said that to any man.

“Nice to meet you Jennifer,” he smiled. So did she. She took a quick survey of him, and besides the fact that he was white, he had potential. He had brown hair that spiked at the centre and dipped forward as if to touch his forehead. He had a nice smile and seemed like a decent enough man.

“Look, I don’t want to sound like a drag, but my friend in there dragged me from the house and brought me here. I am not really interested in what you are thinking about,” she said defensively.

He laughed. “And what is it that I am thinking about?” he asked in return. He folded his arms and leaned against the wall, giving her images of Tom Cruise in her mind. His eyes sparkled when he smiled and she had to fight not to notice.

“I don’t know, but being here, maybe a good time,” she retorted.

“Well isn’t that why you came? To have a good time?” he rebutted. “Tell you what, we can go back inside and we can have a few drinks and be alone together,” he suggested. “I came with a friend as well but he is more like your friend. He is probably somewhere in there driving some young girl wild. I wouldn’t be surprised…”

“Hey Adrian, what are you doing out…oh, I see,” said a tall and dark skinned man as he stepped from the club sporting two females on each arm.

“And this would be Malcolm,” said Adrian. “I was just about to say I wouldn’t be surprised if he came through that door right now with a few,” he laughed. “Malcolm, this is Jennifer. Jennifer, Malcolm.”

“Hi Malcolm,” she smiled. He did in return.

“Nice meeting you Jennifer. Take care of my man here,” he said and patted Adrian on the back as he left.

“Did you two come together?” Jennifer asked in amusement.

“Yeah we did, but I am used to him by now. That’s why we always take our own cars. So, I guess you are the only company I have now, if you will have me,” he said, giving her his most innocent look. “You don’t have to be nervous, it’s only a drink. I am not looking for anything either if that’s what you are afraid of. I would just like the pleasure of your company.”

He was being so sweet there was nothing Jennifer could do but say yes. In a few beats they were back inside the club. He bought her another daiquiri and then a margarita and then another daiquiri. By this time, the entire room was spinning and Jennifer was laughing so hard her head ached. She dipped and swayed and he always caught her, finding her amusing. Then suddenly without warning, she reached out and kissed him. He was surprised at first, but then he responded. He was not sure whether this was the alcohol talking or if she was sober enough to know what she was doing. Either way, he was taking her home tonight.