Alexandra
Weagreetomeet Katie inside the Emporium Lounge, which she told us became the hottest nightlife bar in Seattle after hosting a string of fashion week events. When we arrive, the security guard nods his head in a silent greeting before opening the door for us. My eyes widen in surprise as I take in the breath-taking LED lit, circular bar standing in the center of the lounge, glowing like a star. Slow tempo house music, low ambient lighting, lush plants and semi-circular booths surround the bar, creating a relaxing and intimate atmosphere. A mixture of exotic perfumes and cloying scented candles wafts in the air, making me slightly nauseous. I prefer a more airy, floral fragrance. As we walk around the bar, I spot Katie sitting at a table next to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows with panoramic views of Seattle. When our eyes connect, she flashes a massive grin at us and stands up. My gaze drifts from the oval ruby cuff necklace on her neck to her dress, the maroon color matching her lipstick perfectly. She looks sensational. We exchange quick hugs before sinking into the super plush cushions. A server approaches our table with complimentary nuts and olives. After a short deliberation, we order black forest gateau cocktails. Katie and Heidi hit it off straight away, laughing and joking as if they've known each other for ages. The cocktails flow and inevitably the conversation turns to dating.
"My friends with benefits relationship with Dan turned into-" Katie's cell phone pings, interrupting her mid-sentence. I stare at her fidgeting in her seat and her index finger stroking the gemstone like a lover. Whatever is in that message piques my curiosity, but I can't put her on the spot. Plus, I know she'd share if it's something for sharing.
She lifts her head, the lines around her mouth deepen as she grins. "Sorry, girls, it's Dan. I can't get enough of him and we're already talking about moving in together. I feel giddy with happiness."
"That's amazing," both Heidi and I exclaim in unison. Heidi turns her head in my direction, mouthing twinsies, making me chuckle.Whenever we spend lots of time together, our brain waves seem to sync, which makes it easier for us to understand each other on a deeper level.
"I'm so happy for you, Katie." I raise my glass, adding, "To happily ever after." We clink our glasses.
"Allie, I know you aren't dating, but how about Simon? He's chasing after you like a lovesick pup." Katie puts her hand over her mouth, giggling silently. I quirk my lips into a mock smirk. Heidi joins her, giving me a gleeful wink.
"He's an amazing guy and I know he will make some girl very happy, but sadly, I don't find him attractive. And now he hates me after blurting out that I've a boyfriend." I bite my lip and lower my gaze to hide the shame coursing through me.
I feel bad for lying to him. Deep down, I know he would have treated me like a queen, but there are no butterflies, and my heart doesn't flutter wildly when I see him. There is zero chemistry.
Katie covers my hand with hers. "Allie, he doesn't hate you. He knew you weren't interested, but he kept persisting. Rejection stings like a bitch, so give him time to lick his wounds." She cranes her neck in Heidi's direction. "How about you, Heidi?"
"Erm, I broke up with my boyfriend," she inhales sharply through her nostrils, adding, "just before moving back to Seattle. It's all work and no play at the moment. I need time to process the breakup." Her voice shakes, betraying her genuine emotions.
I wind my arm around her shoulder, squeezing it gently. Heidi lowers her head, twisting the napkin between her fingers.
Katie frowns with genuine concern. "I'm so sorry, Heidi. Break-ups suck, but you're right; it's best to take time to heal rather than jumping straight into another relationship."
Heidi blinks, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Sadness thickens my throat, making it hard for me to swallow my cocktail. I wish I could take away her pain. We haven't spoken yet about what happened. I'm giving her the space and time to talk about the breakup when she's ready. I never met him, just seen photos of him as she started dating him shortly after I moved here. She told me things were getting serious quick and she could see herself with him long term, even marrying him in the future. Whatever happened between them must have been something big, because I've never seen her look as devastated as she is now.The twenty-something waiter with rolled-up sleeves approaches our table again, and hands me another cocktail. I stare at him in confusion.
"I'm sorry, but I didn't order another drink."
"Courtesy of the gentleman at the table opposite yours." He grins at me with a conspiratorial wink.
I shift my gaze to the table opposite me. The room sways, but not because I'm intoxicated. It's from pure shock. Holy hell. I can't stop myself from staring agog at the amused face of Mr. Dominant. What is he doing here? This is more than just a coincidence. I'm going to kill Heidi. He gives me a cocky grin, his gaze focusing intently on my face, making my heart somersault in my chest. I'm too wired up to inspect the two imposing, muscular men sitting with him. I make a mental note to check them out later when they are not staring at me as if I'm a naughty child that needs to be punished.
"Please tell the gentleman I don't accept drinks from strangers." I give the drink back to the waiter while holding my gaze with Mr. Dominant's. His brows go up with an amused smirk, as if he was expecting my reaction. Arrogant idiot.
I break eye contact, turning my attention to Heidi and Katie. This is payback for him dangling my underwear in my face. The waiter bobs his head and strolls away. Heidi rummages through her bag, her cheeks flushing red with guilt. Katie clears her throat, leaning closer to me.
"Are you kidding? You sent your drink back to Sebastian Laurian?" I shrug, not sure why she expects me to know his name.
"I gotta be honest here. His name means nothing. Is he the latest reality TV star?" Katie gapes at me, her eyebrows shooting up to her hairline. I stare back at her, suddenly feeling confused.
"I'm not surewhat planet you live on, Allie. His face is on every magazine. Not only is he the hottest CEO of the world's biggest AI company, but he is Seattle's most eligible bachelor."
"I don't read magazines or watch the news. I prefer reading, listening to music and watching K-dramas on Netflix." I let out a chuckle.
Katie's eyes pop wide while Heidi shakes her head and giggles silently. She also doesn't know I'm hiding from my psycho ex, who I'm sure when he gets out of prison will do everything to get his hands on me again, especially around my throat.
"Women would kill to get Ma-" she stops abruptly, biting her lower lip and scrunching her face before whispering, "Sebastian's attention."
I narrow my eyes, searching her face. What is she not telling us? She almost slipped, but caught herself at the last minute. My gaze drifts to her fingers, fidgeting with the necklace, betraying her nervousness.
"Holy mother of pearls! Please tell me you didn't have a close encounter of a third kind with Mr. Women Would Kill To Get His Attention?" I raise my brows, gawking at her, desperate to hear her answer. Katie erupts in giggles. Heidi nudges me, shaking her head with a suppressed smile lifting the corners of her mouth.
"Oh, for heaven's sake, Allie. I'm sure when Katie came out tonight, she didn't expect a Spanish Inquisition."
"Shush, another word and I'll disown you as my soul sister." I give her a toothy grin. Heidi's eyes crinkle with amusement as she pretends to zip her mouth shut and throw away the key.
I slide my chair closer to Katie, leaning forward. "Come on? You can't dangle a juicy carrot in my face and not let me take a bite." Heidi excuses herself and strolls off to the restroom.