Paige
The bartender comes back with our drinks, and Megan smiles.
“Try this,” she bubbles, and I look at the luminous pink liquid sparkling in the cocktail glass.
It looks like something that belongs in Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory.
“I don’t know if I’m going to like it. It’s too pink.” I giggle. Pink is my favorite color, but there’s a limit, This stuff is actually glowing with the club lights and looks a little radioactive.
The bartender smirks at us, and his blond dreadlocks bobble as he tilts his head to the side. I’ve forgotten his name. I think it’s Zack or Zeke. He’s a favorite among the waitresses here because he’s hot.
“It’s a luminous liquid. No harm, I swear,” he promises. “Tastes like fruit punch. I make that stuff when I’m up here.” His smile widens, and he looks proud of himself.
Megan nods her approval. “That’s why we’re here.”
We’re by the bar on the second-floor lounge. It’s early, so tame. I’m meeting James in a little while, and since this is one of the nights Megan’s working, we thought we’d meet here before our nights began and have a drink together.
I just didn’t know the drink would be as pink as it is, or called The Sexy Orchid.
I pick up the glass and take a sip, and damn, it tastes amazing. As the drink slushes when I tip it, the whole glass turns a bright blue.
When my jaw drops, they both laugh.
“What is this?” I gasp.
He taps his head, and his hazel eyes twinkle. “Trade secret. I’m what you call a valuable member of staff who will always have work at The Dark Odyssey.”
I don’t doubt that. “This is seriously cool,” I tell him, and he tips his head at me for a curt nod.
“Thank you. Enjoy your drinks and your night, ladies. My admirers await.” He casts a glance at a group of women wearing black and green masks who’ve just arrived.
“Thank you.” Megan smiles at him, and we take our drinks and walk to one of the empty booths.
We sit, and when Megan gets that all-knowing curious look on her face, I know she wants to get to the gossip and find out what’s the latest on me. I actually haven’t seen her since last week. I’ve been with James the whole time. I stopped by the apartment briefly the other day to pick up some stuff and pack a bag as James requested, but she wasn’t there.
This is supposed to be night three of me making use of my packed bag, so that was the other reason for us to catch up.
“Right, spill it, sister. I don’t know what universe this is where you’re with the super-hot Italian Stallion, and I’m… well, I’m doing whatever it is I’m doing. I like this universe though. It’s fun.” She giggles.
I smile and draw in a breath. “Oh God, Megan, we’re just so… we’re so into each other, and I find myself forgetting everything when I’m with him. It’s just super hard in class, or around people.”
“It must be.”
“I find myself looking at him, or I might catch him looking at me, and it’s hard to hold back emotion. Definitely harder when we’re so intense when we’re together. Especially when we’re here.”
Mischief ignites in her eyes when I say that. “What have you done here?”
“A lot.”
“Like what?”
“Megan,” I scoff. I’m not one to talk about sex. I’ve never been, but I have to admit it’s hard not to talk about the things James and I have gotten up to.
“Oh, come on. It’s hard for me too pretending I don’t know. So give me something. Have you been in the sex dungeon yet?” She chuckles. She’s joking, but when I don’t answer, her eyes almost pop out of her head. “Holy shit, Paige.”
“Let’s just say we’re adventurous.” We’re having another adventure like that tonight.
“Oh my God, I’m loving this. I’m so glad it worked out for you. I like him for you.”