(Complete but Publishing Chapters In Progress) Rebound, Boundless Series, Book 1

Four

Lumiere's entrance was encased in amber lights. The music resounded outside, entertaining the guests who stood in the cold night air. The shawl I held against my face couldn't protect me from the chilly night. Darby, Chelsea's family friend, placed us on the guest list. Her sister worked for the management team of the club owners. We were greeted by one of the associates who walked us to the coat check, then guided us to the VIP lounge. With our arms linked, Keta and I were last to approach the cordoned section.

The girls giggled and smiled as they took their places around the sumptuous couch. We surveyed the room. The upbeat music echoed in time with the wavy, multicolored lights, which randomly lit sections of the dark club. The dancers were perched on mini stages and inside cages, reminding me of the time when I danced to make money. Even at the early, ten o'clock hour, the club was at capacity.

The semi-circle couch allowed us to talk to each other and take in the club's vibe. The oval, center table was made of wood, outlined by a lit pane of thick glass. It looked like a stage made for dancing. I pointed it out to Chelz, winked, and wiggled my hips. "No," she mouthed while waving her hands. I nodded and mockingly ran my tongue over my upper lip. We broke out into laughter. I decided my dance would wait until after we were all sufficiently inebriated.

The waitress took our drink order for bottle service, ordering tequila and a variety of fruity cocktails. I scanned the club, watching the men in packs. They held their drinks while staring at the clusters of women dancing with each other. The guys prowled for a one-night conquest while the women scanned the room for potential life-mates. Women danced seductively with each other because it seemed safer, more suggestive, and ego-boosting. And Keta and I were no different, swaying against each other.

When our drinks arrived, we took our martini glasses and delicately tapped the brims in hearty cheers. I took a long swig of the sweet mixture, popping a few pomegranates in my mouth. The beverage loosened me up further. I pulled Darby to dance with us around the center table.

The DJ seamlessly mixed a variety of Hip Hop, Trap, and Reggaeton music. As I sipped and shimmied, I surveyed the club. Three lounges away, four men entered the reserved space. They were all handsome and well-dressed. In my lit state, I barely recognized the last man to enter the seating area. Dr. Dashing sat down, crossing his leg, scanning the vicinity. He looked relaxed as he smiled and laughed at something his friend whispered in his ear.

Stunned in place, my heart beat wildly. My face heated with excitement, fear, and embarrassment. I watched him give the attendant his drink order. He smiled at her. A smile I had been so desperate to elicit. When she left, he looked around the club. I turned away.

Keta frowned with concern. I informed her of Dr. Dashing's presence. Subtly, she looked over, smiling when she made contact with his visage. Keta spoke into Darby's ear. Darby beamed and walked over to Chelz. I rolled my eyes. My hands were on my hips in frustration. Chelz's head popped up and peeked over in Dashing's direction. In succession, she alerted Patty and Marta, who whipped their necks over to me. All the women's mouths were agape.

The desperate bridal party had all eyes on him, invading his privacy and humiliating me in the process.

Avoiding eye contact, I drank and danced with my back to him. I prayed he wouldn't recognize me. A hot guy like Dr. Dashing was guaranteed to have a girlfriend. Sure enough, Keta leaned into my ear and informed me of three women who approached his lounge. One of them sat beside him, confirming my suspicion. In an instant, my hopes for an encounter—possibly a sexual one—with Dashing plummeted. I refused to look at him and the other woman for fear that tears would well up in my eyes and I'd run out in a jealous rage. My feelings were completely irrational and unwarranted.