UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER (EDITED VERSION)

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE: Family drama

I often wake up feeling ashamed of having vivid erotic dreams about him. I never knew such intense emotions existed. At first, I hated running into him, but now I find myself yearning to see him with each passing minute. Isn't that crazy?

Tonight, he plans on taking me to his favourite nightclub where he and his buddies often hang out. I've never been to a nightclub before and I have no idea what to wear. I'm really worried about making a fool out of myself tonight.

"Not if I could help it. I need a plan," I said to myself. Who better knows how to party? To get advice, all I have to do is call the queen of parties and dress-ups.

I wait patiently on the line, hoping and praying that she will pick up. The last time we talked, I told her to get her sh*t together. Now it is me who needs her help in getting my sh*t up and going. "How ironic."

"Hello Shelley, Is that you?"

"Yes, it is. How have you been, Sarah?"

"I have been good. God, it's been so long. I miss you."

"I am so sorry I have not called you to find out how things are. It's just that I have been busy. Forgive me." I said.

"It's okay, Shelley. Given my behaviour, I was even surprised that you tolerated me for such a long time. You are right to tell me to get my act together. I needed that."

"Seriously, Sarah, how are you?"

"I am really fine; you don't have to worry about me. I have been sober for a while now."

"That is great. I am proud of you."

"Thanks. Enough about me. I am sure you did not call to find out whether I had been sober or not. So, what's up?"

"Right. I have a date at the nightclub, and I don't know what to wear. Can you suggest what I can wear to such a place?"

"A nightclub, you say? Well, well, what have you done to Shelley?" she inquires. I chuckle. "Are you going to help me or not?"

"Do you trust me?" she asked. "If I didn't, I wouldn't be calling."

"Then I'll send you a few dresses to your location. You can pick one and pay me later. How about that?"

"That will be great. Thank you so much. I owe you one."

Seated beside Ben in his luxurious Range Rover, I can't help but feel a bit out of place. Despite Sarah's thoughtful gesture of sending over beautiful dresses, none of them quite fit my usual style. Yet here I am, venturing to a nightclub, a place I have never visited.

I gazed at my dress. After much thought about the dresses Sarah sent over, I chose this stunning silver dress with a daring deep V-neck and long sleeves, a departure from my usual attire. It hugged my body perfectly, making it impossible to resist. I found myself continuously adjusting the hemline, which fell just above my knee, feeling slightly self-conscious about the shorter length. With my hair cascading down the right side of my face, I couldn't shake the feeling of being both alluring and out of my comfort zone. Here I am, in a revealing yet elegant dress, seated next to a captivating man, en route to a destination that feels entirely foreign to me. With a sigh, I couldn't help but wonder about the night that lay ahead.

"Is everything alright?" Ben asks glancing my way.

"Everything is fine," I said as I glanced at him. "So, which club are we going to?" He replied, "You will see," while placing his left hand on mine. "Relax. You look beautiful," he added. I bit my lip and joined my palm with his.

"You are biting your lips," he says. "Sorry. I guess old habits are hard to lose."

A small smile creeps onto my lips as I look him over. He is wearing a casual blazer with a T-shirt paired with denim jeans. "What are you looking at? Is there something on my face?" he asked. Giggling, I respond, "Nope, just checking you out. You look dashing, by the way."

"Thank you," he said, smiling.

"Are we there yet?" I ask.

"Not yet."

A moment later, we pull up at the club's entrance. Suddenly, the car door beside me opened, and a hand stretched forth, offering assistance. I grabbed the hand, and the security guard helped me out. As I looked up, I read the sign on the building: "Vienna City Club."

"Seriously, Here?" I gestured nervously towards the building, glancing at Ben. "What's wrong with this place? Do you hate it?" He asked, standing beside me.

"Nope, it's just too crowded and expensive for my liking."

"Clubs are expected to be crowded and expensive," he retorted.

"Am I being stupid?" I asked. "No, you're just freaking out," he said, extending his arm for me to take. "You're with me. I assure you, you're safe."

"With a charming smile, he asks, "Shall we?" I couldn't help but grin as I linked my arm with his, and together we made our way inside."