Clover Village

Chapter 10 - Bachelor Party Tourists

SUE

"Did you have fun yesterday? You came home very late and left very early this morning," I say to Eric as he eats dinner.

"I had a lot of fun. I thought I was going to wake up with sore muscles, but it didn't happen. I actually felt energized, so I went to work as soon as I woke up. I met Ellen again at the adventure experience."

"Is that why you came home late?" I say in a teasing tone.

"Yeah, but nothing happened," he says quickly and looks a bit irritated.

"Don't get mad at me. It is nice to see you spending time with new people."

"I'm sorry, Sue. I already got the third degree from Jesse."

"Don't mind him," I say, patting his arm and going back to my makeup.

"You look beautiful. Where are you going?"

"Thanks. We are going to that new club that opened last week in Sea Glass Beach."

"That doesn't sound like a good idea," he says, a slight concern frown forming on his forehead.

"Don't worry. We are going with a group of people from Clover. Jesse is also coming. Why don't you change clothes and come with us?"

"If Jesse is going, then I don't need to be there. I could use an early night. Be careful, okay?" He says, kissing the top of my head and heading to his bedroom.

I finish getting ready and Jesse meets me by his car. We then pick Daisy and his best friend Juan. Daisy has a major crush on Juan, so she chats his ears off during most of the drive. Eventually, we arrive to the parking area of the hotel and meet our friends.

"What is he doing here?" Daisy says next to me.

I follow her gaze and see Harry among the people that just arrived.

"He also has the right to a night out," I say with a shrug.

"It's that he doesn't quite match in a place like this."

I feel a bit irritated by her comment. Many people in the village treat Harry like a weirdo. I think my brothers are an exception.

I look at him and think that he looks very nice. He is dressed completely in black, making his light complexion and almond-shaped blue eyes more noticeable. Harry catches sight of me and gives me a small smile.

We all get in line and get admitted to the club. Harry stays behind and exchanges some words with the bouncer, then shakes hands.

"Harry seems to know the bouncer," I say to Jesse.

"Yeah, Harry was the one that put us on the list. They are friends. Surprised?"

"To be frank, yes. He barely talks with people, so it never crossed my mind that he has a social life."

"There is a lot more to him than he let it show. Did you know he makes paintings? He is actually really good."

An artist? That is unexpected. The group spreads a bit and Daisy and I hit the dance floor. I have always loved to dance. Too bad there are few chances in Clover.

After dancing with two guys that join us, we head to the bar. I get a sparkling water for myself. I will probably have to drive back a very drunk Jesse.

"Have you been here before?" Says the guy that I have been dancing with.

"First time. There are no places like this in Clover Village. What about you?"

"The same. I live in the city, so coming here didn't sound exciting. I'm glad that I changed my mind," he says, looking at me with an intense gaze.

I'm blushing for sure. I'm glad that the place is dimmed. I look at Daisy and she is talking to the other guy, but her eyes are glued to Juan.

"Are you sure that you want nothing else than water?" He says while motioning to the bartender to refill his glass.

"I'm fine with this. Thanks."

I look at the group where Jesse is sitting and see Harry watching me. He lowers his gaze to his beer as I catch him doing it. Jesse is laughing hard at something, then hugs one guy.

"Excuse me," I say to my dancing partner.

I head towards Jesse and he smiles drunkenly at me. I search his pockets and remove his car keys.

"You are my doll. The best sister in the world," he says, cupping my chin.

"I'm your only sister and you are a drunk idiot," I say, making him laugh hard. Luckily, Jesse is a lovable drunk.

"Harry? Can you please keep an eye on him? You know, that he doesn't go around hugging strange people against their will."

Harry smiles and nods.

"Are those two giving you trouble?" Juan asks, while motioning with his head to the bar.

"They are okay so far," I say. Harry looks a bit disappointed.

I head back to the bar where my dance partner has downed two tequila shots.

"There you are!" the guy says, putting a hand on my waist that I remove. "You are kind of pretty for a village girl."

"Is that a compliment?" I say, feeling a little annoyed.

"Yeah! So what do you say? Wanna have some fun? I have a room here in the hotel. You can bring your friend," he says, showing me a plastic card.

"I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression," I say, removing his hand once again.

"You better give the man some happy memories," his friend says. "After he gets hitched next week, it will be over."

"You are getting married!?" I say, almost yelling at him.

"Yeah, this is my bachelor party," he says, placing his arm around my waist and pulling me hard towards him.

I push him and he lets me go, but still holds my hand kind of hard. Daisy's guy is also trying to get a hold of her.

"You are an asshole! I pity the woman you are marrying," I say, trying to loosen from his grip.

"Come on! I'm not that bad. This one is already married and is still naughty," he says, holding me again against my will.

I then see a fist from my side that comes in contact with the guy's face. He tumbles back and looks confused. I look behind me and think that I will find Juan. Harry is the one standing there, shaking his hand from the pain.

"Are you okay?" He says.

"Yeah," I say and then look at Daisy. The guy she was with has carefully stepped away. "Are you okay, Harry?"

"Asshole has a face made of stone."

I hold his fist and check on his very red knuckles.

"Thanks," I say, looking into his eyes. This time, he holds my gaze.

"Always."

People from security come to check on what happened and take the bachelor and his friend away.

And I feel very proud of Harry.