I sighed deeply, it was the day of the supposed deal, where Adam and i had to head to the night club of all places, that he's a sponsor of. After i told him about what happened that night in the rooftop, he's been blocking all calls from Rachel and didn't allow her inside the office. He wanted to do so much more, but Rhiannon advised that he should play it cool until the deal was officially off. "Fine, you be violent in my stead" he urged the girls, which is sweet and everything rhi wanted to hear.
The girls barged into the apartment, first to engulf me in hugs and kisses and two bags full of 'professional' clothes as they'd say, to congratulate me on getting the job. As i said, they all just go over the top on everything. But soon after, they started heavily prepping me on what to wear and how to do my makeup, essentially dressing up like those Barbie dress up games for tonight.
It was as if we were prepping for a battle, when i was just seeing Rachel tonight for the first time after i told her off. "You HAVE to be the best dressed tonight" Erika swore, her hair up in a half bun, wearing a pastel cardigan and casual pants, she ran around the room like Tasmanian devil, a pair of heels on her hand and a handbag clung onto her arm.
"Sit straight you shrimp I'm trying to do the curls here" rhi grumbled, a curling wand on her hand, she was styling my hair.
Are they dressing me up for me or do they just want to get back at Rachel so bad, through me? Not that I'm complaining, I'm sitting here on my ass while they run animalistically around the room trying to find the perfect outfit, cue *Roman Holiday*
"This criss cross in the back is cute, wear black"
Popping her head out from the side of the bed, Erika perked up, "No red?" She argued.
"She wore red that night, she'll wear black" tilting, Rhi shook her head.
"RED IS HER COLOR" Erika stomped her feet, i know she's trying to be assertive but she's literally like a little rabbit, it must be so hard for James to take her seriously when she's angry.
"BLACK-"
"GUYS OH MY GOD" I intercepted, although I love that they care so much, this was getting way out of hand, i cant believe they were taking it this seriously, "Dark green"
"Fine" they agreed in unison, picking out a dress in the color i managed to get them to agree, the two were like my personal stylists dressing me like rent was due.
Unfortunately, Adam and i aren't able to go together tonight, as he had to take some officials from Yoon himself, which meant i had to meet him there. The fact that i had to go there by myself was nerve wrecking, Rhiannon was having a dinner with Edward's parents later in the night and Erika promised to be home with James tonight, since he was out of state for a few days. Which meant, i had to go in alone and meet Adam, and face that demoness.
"Fuck him in public, that oughta get her to back off for good" I choked on my water, the three of us on the living room, finally having finished dressing me up, i gotta say, I didn't know i was capable of looking this good, they're so good at what they do.
Rhiannon shrugged, pointing out that her idea of getting Rachel to back off was a sane idea. "Why not?"
"My god" i protested, "but i get what you mean"
"So we picked a spot" Erika beamed, prompting us to scream in excitement, relieved that the two are finally cementing their plans on getting married.
"It's James' Chateau in Sicily where he was born" she scrunched her nose, it was either that or the castle, but the fact that they are getting married in Italy is exciting. "Fuck I've been wanting to go to Italy"
"Since most of his family is already there, and mine, scattered all over Europe, it seems like the best choice"
"And.." she grabbed both mine and Rhiannon's hand, squeezing tightly, "i want you BOTH to be my maid of honor"
My heart jumped with joy, internally and externally squealing, all three of us jumped in unison, "wait, is it okay that it's the two of us?" I inquired, I haven't been to a wedding in years, I'm fully out of touch with how they work.
"It's the 21st century who cares" Erika affirmed, grabbing us both into a hug. Being in their presence felt like safe haven, they were always there when i needed them, I felt extremely grateful and lucky to have met them, i don't know what I would've done or how I would've made it this far without them.
Ive never been a maid of honor, ever. And this means it's going to be nerve wrecking and exciting and i want nothing more but the best for Erika.
"Have you set a date?" Rhi's eyes were wide with hope, "early next year, April?" We squealed together a little more, oh my god it's finally fucking happening. "YOU'RE GONNA BE A WIFE"
.•° ✿ °•.
Adam sent a car for me to get picked up and dropped off at Aces, ever since the girls left, my heart has been violently pounding inside my chest. I couldn't exactly place what i was really nervous about,
I already told her off, Adam's taking care of it on his end, whats there for me to worry about? Aside from the fact that i have raging social anxiety and going to a public place on my own is making me want to bury my head in the ground. Time to dissociate from my body and enter into my bubble again.
Getting off from the car at the entrance, there was a long line of people dressed to the nines, waiting to get inside. Every night outs I've been with Anna before i met the Kings, we'd walk past this club, drunk out of our minds, waddling on our heels and figuring out which club to hop, "This shit looks bougie" she'd point at the entrance of the club, three big almost 7' men, dressed in black and standing by the start of the cue.
And for it to not only be partially owned by my boyfriend, here i am, a year later, about to find out what this place looks like.
I felt the hair on my skin rise as the booming music grew louder, i could feel the eyes of everybody on the cue, follow me as i walked up to the scarily tall big men, their gaze looking down at me. I feel like garden knome.
"Antheia Grey?"
Adam swore that all i gotta do is say my name and they're gonna let me in. Well they better, or that's gonna be so fucking embarrassing.
"Head right in ma'am" one of the men gestured at the entrance, their demeanor changed to a respectful one.
I have never walked into a club alone, i felt my knees weak as i entered, distracted and drunk people scattered everywhere, most of which were huddled by the colossal bar area, trying to buy drinks.
The music was alright, the DJ on the stage playing booming music to get your body moving, lifting his hands up in the air like its the second coming of god, seriously, why do they do that? Just play the damn song.
I pulled out my phone to text Adam, "I'm here, I'm by the bar"
I kept my eyes peeled on the phone, waiting for his response, feeling awkward and displaced amongst the screaming, drunk people dancing to the music or furiously making out in front of me.
The music was getting louder and louder as the beat dropped, the bass ringing in my ears, it was dark as fuck inside, nothing but the strobing laser like lights guiding the floors, how the fuck am I gonna walk around in the dark in these heels. I keep telling myself to not let Rhiannon pick my heels but here we are, in struggle town.
Already impatient to see him, i excused myself, well at least tried to excuse myself as i pushed past the myriad of intoxicated people having the time of their lives on the dance floor. Ugh wish I could relate right now.
Squeezing past which probably felt like the entire population of the country, i finally got to the side of the stage, which already had another big ass bouncer guarding the entrance.
It was closed by a velvet chain, the inside however, consisted of some sort of a VIP lounge, a private bar of it's own and leather couches.
Where the fuck is he?
"Can i help you?" The bouncer's voice boomed louder than the music, making me jump in surprise. Helplessly looking around, i yelled, "I'M ANTHEIA GRAY! I'M HERE FOR ADAM KING? I'M HIS GIRLFRIEND!" Hoping I'd be heard through the loud thumping music.
His brows furrowed, his gaze studying me from head to toe, "His girlfriend is inside"
I felt my body turn to stone, my heart sink into a pit. That can't- that doesn't make sense? I pulled out my phone once again, my palms sweaty and the music ringing in my ears. "Adam I'm by the stage where are you? This guy's saying some shit"
Nothing.
I felt my knees weak, narrowing my eyes, desperately trying to get a peak inside, just a sign of anybody. The bouncer was eyeing me, expecting me to leave the area immediately.
I could feel my whole body sink into the floor, my eyes widening as i watched the scene in front of me.
Adam appeared in sight, surrounded by what seemed to be a bunch of old men walking alongside him, his attention completely on them, they were leading him towards the back of the lounge, supposedly to sit in the area. He seemed to have missed me completely, he didn't see me at all.
"ADAM!" I jumped, waving my hands profusely to get my attention, but unfortunately he was surrounded by too many people to get my attention, already walking past the entrance, into the lounge.
What the fuck
Emerging behind him was her.
A smirk forming on her lips as she strutted her way towards me, her hair let lose and her short red dress reflecting to the strobing lights. Crossing her arms over her chest, she scanned me top to bottom, "SEND HER AWAY, SHE'S NOT PART OF THIS. NOW!" she yelled through the music at the bouncer, who seemingly obeyed her word, swatting me away.
"What- I KNOW ADAM, H-HEY WHAT THE FUCK? ADAM-" i desperately waved my arms but to no avail. I could feel tears pooling on my eyes. Fuck, my makeup.
Giving me a venomous smile, Rachel walked into the lounge. The bouncer, gently pushing me backwards, swatting at me. "If you refuse to leave, I'll have to throw you out" he warned.
Now I'm just fucking pissed.
I pulled out my phone, the bright screen illuminating my face, but no response from him. Fuck this.
I started dialing him.
Once - no answer.
Twice - nothing.
Gritting my teeth i walked up to the bar, violently pushing through and making my way to the edge of the counter.
"Three tequila shots"
I was internally screaming, my brain going haywire, I didn't know what to do, or think. There's nothing i can do if i can't get in there, and Adam's not answering his phone. There's no way he forgot that'd I'd be here, would he?
Who do i even call now? What do i fucking do? "Here you go" the bartender slid the shots over to me. All i know is, i need this to calm my nerves.