AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter nine
Logan
I leave Tara andSilas at the bar and make my way to the bathroom. It’s been a long night; a long week really. And that’s evident on my face when I catch my reflection in the mirror. Tired eyes, shoulders slumped. I feel like a wreck.
As I step out of the bathroom, I run into Julie making her way down the long narrow hallway leading to the restrooms.
“Oh. Hi.” She stops walking when she sees me.
She’s backlit by the dim lights lining the hallway, the outline of her almost elegant as she stands before me. It was a surprise seeing her tonight, but not an unwelcome one. She looked like she had a nice time, for whatever that’s worth.
“Julie,” I say again. Like I don’t tire from saying it.
We stare at each other for a brief moment, unsure of how to continue this exchange. When she asks, “How are you?” it comes out in the most awkward tone, like she’s trying to be professional and friendly all at once. I can’t help but laugh.
“I’m alright. This is a nice place. Looks like you had a nice night.”
“I did. Did you?”
“I did,” I nod.
“Sorry about your date.”
“My date?” I ask in confusion.
“She was kissing another guy?” She points behind her to the bar where Tara and Silas are still sitting, probably all over each other, feeding each other martini olives.
I can’t help but laugh at this again, too. Tara as my date. Though I guess to any other eye it would look like that. That’s the power of good partners, I guess.
“Oh, God no. Tara’s my dance partner and we’re friends. Nothing more.”
She rears back slightly in surprise. “Oh.”
“I don’t date partners.” I don’t know why I say it. It’s notnottrue, but what does it matter if she knows? And I can’t deny that I’ve slept with enough dancers anyway.
“Oh, right.” She clears her throat and frowns. “Makes sense.”
“So, will I see you next week?”
“Yes, you will,” she says with conviction, standing up even straighter.
“Good.” I tuck my hands into my pockets, now fidgety under her stare.
“Good,” she nods.
“Do you need a ride home?” I peer at her while she stands still in front of me. I don’t know how many drinks she’s had, but I’d like to make sure she makes a safe choice.
“I don’t get into cars with strangers,” she answers succinctly.
“A good rule,” I smile.
“Anyway, I’m fine,” she replies, but then adds in, “Thanks, though.”
“Sure. Well, have a nice night, Julie,” I say, making my way out of the hallway so I, too, can head home.
“Goodnight, Logan,” she says behind me, in a voice that sounds both sweet and strangely seductive. The words floatbetween us, making a space right between my shoulder blades, and then crawl up to ring in my ears the whole way home.
***
