Page 10 of A Win-Win Situation
"Oh, nothing." Sophie’s smile reaches her blue eyes, and it’s making me nervous.
Something is going on.
"Well, it’s Saturday tomorrow, so we’re going to have some fun," Adeline adds.
"And what dowehave planned?" I ask, curious about their ideas but equally afraid.
Sophie plays with her fingers, a twinkle in her eye. "It’s a surprise."
"Oh great." I roll my eyes. "I love your surprises."
Knowing them, this so-called surprise will involve a lot of tequila shots.
Adeline lets out a giggle. "Don't worry, it's nothing crazy. Just something fun and cultural."
I’m not convinced. Although, she’s never used the word "cultural"when planning a night out before, so I’m actually feeling excited about what they have in store. This might be fun.
"Alright then, let's just enjoy the rest of our day at the beach and take it from there."
FIVE
LEORA
When I think about the words "fun" and "cultural," my mind conjures up images of museums and trying new cuisines. Maybe even exploring this beautiful city.
Standing in line, outside a crowded nightclub on the French Riviera, in a black halterneck dress so tight it emphasizes every curve of my body, particularly around my rounder hips, is certainlynotwhat I had in mind.
"Wow, that’s aman,"Adeline murmurs, and I turn around to see the back of a tall, broad shouldered man walk by us. "Stop pulling on your dress, Leora," Adeline snaps, her tone leaving no room for argument and I immediately release the hem.
"When we get in, you're going to talk to one of these hot men. Understood?"
Before I have time to answer her, Sophie chimes in, "You'll go up to him with your hot ass and flirt. Okay?"
I'm not exactly surewhatshe's talking about.Idon’t go up to guys, and I certainly don’t have a "hot ass."
My heart starts racing, and I shake my head frantically. "No, no, I can't do that. You know I can't flirt to save my life." The last time I tried doing the cute, doe-eyed, blinking thing, John asked if I had something in my eye. I said yes and ran away. And thatwas five years ago! If I couldn’t flirt then, there’s no way in hell I would be able to now. I’m not even sure I remember what to do. Touch their arm? Smile? Blink? Can you even blink in a sexy way?
"Honey, that's yourmissionfor tonight," Adeline says with a smirk on her face. I groan inwardly. Themissionis something we've been doing for a long time. It's a way to push each other to do something outside of our comfort zone, or a way to be assholes. You're allowed to say no toonechallenge, but I know that if I deny this one, a worse one will follow.
"I hate you guys," I mutter, eyeing them both before winking. "Just wait foryourmissions."
"Nope," Adeline says, making a popping sound. "You know the rules. If I hand out the first challenge, you can’t give one back. You’ll choose one for Sophie and she’ll choose one for me. Simple."
That cocky little?—
"List?" The huge bouncer demands, staring us down. Damn, they make the bouncers even bigger in Europe. His eyes narrow, and he wrinkles his nose as he glares at us. Apparently, they're more rude here too.
"Yes, it's under ‘Anderson’," Sophie replies, giving me a "what did you expect" look. Of course, Sophie got us on the list. The bouncer nods and checks the list, then unclasps the red rope blocking our way and signals us to walk in. My heart races as I follow my friends into the club, wondering what kind of trouble they’ll get me into tonight.
Upon entering the club, my senses are immediately overwhelmed by the beating bass of the music, the colorful lights flashing around the room, and the scent of perfume and alcohol filling the air. The dance floor is packed with people moving, their bodies swaying in unison to the rhythm of the music.
The bar is lined with people shouting their drink orders over the music. There are girls dressed in glittery tight dresses and high heels, dancing on tables with their hands raised over their heads, letting the music take over. I haven't been to a club in a while, but something within me lets go. I’m ready to let loose and have some fun.
I follow my girls through the crowd, feeling the heat of the bodies around me as we squeeze our way toward the bar.
"Nine tequila shots and three drinks of your own choice, handsome, but make them a bit sour," Adeline purrs to the bartender, leaning over the bar. Her curves are perfectly accentuated in her red bodycon dress, and I notice how the bartender's eyes linger a little too long on her chest before he quickly prepares the drinks, his eyes rarely leaving Adeline's cleavage.
"It’s on the house."
