Page 41 of House of Bass

“I have to go. See you in a bit.”

As Harley opened the door to leave Annabel called back to her, she warned, “Just be careful, okay?” Her tone is a little ominous. “Scarlett isn’t all she pretends to be.” Harley’s brows dipped at the vague statement but a car honk brought her out of her thoughts. She gave Annabel a sharp nod and short wave before exiting the door.

Later, Bloss drove into the street and the sheer amount of people Harley saw loitering almost shocked her. She had assumed it was a more lowkey event but there had been so many people standing in groups talking.

More importantly, it was the way in which the road opposite where they had parked looked like a race track which caught her eye. It was a large roundabout that had six or seven exit roads and judging by the slew of cars in her line of sight, Harley guessed that this was some form of street racing.

“I assumed this was more of a house party,” she said to no one in particular.

“You thought wrong,” Lily answered. “You’re about to experience the best night of your life.” She and Bloss highfived in the corner of Harley’s eye, while laughing.

She looked at Scarlett who seemed more relaxed than Harley had ever seen her, like she was at home in the midst of the chaos in the air. The wind blew in her hair, which was different from a couple hours ago, fluffier and more coils. When she looked to the left to where she was staring, Harley quickly averted her eyes. But she could feel Scarlett’s on her now.

“Come on, let’s get drinks. They don't start for another couple hours.” Bloss linked their arms together and they stepped into a warehouse that was also in turn a makeshift club. Inside was well packed and the smell of sex, drugs and alcohol was extremely poignant.

The music in here was pulsing against the walls, Harley regretted not bringing ear plugs. Whenever they walked past someone, one of the girls exchanged pleasantries. It was clear they were very comfortable and well known in this environment.

They reached the bar and a white guy with brown hair and tattoos smiled brightly and Bloss squealed at the sight of him, “I didn’t know you were working tonight.”

“Just covering. Temi had an emergency at home.”

“How come no one gave me a ring? Is it serious?” Scarlett asked, worried.

“Nah, I think his kid came down with something and needed to be looked after.”

“I’ll call him after, sort it.”

“Shame. Wish you could have fun with us,” Lily said as he passed her a drink, then came the flirty once over that made her blush.

“I get off in a couple hours, we can have all the fun you want then.”

The girls cheered in jest and Scarlett flicked him over the head “Fucking flirt, leave her alone.” But the guy just laughed and winked at Lily. She blushed again but wasn’t given the time to digest as Bloss downed a shot and dragged her onto the dance floor. “Oh, I love this song.”

Harley’s chuckle had the bartender looking over at her and he turned the charm on her immediately, “And who are you?”

“Harley,” she told him and then he pointed to himself, “Callum.”

He snuck a look at Scarlett who was no longer smiling watching them interact, he continued, “Where have they been hiding you?”

“I’m kinda new, I moved here about a month ago.”

“You should come by often, we could use a face like yours around here.” He winked at her.

Scarlett didn’t look too happy by his declaration, she flicked his head again. “Do your job and give us something to drink.” He rolled his eyes affectionately and started to pour into four shot glasses and Harley spoke up, “I don’t drink. A Sprite or something is fine.”

At the same time when he nodded in acknowledgement, Scarlett turned towards her. “I didn’t know you don’t drink.”

“That would require for you to actually speak to me,” Harley said. It came out much harsher than she intended, clearly she was more annoyed about it than she thought. Her eyes pinched at this.

Scarlett’s own opened a fraction, surprised. She sighed before responding, “It’s not specifically about you, okay?” She lowered her voice before she spoke, “I just find it hard to separate you from…”

“Annabel,” Harley finished for her and she nodded, confirming Harley’s suspicions. Whatever her issue was with her sister, she refused to get involved with it. “I get it, I’ll stay out of your way.”

She began to stand, wondering where Bloss and Lily had gone, but a hand prevented her from moving. She looked to where Scarlett’s hand was locked around her wrist. “Don’t go.”

Her voice lowered and if not for the fact that Harley was hyperfocused on her, she might’ve not heard the “Please.”

She slowly sat back down. Then Scarlett declared, “I want to be friends.”