Friends in the Big City. Chapter 1.
"Keep walking kid. You ain't getting in here."
I felt my face flush, "why not?" I asked, knowing what was coming.
"You need to be 18." Replied the balding bouncer, his eyes fixed on something over my shoulder.
"I am. I'm 22. Look, I have ID."
His eyes flicked to me briefly before darting back to the spot over my shoulder. "Not buying it."
I felt my face getting hot. I knew this would happen, no one ever believed I was 22, I was constantly asked for ID, even for energy drinks.
I could feel the vibrations from the dancefloor in my chest; Josh might be waiting, and I needed this friendship, I couldn't stay here with no friends. "I have my credit card too." I said, opening my wallet and digging through the compartments, "I even have an old library card; to prove my name."
He rolled his beady eyes towards me, "Fine. Any trouble though and you're out."
"Yes, no trouble." I said while inwardly calling him every name I could think of.
As I pushed the door open the sound magnified. I took the few steps up to the dance floor and headed straight for the bar ordering a drink to calm my nerves.
I scanned the room looking for Josh, but couldn't see him, so pulled out my phone to text him. He replied within seconds, [Running late. Don't leave.] I rolled my eyes, I should have expected it, Josh was always late, even to work.
[HURRY!] I shot back and then sipped my drink as I took in the clientele. It was 9:00pm so it wasn't too busy on the dance floor, but there were still lots of people drinking and grinding on one another.
There was a good mix of different ages, most looked in their twenties or less while some were middle aged, and a few much older guys were dotted around; most of them had a seat at the bar or in a booth.
Across the room I saw two girls hugging on the dance floor, crying in each other's faces as they rocked dangerously from side to side; likely saying how much they loved each other.
There were a few attractive guys spread about, in one of the booths, I saw a particularly handsome man, wearing thin framed glasses, he was talking to a black man, who had his back to me. I was taking in his dark hair and stubble that framed his angular face when he glanced over at me. Too quickly, I turned my whole body to look away, feeling my face flush yet again.
A few seconds later I felt someone's breath against my ear, "You drinking alone?" My heart rate quickened as I turned to face him - only to be disappointed that it was someone else.
"Oh. No, I'm just waiting for a friend." I shouted over the music.
"Me too." He smiled, "Mind if I wait with you?" He stood a little taller than me and had a stocky build. He looked to be in his late-twenties, his hair and eyebrows were blonde. So blonde, they verged on white.
"Sure," I said reaching out my hand, "River. Nice to meet you."
He grabbed at my hand and leant in close, "Dan. Nice to meet you, cutie."
"You too. Come here often?"
"Most weekends. I work in investment. So, I need to blow off steam on the weekends."
"Investment?" I asked, "Sounds impressive."
"Yeah, loads of travel, company perks and earning six figures, it's pretty great." He chortled. Ergh, a show off. I was liking this guy less with each passing second, "So, stick with me." He winked.
"My barista wage sees me through life." I shot back, pulling out my phone and texting Josh, [Hurry up. If you've not here in 10 mins I'm leaving! Creeper here.]
[15 away. Please don't leave.]
"Sorry, I need the toilet. See you around." I said without looking at the guy and walking away before he could reply. I wasn't into his superior attitude and the 'stick with me' comment was just too much for me.
Once in the empty toilet I walked to the sink and washed my hands, I was getting annoyed with Josh now, he'd gone on and on about getting me 'out there' and meeting other gay men. He knew I was nervous and yet he was still late.
Aggravated, I pushed my wet hands through my short curls, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes were almost as black as my hair, I always thought it made me look like a vampire, what with having pale skin too. That coupled with the fact I was skinny, with ears that stuck out slightly too far meant I wasn't usually the centre of attention, which I was absolutely fine with.
The bathroom door squeaked open, "Don't worry, I got your hint."
I cringed as I turned around to face the guy from before- Dan. "Hint?" I asked deadpan.
"To follow you up here." He said stepping forward and leaning in to kiss me?
"Woah." I stepped back and pushed on his chest, "Sorry Dan. No hints from me. I'm not looking for anything."
His face changed in an instant, "You're joking right. You fucking cock-tease."
"What the fuck?" I shot back in bewilderment, "We exchanged names you fucking weirdo."
At that moment the door squeaked open again, the guy I'd been staring at from the booth stood at the urinal and pissed while Dan stared back at me, anger in his eyes. After a few seconds he muttered something under his breath and stormed out.
I let out a shaky breath and turned to wash my hands again.
"You alright?" I glanced in the mirror to see the other guy zipping up his jeans, looking at my refection.
"Yeah. Sorry, that guy was just fucking weird."
He stood next to me, washing his hands, "Thought I picked up on some tension, wanted more than you were willing to give?"
I huffed out a small laugh, "Asked my name and then suddenly thought we were married."
"I know the type. But, you are a sexy little thing." He replied, his voice deep and masculine. I couldn't help but smile. Now he was closer I could see he was in his late thirties, well put together and stood a few inches taller than my 5"8. I took in his brown hair, quaffed with a side parting. His dark eyes were framed by thin, wired glasses and his dark stubble was neat and clean.
"Want me to see you back to your friends?" He asked.
I shook my head, "He hasn't turned up. I think I'm just gonna go."
