Chapter 10: In the club

‘‘Miss Madden, Mr Cooper, so nice to see you here.’’ A deep voice said. He never said my last name. I looked up and saw Mr. Hayes and Ms. Melissa walking towards us. Ms. Melissa waved to us and tried to pull Mr. Hayes to her side. I looked Mr. Hayes up and down and he looked yummy, as always. He was wearing dark coloured jeans with a crisp white shirt. ‘‘Hi Mr. Hayes! I've never seen teachers here. What a coincidence.’’ Javier said in a chirpy tone. ‘‘Hi Javier, how are you? Still a bit flimsy after the school incident?’’ Mr. Hayes said with a dangerous glint in his eyes. ‘‘Nah, that can't beat me down. And what's a better cure than to be on a date with a beautiful lady.’’ Javier said, smiling in my direction. I smiled back but was definitely aware of the tension in the air, which somehow Javier didn't even notice. Ms. Melissa got a bit agitated that Mr. Hayes didn't walk with her and tried to get his attention by standing half in front of him, after pulling her shirt down. He finally noticed her and he looked at her with a slight glare, although he was trying to mask that with a serious expression. I have seen this man smile maybe three times, I thought to myself. ‘‘See ya guys around,’’ Melissa said over her shoulder to us, finally able to pull Mr. Hayes away.

They left to their own table and I released a big breath. I took a few sips of my drink and looked at Javier again, who was suddenly busy with his phone. Luckily we would be going to Jane's house soon. I could not be here with him around. “So, Javier, tell me what's going on with you.” I asked. He turned his attention back to me and grabbed my hand. ‘‘I'm just one year above you in school. I actually saw you a few times last year but never approached you. I guess the nerves were getting to me every time. Maybe I was pretty lucky that ball hit you. Not that I wanted that to happen of course, but maybe that had to happen so I would meet you.’’ He said shyly. He did not come across as a shy guy at all. I nodded, encouraging him to go on. ‘‘I work at a car dealership, we sell exclusive cars to the rich and famous. I'm still saving up for one of those cars. Actually, now that I think of it. Mr. Hayes bought his car with us. I think he drives a Maserati Ghibli.’’

I so did not want to talk about that guy. I peeked out of the corner of my eyes and saw him smirking. He must be having lots of fun with Melissa. I saw him down his drink and focused on Javier again. ‘‘Okay, what car would you pick? I want to know more about you.’’ I responded to Javier. His eyes lit up, happy that I took interest in his work. ‘‘Honestly, I would go for an electric car. My dream car is the Genesis Electrified G80. Not too flashy.’’ He showed me a picture, all hyped up. ‘‘I like that more than the Maserati. And you get 100 bonus points for saving the planet.’’ I said with a laugh. ‘‘What about your family?’’ I asked him next. ‘‘I'm living with my parents and younger sister. She is actually in the same year as you. Maybe you know her, her name is Hailee.’’ Hailee, the follower of Kylee, was his sister? ‘‘Talk about coincidences. We are actually in the same class! She's best friends with Kylee.’’ I responded. He laughed. ‘‘That's the one! It really was meant to be that we met. You should hang out with Hailee, maybe soon we can hang out with the three of us.’’ He answered. I took a big sip of my drink, not wanting to respond to that.

My phone rang and I saw that Jane was calling me. “Jane. What's up?” I said through the phone. “Man you are not going to believe this. My parents came home early. We can't have the party at my house. Where are you?” Jane answered. “I'm at Club Royale. But let's meet at another spot.” I said, hopeful. “No, Club Royale will be perfect. I'll tell everybody to meet there. See you in 20!” Jane hung up and my face drained. Of course they all had to come here. But maybe Mr. Hayes and Ms Melissa wouldn't stay long. I looked at their table and saw two empty glasses in front of Mr. Hayes and a full cocktail in front of Ms. Melissa. Ms Melissa looked like she had the time of her life and had her hand on his hand.

I explained the situation to Javier who was quite happy the group was coming to the Club. “I'll order shots for everyone.” he said while downing his drink. Fifteen tequila shots arrived precisely the moment my friends arrived. They came in shouting and singing and all sat down with us, almost moving the entire back part of the club. Logan sat next to me and put an arm around my shoulders, giving me a kiss on my cheek. Kylee and Hailee sat opposite us, looking pissed off. Kylee was staring daggers at me every 20 seconds. What was her problem?

“Hold the F up. Am I seeing this correctly? Mr. Hayes and Ms. Melissa on a date?” Jane said way too loud. The entire grouped looked and started talking about what a cute couple they would make. Luckily more drinks arrived and we started playing a drinking game. I looked behind me and they were still talking, although Ms. Melissa started swaying her body now as well while sitting down.

“Jane, drink!!” Rose shouted while downing her own drink. I drank the rest of mine and we all moved to the dance floor. I was dancing with my girls, our arms around each other and pointing at each other when our favourite songs came on. Javier inched closer to me and soon I was dancing with him. He was pretty drunk and I don't even think he realized that we was dancing with me. James and Kenna were dancing together, her arms around his neck and a big smile on her face. James looked about ready to burst from happiness. Rose was nowhere to be seen and Jane danced with us, holding two drinks in her hands. Javier turned me around and put his hands on my hips, pulling me closer. “Tris. I like you.” Javier said in my ear. I looked up at him, not replying. I smiled and he put his hand on the side of my face, pulling me closer. “I'm getting another drink. Do you want one?” I quickly said. He shook his head “No, but hurry.” He said with a look that I think was meant sexy. Maybe after another drink I can open up a bit more. It's been way too long since I had some action. I got closer and gave him a kiss on his cheek, my hand lingering on his arm. I turned around and walked over to the bar where I sat down in one of the barstools and tried to get the bartender to notice me.

I smelt cinnamon. ‘‘Hello Beatrice.’’ I heard his voice right behind me. I turned my head around. ‘‘Mr. Hayes.’’ ‘‘I told you to call me Damon.’’ He said with authority and raised eyebrows. I was all over the place and way too drunk to protest. ‘‘Okay, Damon. How's your night?’’ He stood next to me against the bar and signalled to the bartender, who left the guests he was serving and came right over. D*ck. ‘‘My night is mediocre. Better now actually. Want a drink?’’ He asked me. The bartender looked at me, waiting for my order. ‘‘A vodka coke please.’’ I said to the bartender, who turned to Damon. ‘‘A whiskey. Make that a double. Two ice cubes. And a glass of water for the lady.’’ I raised my eyebrows, thinking about all the drinks he already had. Not that I was paying attention.

‘‘There's a lot of students here. They might see us.’’ I said to Damon. Damon smirked and said, ‘‘we are just talking, right? No harm in that.’’ I mean, that was true. But why did it feel like so much... more. ‘‘Right.’’ I said, taking my drink from the bartender who returned. I took a big sip, really needing the courage this time. Damon gave me the glass of water and waited with raised eyebrows until I drank it. I looked at the water with raised eyebrows and a pout on my lips. ‘‘Drink.’’ Damon ordered. ‘‘Yes, sir.’’ I said with mock but I took the glass and drank it. The water was icy cold and felt a bit like heaven. Damon was looking at my necklace and grinned. ‘‘Nice necklace.’’ ‘‘Thank you, I got it from Javier.’’ I responded. He barked a laugh. “Did he tell you that?'' He said, laughter still spilling from his lips. I narrowed my eyes at him. I mean, not really. Not at all actually, he hadn't even noticed it.