As the bass from “Work” by Rihanna pounded through the speakers, I found myself transported to a simpler time. We were awkward, clumsy, early 20-somethings fumbling to explore each other’s bodies. I remember her back pressed to my front, inexpertly trying to catch the beat. Her lavender shampoo floated up from her curls and imprinted her on my brain. My arms circled around her, people packed together like sardines, yet I never wanted to leave this memory. I never wanted to leave her. But, I knew my dream could never actually leave this dancefloor.
The DJ was taking the crowd through the 2010s before promoting Gypsy’s new single. Gypsy was a rising star with Gimble Talent, the marketing firm that paid good money for me to be here. I wanted to be anywhere but here, but for Gypsy, I’d tolerate a party. She was like a little sister to me, and I was so proud to see her living her dreams after posting covers and original songs on YouTube for the past five years. She deserved everything, but right now, she was pestering me about some pop star dude that just showed up.
“D, Kaden Star just showed up! I’m geeked! He’s like the latest and greatest pop artist out right now. I’m gonna go say hi,” Gypsy hollered in my ear, clearly slightly intoxicated. She liked this boy, now I had to be on big brother time.
“Tati, just be careful, okay? I’ll be in this section when you get back,” I yelled back into her ear. She rolled her eyes and grabbed her clutch to go greet the so-called latest “star.” I rolled my eyes back yet smiled, which she took as her cue to go have fun. She squealed in the way young women do then scurried over with her best friend.
I relaxed back into the cushioned seats of the VIP lounge. Bottles and sparklers graced the table, and the signature cocktail was being passed through the crowd by waiters. Everyone dressed appropriately for the theme: a masquerade. I was dressed in a black tux with white lapels. My mask was also black and white, bisected down the middle, covering the right side of my face only. It looked like Halloween to me, but this is what Tati wanted.
I tipped my Jack on the rocks back for a sip. My mind was reeling through my long to-do list for tomorrow and flickers of her as “Work” wrapped up. I threw my arms along the back of the seat, stretching. A woman in a peacock mask near me attempted to settle in the hollow of my arm, and I politely smiled, removing my arm for a firmer boundary. She scoffed and went back to her fruity monstrosity. I shook my head and focused on finding Tati.
Gazing out into the crowd, I looked for Tati’s gold and pink full mask, but my eyes landed on a deep purple feathered mask. An electric violet dress hung on each of the woman’s curves. It was bejeweled with bright crystals all over. I didn’t know all the fancy names for dresses, but I knew that body. It was her.
I rose with my eyes locked on her like a heat-seeking missile. My target could not escape me. She ambled into the venue, heads turning as she glided in. I offered polite excuse-mes, as I fought to get down from the VIP section. The bouncer at the rope gave a small head nod and opened the rope for me to exit. I tracked the purple jewel to the bar and smirked to myself. People didn’t change that much; she was probably nervous. She hated crowds. She used to say the only reason she would dance with me was to feel me and the music together. I shook my head to refocus.
I grooved a little through the dancefloor and finally reached the bar. Lavender wafted in the air. Her back muscles tensed in her open-backed dress. I shivered from her nearness. She turned to me, clutching her espresso martini for dear life. I exhaled a breath I didn’t know I was holding.
“Drey?” Mila breathed. My heart squeezed and so did the words I wished to say to her after all these years.
Luci Strong is a budding writer, hailing from Mississippi. Her Southern experiences and upbringing shape her writing. She loves to read romances, thrillers, and fantasy novels. When she is not reading, writing, or working in healthcare, she enjoys baking, hanging out with family and friends, and binging various TV shows (current binge: Real Housewives of Atlanta).
Featured image by Matthew Lejune on Unsplash.
