Redesigning Fate (Revive #1) - A. M. Wilson Page 0,10

but it’s time, Marlena. It’s been a few months, at least. I don’t know what you’re holding out for. I just think you need to give yourself a chance to get over him.”

Slamming my shot, I place the empty glass on the lacquered bar top. “I am over him. And I’ve never not been looking while we’re out. Nobody has caught my eye. Well, except earlier today…” I let that thought trail off. Carly looks at me astonished, and I realize I’ve spoken my thoughts aloud.

“You met someone today? Oh, please don’t tell me it’s your boss!”

I giggle at the look on her face. “No, it’s not my boss! My boss is a woman. I didn’t actually ‘meet’ him,” I tell her, air quotes and all, “more like, I ran into him. Literally.”

“Tell me more!” she shrieks. Carly is a magnet for gossip. And I love her so there’s not a chance I wouldn’t tell her.

“There isn’t any more to tell. He was sexy as hell, and I ran smack into his chest and fell right on my ass. Got up, and ran out of there as fast as I could. End of story. Now let’s go dance!” I spin around, grabbing her arm, and drag her behind me out to the dance floor before she can pry any more. We situate ourselves in the center, bumping and grinding with the bodies surrounding us. We are two women, unattached, and out for a good time.

I let a few songs pass before I decide I need more to drink.

“Let’s head upstairs!” I shout over the loud, thumping bass coming from the speakers. The bar has another level. A small staircase in the front right corner leads to a more exclusive area of the club.

Following the staircase upwards, we are halted by a long line and another bouncer. Carly, feeling little inhibitions due to the amount of alcohol flowing through her system, dares to make a break for the front of the line.

“Carly, wait!” I hiss, but she doesn’t hear me. That, or she just chooses to ignore me. I watch her talk animatedly with the bouncer, flirting and leaning close to whisper in his ear until she turns and motions me forward with a wave of her hand.

‘Excited’ is an understatement as I rush up the staircase, mindful enough to not trip in my heels.

Passing the bouncer and a few grumbling patrons, we walk through a short hallway, which opens into another dance floor. The bar sits along the left wall like the floor below; but, this one has two scantily dressed dancers with accompanying poles behind it. Mirrors line the wall behind the bar, reflecting the dancers’ every move. Multiple benches and tables are stationed around the perimeter, providing intimate seating areas. Across from the bar is a raised VIP lounge with darkened partitions for privacy. I wonder if any significant people are here tonight.

Carly and I head towards the bar for another drink. She orders herself a Vodka Red bull while I wait for a Captain and Coke. I sit on the leather padded stool, tapping my foot and bobbing my head to the music.

“Hey, grab my drink when it comes. I’m going to run to the restroom,” Carly shouts over the music.

“Sure!” I yell back, turning my attention back to the bar when a drink is placed in front of me. “Thanks.” The cute bartender just smiles and goes back to making another drink.

My first sip is refreshing on my parched throat. Someone moves in behind my shoulder and I smell the liquor seconds before I hear the words.

“I’d like to see you up on that pole.”

Shock momentarily paralyzes me at the sound of that voice. I recognize that voice.

It’s a voice I had hoped never to hear again.

My body unfreezes, and I spin, knocking his drink to the floor with my elbow.

“Why are you here?” My voice is harsh and accusing. I realize that we’re in a public bar, but he doesn’t live in this town; he doesn’t even live in this part of the state. And the mix of shock and alcohol has my brain struggling to form any competent thoughts.

My ex is standing before me inspecting me with that shit-eating grin of his, knowing I’m not happy to see him. Travis and I dated for three years; three long, miserable years. At first I was blind in love, and after that I was just blind. I finally found the courage to leave after he tossed