Little Moments (Second Chances 2)

I look at her through the reflection in the mirror. “FMPs?”

A soft chuckle escapes her. “Fuck me pumps.”

“Oh hell! Gia, I’m not looking to hook up tonight.”

“Melanie, you are twenty-seven years old. Stop acting like an old hag and live a little. We live in the greatest city in the world and you’re throwing away a perfectly good opportunity.”

“How the hell am I supposed to walk, let alone dance in these?”

Gia throws her hands up in frustration. “You’re the freaking dancer! Stop making excuses! Why are you acting like this? We are just going out to have some fun. Now, sit and relax while I get changed.”

A mumbled groan escapes me and I have the urge to protest, but in a way, she’s right. I can’t shut myself off from the world. On my way to the kitchen I practice walking in the heels. After fifteen minutes of walking around the apartment, Gia resurfaces and shows off her clubbing outfit. And I thought my dress was skimpy. That pixie cut of hers makes the jet-black strands of her hair shine. The lavender strapless mini dress curves around her perfect shape and matching pumps make her legs look like they could go on forever.

“Any more skin showing and you’ll have dollar bills stuffed in your dress. There’s not even enough length in that dress for you to bend down without showing everything.”

She scoffs. “That’s the whole point. I’m not wearing anything underneath the dress.”

I shake my head with simultaneous disbelief and acceptance. “Somehow, I am not surprised.”

We laugh in unison and grab our clutches as we head out the front door. I lock up and we make our way outside. Gia hails a cab within seconds and gives the cabbie instructions to head to Brooklyn.

I grab her arm. “Wait, Brooklyn? What the hell Gia! We are already in Manhattan.”

She yanks her arm out of my grasp. “Brooklyn is the new spot. If you stopped living under a rock, you would know these things! It’s just over the bridge. We’ll be there in no time. Chill out.”

Nerves shoot all over my body. “I’m just nervous. I haven’t been out in so long.”

She entangles her fingers with mine and offers a smile. “That’s what you have me for.”

******

The cab pulls us up to the club and I can feel my knees bouncing and shaking. Calm down. I can’t tell if my nervousness is from anxiety or just plain excitement. All in all, I’m ready to just have a good time.

Gia pays the cab driver his fee and exits the cab. I follow her and my eyes scan the area. Club goers are already lined up, waiting for the bouncer to give them the go-ahead. I glance up, reading the illuminated sign of the club: Fusion.

I sense Gia’s arm tangle around mine as she pulls me toward the entrance. The burly bouncer towers over us and scans our outfits. My eye sneaks a peek at Gia as she blows a kiss at him and offers a wink. He returns the gesture with a smile and steps aside, letting us through.

“Nice to see you again Gia.”

Gia turns around and waves at him. “Same to you Frank.”

Gia pulls me inside and instantly the loud music rings in my ears. I flinch at the slight annoyance as my eyes adjust to the dark interior. As Gia continues to lead me further inside, my head spins as I take in my surroundings. Colorful lasers flash all over the ceiling and dance floor at a constant speed, forming into crazy shapes and lines. Dancers flood the dance area as their bodies mash against one another to the beat of the music. Farther ahead, the DJ spins his masterpiece while fist pumping into the air. The lounge area is dimly lit as customers converse with one another, ordering drinks from the cocktail waitresses. Each waitress is wearing a black tank top with the club’s name written in a curvy font. The design of the font glows under the lights shining throughout the club. Now that’s cool.

The bar area is adjacent to the lounge and rests on a raised floor. Bar stools are scarce as patrons yell out orders for their next drink. I see three bartenders, one male and two females, mixing concoctions of drinks while maneuvering around each other, careful not to cause any accidents. Their motions are fluid and precise but all over the place at the same time.

Gia and I wind through the crowd on the dance floor, making our way to the bar. The club is so dark, it’s hard to make out people’s faces. The only lit areas are the bar and the lounge, but even that’s not enough. As we inch closer to the bar, Gia pats her hand on the counter, motioning for the nearest bartender.

He notices us arrive and shouts, “What’ll you gorgeous ladies have?”

Gia yells, “Two cranberry vodkas please. Top shelf.”

My eyes grow wide as I step close

r to Gia. “Top shelf? That’s going to cost us a fortune!”

All I get is laughter from her. “I know the owner. We’re good.”

I give her a nod of understanding and my eyes study the bartender as he makes our drinks. Cranberry vodkas are nothing special, but he’s a fine specimen and checking out a little eye candy never hurt anybody.