Strut the Mall (Love at Westbrook Mall #4)

6. Bounce

6

Bounce

I fished my ID out of the back of my phone case and thrust it at him. “Nicole Simon,” I grit out through chattering teeth.

“Simon, Nicole…” He dragged his pen down the list.

“Please,” I whispered to the universe, rubbing my arms and shuddering as I lifted my head in silent prayer.

Don’t let me get stuck defending my right to be here to Zack, that big idiot.

And please don’t let me freeze to death just because I have a cute outfit and a stupid boyfriend.

Our breathing swirled out in brooding clouds as the seconds ticked by. He swallowed hard and stepped aside, using his thick arm to part the sea of buff men. “Yep. She’s there. Let her in.”

My shoulders dropped. That was it? I was really on the list? “Oh, thanks,” I said.

The yellow lights welcomed me inside. Zack’s silhouette combined with the revels within almost reminded me of a high school party. One of the 'cool' kids finally invited me in. Only, he didn’t. Theo put me on the list. Zack just had to read it.

I eased my way past the bouncers, but the melted snow and spilled drinks combined to slush beneath my feet and sent me sliding. I shrieked and clutched the nearest person. A pair of huge, sturdy hands steadied my waist. The bouncer’s hoodie was slightly frosty from the snow, but he radiated heat through the thick material. My heart throbbed when he eased me upright, all slow and sweet as if we’d been dancing, not falling. Of course my hero would be Zack.

His serious eyes, strong arms, and cheap, at-home haircut had me transfixed. How many times had I tried to convince myself he wasn’t worth a second glance? And now I couldn’t stop staring at him.

“Careful. It’s wet,” he said.

Heat flooded my face. “Yeah.” Was I supposed to thank him, Captain Obvious? Or was he actually being a gentleman?

He helped me onto my feet, all efficiency as he let go and turned to the other bouncers. “We need some towels down here or else someone’s going to sprain their ankle.”

‘Someone’ being an idiot who couldn’t balance in heels. If this floor was dry, I could’ve strutted across it no problem. I huffed and pulled my shorts down, smoothing the layers. Catwalk practice hadn’t spared me from slipping in slush puddles. Or embarrassing myself in front of Zack.

I fussed with my stiff hair as he rearranged the entryway and eased me out of the way without meeting my gaze.

He only grabbed my arm because he didn’t want to get sued for injuries and negligence. We’d never see each other again unless Theo got a recurring gig or I wanted to say hi. Fat chance of that.

Zack paused and frowned at me, one of his big hands poised as if he was worried he’d have to catch me on my next step. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Thanks, Zack.” Ugh, why did I thank him again? I rubbed my arms to warm the goosebumps away.

The other bouncers glanced at each other and stifled laughter. Damn. Now they knew I knew him. And he didn’t know me. Yet there I was standing around waiting for him to acknowledge my existence or something.

Zack awkwardly tugged his ear. “We’re good.”

Why was I still there? I wasn’t some pining teen. Ignoring the flush of embarrassment, I pushed through the crowd, enveloped in the thick stench of BO, beer, and champagne. I needed a drink. Or twenty. A shot of tequila helped me stop shaking from the cold, nerves, and whatever else had me rattled this evening. Ghosts of high school’s past, maybe.

Time for a new year. Embrace the new me.

I took another shot of tequila. The liquid courage was a straight shot of vile, comforting heat, so I got a refill for later. This was Theo’s big night. We needed to celebrate. I protected the glass while I worked my way through the crowd to get to the far side of the club where my boyfriend was slinging beats. He was in his element, his neck chains glinting under shifting neon lights. They’d set up a long folding table for all his equipment, and underneath it, some brand new white and red Zeezy’s practically glowed from his feet.

When the hell had he gotten those? I thought he was waiting for me.

Somehow, most likely thanks to my low-cut sequin romper, Theo spotted me.

He pointed and pulled his microphone close. “Hey, there’s a hottie bringing me a drink. Looks like I got someone to kiss tonight. Cheers to some love in the new year.”

The crowd vaguely shouted their approval.

They might not have cared if the deejay drank on the job (or got laid), but he probably shouldn’t have announced it. I gave him the shot I wanted for myself and smiled tightly. “Hey, babe. Don’t go too crazy. You are working, and my DD.”

“I know, baby.” He kissed my cheek.

He didn’t ask me about my day, so I asked about his.

“It’s going great,” he said, gesturing to the table. “Got my setup and everything.”

“I see you got some new kicks too.” I raised my eyebrows and nudged his foot. “What’s going on there, Mr. Zeezy’s?”

“I got myself a treat to celebrate the gig. Had to start the new year right.” He raised his chin and arms. “I’m the king, baby.”

“Right, yeah.” And I was his queen. Something about wearing those luxury sneakers on a sticky bar floor didn’t sit right with me. But they did make him happy. He’d probably clean them regularly. Was I a crappy girlfriend for not getting them for him, though? I leaned into his side, seeking warmth. “They look good on you.”

“I’ve gotten so many compliments, babe. You wouldn’t believe.” He grinned.

“Oh, I think I would.” People obsessed over the weirdest things.

He tossed back the shot, then looked me up and down, caressing my bare arm with his fingertips. “You’re looking hot too, baby.”

“Thanks.”

He leaned down and kissed me hard. It was wet.

I rolled my lips together to tamper the aftertaste of tequila and glanced over my shoulder. “I was freezing outside. But thankfully, I was on the list, so I got in quick.”

“Oh yeah, yeah the list.” He wiped his mouth and looked away.

My chest constricted. Did he forget about it?

He rocked from side to side, scanning the room as he played with one of the straps on my romper. The evasive maneuvers told me everything. He hadn’t put my name down. Zack must’ve taken pity on me, and let me in. Now, I was the quarterback’s charity case. Pathetic. Again.

The back of my eyes stung. I needed another drink ASAP. I slipped from under Theo’s arm and started to walk away, but he pulled me back.

“Hey, thank you for coming. I really appreciate it, baby.” The sincerity in his voice eased the ache in my chest.

“Wouldn’t have missed it,” I managed. No point in fighting at his gig. Stuff slipped his mind.

I slipped his mind. His own girlfriend.

He bit his lip, his eyes bright with excitement. “Do you think you can hype the crowd for me?”

“Sure.” I could dance, anyway.

We’d come up with a strategy at previous gigs to help get things, including me, moving. To support him. Of course I’d try to do it. I just needed a minute. My heart shook like one of those buzz-balls trapped in a box when I had to ask someone to hang out with me. I ordered a strong drink to steady my nerves and glanced at the bouncers, who were ribbing with each other at the entrance. Why did Zack let me in? Was it because of his cousin, Sparkly Shelby? Were we friends? Nothing? He didn’t know my name. I gulped down something fruity. Definitely nothing.

A group of girls in monochromatic dresses crowded the bar, swaying while they ordered more shots. I squeezed in next to them, got a shot, and winced when I slung it back. The alcohol burned away enough apprehension for me to say hi. I tapped on one of the girls’ shoulders. “My friends are late. Do you want to dance?”

“Hell yes,” she said. We corralled the group to stumble and shimmy in front of the deejay setup.

Theo pointed to us and winked. “These ladies know what’s up. Let’s dance into the new year, baby.”

Baby, baby, baby. Did it mean anything?

As the song went on, the girls edged me out of the dance circle. It was fine. My real friends were in the city, drinking champagne and eating strawberries at a hotel from what I saw on their socials. I had my treat in the bath the other day, so I probably wasn’t missing anything except some pretty ballroom and balcony selfies. And conversation, maybe. The bar here was too loud to talk to anybody.

I scanned the room in search of more girls who’d join us and make it less obvious I was dancing by myself. Plus, when enough girls were on the floor, guys would close in, and Theo would look like a good deejay who could get the party going.

It was all kind of a blur. Sparkly outfits, huddled bodies. A lone girl with a purple purse. My stomach rumbled. When was the last time I’d eaten anything?

Wait a minute.

Purple purse? Size thirteen Zeezy’s. Miss ‘Big Feet.’

She was sipping a drink, hanging in the shadows and watching the deejay as she stroked her tacky purse strap.

Did that big-footed bitch buy my boyfriend Zeezy’s? And worse, did he accept them?

Blood boiled under my veins. I gritted my teeth.

Well, I wasn’t going to let them walk all over me. Tonight, I was going to be seen . Zack–and my boyfriend–and this bimbo–were definitely going to remember me.