Sequel: Smoke and Fire
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6 - Rachael POV

"So which club are we going to?", asking as I slid into Sam's car.

Disregarding my question, she looks approvingly at my outfit. "Love the shoes. Love the dress. Pull it up more. And your hair looks fantastic. Still don't know how you do it."

"You didn't answer my question! And shorter?! You want this dress to be shorter?! I'm coming with you to dance, not...anything else. But seriously, where are we going?"

"Electric. I've never been before. You've gone though, right?"

Inwardly groaning, my breath seems to catch in my throat. "Uhh...yeah. Something like that." Thinking about it, I realize that Garrett would probably never come here, considering...right. So it should be safe for tonight.

As we pull into the club and look at the line, I sigh. "Come on Sam," pulling on her wrist. "There's a faster way to get in."

"Woah. My roomie knows people."

Rolling my eyes at her, we walk up the the bouncer. "Yo Walter, my friend and I wanna have a fun night, and that does not involve waiting on line for hours."

"Hey Rach. Long time no see. Why tonight? I didn't think...", trailing off as he saw my confused face.

"What's going on? Is Nick here tonight?"

"Never mind. Just get in. People are getting impatient."

Shooting him one last quizzical look, we step into the club. Pulsing beats and dim lights. Just like my memories. Yelling above the music, I say, "I'll get us drinks. Go dance or meet a guy or both or something."

Sam turns to me with a wicked gleam in her eye. "Will do. But don't think you're off the hook yet. And what was the bouncer talking about?"

"No clue. I'll see you in a bit."

Working my way towards the bar with the music vibrating around me, I realize we never decided on a DD. Well, one drink can't hurt either of us. If she makes me drive, this'll be my last one. We'll be here for at least a few more hours. Hearing a giggle and a hand on my shoulder, I turn around. "Let me guess. There's a hot guy you just met and you want to set me up with his friend."

"You're psychic! His name's Dirk. He has five friends that are in a band. One of them should go for you right," she says winking at me. Seeing my face, she says, "Hey. I'm just kidding. You know that right? You look way attractive tonight."

My blood had run cold as soon as she said Dirk's name. I'd never really told her about Garrett or the band or my friends, because I didn't like bringing it up. It wasn't difficult, since she transferred to ASU from Houston our senior year, and didn't know anyone native.

"Hello? Rach! RACHAEL! Snap out of it. Did you hear anything I just said?"

"Sorry," I squeak. "Did you say Dirk? Is his last name Mai and he's a photographer?"

"I just said that! Let's go! His friends will be here soon."

Crap. What do I do? "Let me hit the bathroom. I need to check my hair and makeup," I lie. "I'll meet you at the bar."

"Kay," she bounces around happily. "I'm going back now."

Award for biggest coward in the universe goes to...me. Sneaking a glance back at Sam, I see Dirk flirting with her. And around them...shit. I need to go. Taking out my phone, I send Sam a quick text. "Not feeling well. Calling a cab to go home. Have fun."