Fool Like Me

“If I were into chicks I would try and sleep with you.” Charlie said.

She was lying across her bed staring at me in her clothes. I was in a dark navy blue one shoulder dress that came to the middle of my thighs. It had one sleeve and was about as tight as a dress could get. And if I was being completely honest, I looked hot. Charlie gave me her nude Christian Louboutin heels and just the thought of wearing them scared me. Not because of the height but because of the price.

I laughed. “Thanks.” I ran my fingers through my hair. I’d parted it way to the side with side bangs.

“I’m serious. You’ve got this crazy sexy vibe going on. Whoever you’re going out with, he’s a lucky bastard.”

I rolled my eyes. “Right. I’m just going to a party.”

“Uh-huh. Some hot guy is taking you out. You never freak on your outfit.”

“Whatever.”

“Who is it?”

“No one.”

She grinned. “Bullshit.”

I glanced at her and sighed. She was practically psychic when it came to these kinds of things. She twirled her blond hair in her fingers and kept grinning at me. I had to give her credit for her style. She was very pinup and gorgeous. And she knew it. It was probably the biggest reason she was hired by Colton because she wasn’t very good as a stripper.

She didn’t really need it. She had a wealthy husband who loved her so much he was willing to let her become a stripper for fun. Charlie didn’t need a real job and he didn’t want her to have one. So she did what she wanted and had fun. She thought stripping would be fun. She had more designer clothes and shoes than a department store and I couldn’t help but feel jealous.

“Whatcha thinking about?” She sat up on her elbows and looked at me.

“Nothing. What time is it?”

“About six thirty.”

“Shit. I gotta go. Thanks for the outfit. I’ll get it back to you as soon as I can.”

She waved me off. “Don’t even worry about it. You look about ten times better in it than I ever did. Keep it.”

“Charlie, I can’t keep it.”

“I insist. Early birthday present.”

“That’s months away.”

“Don’t care. It’s officially yours. And you better get going so you can turn this guy into a horny fucker.”

I laughed. “Oh my god. It’s obviously time for me to go.”

“Seriously. He’s not going to know what to do with himself.”

I rolled my eyes as she walked me out the door. “Thanks for everything, Charlie.”

She grinned. “No problem.”

---

Alex pulled up to the club barely five minutes after I arrived. I took a deep breath and got in his car. I didn’t miss the look down he gave me and I smiled to myself. He was looking pretty attractive himself. Black skinny jeans, a tee shirt, and a jacket. He had a black beanie and he managed to be clean shaven.

“You shaved?” I asked.

“I had to. I’m going out tonight.” He grinned.

“Uh-huh.”

“I did! I’ve got loads of celebrating to do tonight. I had to put some kind of effort into how I looked.”

“Right. Whatever you say.” I bit my lip. “They don’t know?”

“No. I didn’t tell anyone you were even coming. No one knows.”

I smiled. “Good. What’s for dinner?”

He grinned at me. “Surprise.”

“What?”

“Don’t worry. You’ll like it. I know you will.”

---

I shook my head. “I can’t believe you.”

We were sitting in a small diner packed with people. It was definitely a place considered a ‘dive’. It was rough on the outside and there was barely any room in the place. But they had the best food I’ve ever tasted. The place didn’t have an official name. At least not one anyone knew it by. It was just ‘The Diner’ to everyone.

Alex smirked. “Why?”

“Because, this is where we had our first date.”

“I know.”

“And I’m not dressed for this. I’m overdressed.”

He waved me off. “You look fine.”

“Overdressed. Everyone here stared at me as we walked in.”

“So? I’m telling you, you look hot.”

I felt the blush creep up my face. Alex Gaskarth was probably the only guy on this Earth that could make me blush. “Where’s the party?” I asked changing the subject.

“Only a couple blocks from here. Would you hate me if we walked?”

“No.”

“Not even with those shoes?”

“Alex, I know how to walk in heels. These are nothing.”

He smirked. “Alright. I just don’t wanna have to deal with parking over there. It’s a nightmare.”

“That’s fine. Walking’s good for you.”

He grinned. “You telling me I’m fat?”

“No! I’m just saying. It’s good for a person’s health.”

He laughed. “Em, I’m kidding. Take a chill pill and unwind. You’re kind of uptight.”

“Yeah, well.”

Before Alex could reply our food had arrived. I couldn’t decide if it was dumb or smart that I had ordered fries considering how tight my dress was. But then again, I didn’t care. I hadn’t had anything this good since I became of stripper. Because it’s not like I had the money. I’d probably never admit this to Alex, but I was glad he was here.

“Can you still eat as much as you used to?” He asked with a mouthful.

I snorted. “Absolutely.”

“Wanna show me?”

“Nope. This dress is way too tight and if you wanna see me on the dancefloor tonight enjoying myself, I need to not be in a food coma.”

“I see. Well, promise to show me sometime?”

I smiled. “We’ll see.”

We sat there and ate without really talking. And oddly enough, it was comfortable and easy. Just like it used to be. And I was becoming less nervous about seeing the rest of the guys. I did miss them. I missed them all the time.

After Alex paid for the meal we made our way to the club. And again, it felt like old times and crazy comfortable. We were able to joke around and be weird and I felt myself definitely relaxing. When we reached the club there was a handful of fans trying to get in but the bouncer wasn’t having it. The girls screamed as they saw him and he waved while the bouncer let us in.

Before getting too far in he turned to me. “Stay behind me. I don’t know where Jack is but he can’t see you yet.”

I smiled. “Got it.”

I felt the bass pumping as I placed my hands on Alex’s waist so I could stay close behind him. I didn’t even look up. I kept my head down while he searched for Jack. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face as he stopped suddenly and I heard him wish Jack a happy birthday. I bit my lip and took a deep breath.

“Jack, I’ve got a surprise for you.” I could tell he was grinning.

He moved out of my line of vision and I grinned at Jack. The look of surprise on his face was the best part and before I knew it he was pulling me into one of his hugs. The kind of hug that only came from Jack Barakat. And I missed those hugs. And him in general. He was always one of my favorite people.

He pulled away and grinned. “Is this real life? Emily, my best girl friend in high school? Are you actually here? Celebrating my birthday?”

I grinned. “Yes.”

“Oh my god.” He pulled me into another one of his hugs and I couldn’t help but laugh. “I can’t believe you are here. This is amazing.”

“Happy Birthday!” I grinned and gave him another hug.

“Can you guys stop with the hugs? That’s like three in the last minute or so.” Alex said leaning against a table.

I rolled my eyes and Jack just flipped him off. “How did you even get her here?” Jack asked.

“Ran into her while getting coffee the other day. Thought it would be a nice surprise.” He smiled and I relaxed.

“Sick! Well, I’m glad you’re here. Where are Rian and Zack? They need to see this.” Jack said.

“No idea. I’m sure they will find her by the time the night’s over. I need a drink, though.” Alex nodded at me and then headed for the bar.

I stayed with Jack most of the night. We tried to catch up but he was distracted by the constant partying and atmosphere of the club. And I didn’t blame him. I knew this wasn’t going to be the end. He wasn’t going to allow it and I didn’t mind. I loved Jack and missed him.

Eventually we found Rian and Zack and our ‘reunion’ was about the same as Jack’s. Alex kept himself busy most of the night so I didn’t see much of him. And I kept my drinking at a minimum figuring I would have to find a way back to my apartment on my own. There was no way I was going to let any of these drunk idiots drive me anywhere.