Chapter 6: The Game
“You wanna do a girls night after work?” Jenna asked the woman who used to be her sister.
“Kinda last minute, Jenna, and shouldn’t you be home taking care of your kid” Katie teased Jenna as she prepped a mocha latte.
“It’s Jason’s night off! He’s got it, he wants me to get back out there and have some nights away from the kid, says he doesn’t want me to get burned out” Jenna shot back as she washed a mixer glass.
Katie rolled her eyes and laughed, “Okay, Okay, sounds fun, What’s the plan, where are we heading?” Katie asked.
“I heard about this bar downtown called Club Crave, they have great drinks and food and dancing! I figured hey lets blow off steam and dance till dawn!” Jenna suggested enthusiastically.
“Oh, my gosh! That sounds perfect Jenna thanks! Can I bring Laura along maybe we can share a cab ride” Katie agreed, obviously excited.
“Sure, invite whoever you'd like,” Jenna replied cheerfully. “We'll leave from the Starbucks parking lot tonight around seven o'clock sharp. Don't be late, or we'll leave without you!”
Katie squealed delightedly, swinging around the counter to hug Jenna tightly. “Thank you so much!” she exclaimed gratefully. “It will be nice to cut loose for once, and maybe I’ll get lucky, god knows my love life is a mess, why can’t I find some one like your Jason !” She teased.
As the two women separated, laughing heartily, they exchanged promises to meet later that evening.
Jenna was nervous. She had taken this job when she found out her sister worked her. Katie did not even show a hint of recognition for her former sister. She had commented she “lost” a sister with Jenna’s name over a year ago. It wasn’t Katie’s fault for not realizing Jenna was her lost sister. How could she believe that her former red haired white sister was the slightly ghetto black babe who recently applied for a position as a barista here. Jenna had taken this job to feel closer to her old family but her friendship with Katie exploded. If tonight went well she was thinking maybe she could ask her to attend her wedding!
While the hours ticked by, Jenna found herself distracted by the mere thought of reuniting with her estranged sibling. She was reminded of the laughter, playful banter, and unconditional acceptance that characterized their childhood memories. While her relationship with Kate evolved dramatically over time, Jenna hoped that sharing a few cocktails and exchanging stories would provide an opportunity to forge new memories. Perhaps inviting Katie to her wedding wouldn't be such a farfetched idea after all.
Jenna mused over the possibility as she tended to customers, her fingers flying gracefully over the espresso machine buttons. The afternoon sun cast golden shadows on the walls surrounding them, bathing the cozy café in a comforting glow. Every time Jenna caught sight of Katie, her heartbeat accelerated, and she felt compelled to reach out to her long-lost blood relative. Despite feeling somewhat apprehensive, Jenna decided to trust her instincts.
As the day progressed, evening approached swiftly.
Customers began pouring into the café, filling the atmosphere with lively chatter and animated laughter. Jenna watched Katie busily serving beverages to patrons, admiring her efficiency and confidence. She pondered over the best way to initiate a meaningful conversation, hoping to bridge the gap between them.
Jenna cleared her throat, approaching Katie at the cash register. "Hey, Katie," she greeted warmly with a smile. "Almost 6, is an hour going to be enough for your to get ready for tonight?” Jenna asked.
Katie looked up from ringing up a customer smiling politely. "Shouldn't be a problem, Jenna," she responded, adjusting her apron strap absentmindedly. "Why wouldn't it be?"
Knowing that directness could potentially come off as rude, Jenna chose her words cautiously. "I just wanted to ensure that you weren't already committed to plans for tonight," she explained diplomatically. "Having you accompany us to Club Crave would mean a lot to me personally."
Katie appeared surprised by Jenna's request, her eyes widening subtly. “You’d be surprised at how fast I can glam up, I’ll be back here and ready to go at seven on the dot!” Katie exclaimed energetically!
“I’m looking forward to getting dressed up and having a blast with you ladies!"
Jenna couldn't help but grin widely. "Excellent!" she chimed happily. "I promise we won't disappoint. We've planned a delightful evening for you guys tonight—lots of dancing, drinking, and debauchery!"
"Debauchery?" Katie echoed curiously, arching an eyebrow skeptically.
"Lots of debauchery, huh? Sounds exciting!"
Alarmed, Jenna hurriedly waved her hands apologetically. "Oh NO! Definitely not THAT kind of debauchery. Just harmless fun," she clarified hastily. "Promise."
Katie chuckled heartily, patting Jenna reassuringly on the shoulder. "Relax, Jenna," she consoled, flashing a brilliant smile. "I was only teasing. I bet club cravings offers plenty of opportunities for innocent flirtations and giggles.
Right?" Katie quipped sarcastically as she sashayed out of the shop, leaving behind a trail of perfume and suggestive winks. Jenna couldn't help but let out a soft snort of amusement. At least, the notion of uninhibited fun provided some comfort in light of her impending rendezvous with her older sister.
By seven o'clock, Jenna had managed to change into a stylish black mini dress, which showed off her curves perfectly. She wore her favorite pair of heels, adorned with glittering rhinestones and high slender straps.
Her outfit was completed with a chic cropped leather jacket, adding an edgy touch to her ensemble. With her sleak black hair styled in loose waves, Jenna confidently strutted towards the exit, her heart pounding with anticipation.
Upon arriving at the designated meeting spot, Jenna spotted Katie and Laura chatting eagerly near the entrance. Both ladies were dressed to impress, with Katie sporting a dazzling silver sequin cocktail dress and Laura donning a sophisticated emerald green satin gown. Their beauty radiated, drawing envious glances from passersby.
Jenna exhaled deeply, stepping out of the taxi, her high heels clicking rhythmically against the pavement. "So, where exactly are we headed?" she asked casually, draping her jacket over her arm.
Laura pointed towards an unassuming door sandwiched between a tattoo parlor and a vintage clothing store. "It's right in there," she informed, gesturing towards the dimly lit entrance. "Club Crave should be buzzing with energy by now.
Let's go check it out and see if they've got the right vibe for us to unleash our inner party animals," Laura suggested eagerly, linking her arm with Jenna's.
"Sounds like a plan," Jenna agreed, leading the trio towards the mysterious doorway. As they entered, a wave of pulsating music enveloped them, creating an almost tangible sense of anticipation. The interior was tastefully decorated with dim lighting, neon accents, and eclectic murals covering the walls. The scent of sweat mixed with exotic perfumes permeated the air, amplifying the palpable tension.
Laura glanced around, her gaze sweeping across the dance floor, lingering momentarily on a group of attractive strangers. "Do you girls feel like cutting loose and letting our hair down?" she asked mischievously, giving Katie a playful nudge.
Katie grinned impishly, her sapphire earrings jangling softly against her neckline. "Absolutely!" she chimed cheerfully. "And I think I might have a special surprise for you guys tonight." She discreetly tapped Jenna on the waist, whispering huskily into her ear.
"I've met a guy online who's supposed to be joining us later. Think you could introduce me to him?" she challenged, her eyes sparking mischief.
Jenna's eyebrows arched skyward, her curiosity piqued by this unexpected revelation. "Really?" she marveled, glancing surreptitiously at Laura. "Who is this mystery man?"
Laura giggled nervously, averting her gaze shyly. "Just someone I've chatted with online," she hedged, her cheeks flushing pink.
"He seems cool, but I haven't met him in person yet. So, I figured it'd be safer to introduce him to you first."
Jenna grinned, patting Katie on the back reassuringly. "No worries, girl," she assured her, flashing a knowing wink. "We've got your back. Plus, it's always fun to have a hot guy around."
"Yeah, totally," Laura interjected, clapping her hands gleefully.
"It's gonna be so much fun hanging out with y'all and checking out some hotties. Maybe we can even squeeze in a few dance sessions, right?"
Jenna nodded enthusiastically, her enthusiasm contagious. "Absolutely, girl!" she agreed, grinning broadly. "This place looks like it's full of potential suitors just waiting to sweep us off our feet. And with the three of us together, we're bound to turn heads and catch attention."
Katie raised an eyebrow skeptically, her expression turning thoughtful.
"Well, considering we're currently surrounded by an array of sexy, single guys," she retorted, her tone laden with sarcasm. "Maybe I should reconsider my options here."
Jenna grinned knowingly, nudging Katie gently with her elbow. "Girl, you're not that easy to replace," she joked, raising her hand to signal the bartender. "You better watch your back, though.
Don't be fooled by these pretty boys and their charming smiles," Jenna warned Katie, her voice dropping to a low whisper. "Remember, this is a meat market, and we're the prime cuts."
Katie's eyes widened, her pulse quickening as she surveyed the crowd. "What do you mean?" she asked uneasily, clutching her drink tighter. "Are you saying that we're…?"
"What all the guys are here for, every ones looking for a one night stand, but us girls are just looking to have a fun night” finished Jenna.
The trio perused the club, weaving through the sea of bodies intent on attracting their attention. Laura kept her gaze fixated on the dance floor, entranced by the kinetic energy radiating from the dancers.
She caught sight of a tall, dark-haired gentleman with piercing blue eyes and an enigmatic smile. His eyes locked onto hers, sending a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins. Gathering the courage, her legs carried her towards him, a seductive swagger accentuating each step.
Her hips swayed hypnotically, the miniskirt riding perilously high atop her thighs. The music seemed to resonate in sync with her heartbeat, as if amplifying her attraction towards the stranger.
Laura paused at the edge of the dance floor, casting a sultry glance in his direction. Her eyes lingered on his muscular physique, noting the way his tuxedo hugged his toned frame like a second skin. His confident posture betrayed none of the nerves she felt inside. Yet, he smiled warmly, acknowledging her bold approach.
His hand extended, inviting her onto the dance floor.
As Laura hesitated, a devilish smirk curled across his lips. "Care to join me?" he asked coyly, his voice dripping with charisma. "I promise to lead you through a dance that'll leave both of us breathless."
She took a deep breath, glancing sideways at her friends. Katie and Jenna flipped her the thumbs up egging her on.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Katie prodded, her voice dripping with irony. "Go ahead and give it a whirl. Who knows, you might end up falling flat on your face."
"Oh, Katie, don't be such a spoilsport," Laura countered defensively, her earlier confidence wavering. "I'm just trying to enjoy myself. Besides, he's cute, and I'm interested to see where things may lead."
"Look," Katie insisted, her grip tightening around her drink.
"I'm just saying that you're a smart girl, Laura. Don't forget to use your head when you're out there. Not everyone you meet in a place like this has clean intentions."
"
Katie sighed heavily, shaking her head ruefully. "You know, it's not that I don't trust you," she amended hastily.