Jaded

Pheonix

Don't call the cops, its just me!!   Scarlett called out, as she picket the lock to her best friend's apartment. It had been almost a week since she had returned her calls or texts and that was too long in Scarlett's opinion. 

She found her friend, red eyed, sitting in a pile of blankets and what appeared to be candy wrappers. She was a mess, to say the least. After her own breakup with Steven just 3 months ago, she could see the signs of a broken heart written all over her friend's face. 

Ok honey, its been a week. You need to get some sunlight and fresh air...and a shower! Good lord Jill! Thats it!  We are going out tonight, and don't even say no. You know that won't go over well. Get up, I'll be back with coffee shortly!  Scarlett gave her friend a big hug and steered her towards the shower before she ran out. 

By the time she made it back with coffee and breakfast, Jill was just finishing up getting dressed.

Ok girl, tell me what happened.  Scarlett said.

Jill gave a shaky sigh and started telling her friend about how she caught her boyfriend, Carl, cheating on her and how she didn't understand why she wasn't good enough for him. It broke Scarlett's heart to hear her friend question her worth, and made her want to kick Carl in the balls. 

Well first of all, you don't deserve a guy like that.  Now I know I never had the pleasure of meeting the prick but I can assure you, everything will be ok. Now, I've made plans for us to go out tonight and get your head back in the game. No more moping and no more doubting yourself. 

Jill looked up and started to protest but seeing the look on Scarlett's face, she knew there was no way out of this one. 

Ok, fine. Jill said But I don't think I'll be much fun.

At her words, Scarlett pulled out a tiny red dress and matching stilettos, handing them to Jill.

Oh you're going to have fun tonight honey. That I can promise you. You are like a pheonix,I know it seems dark down there in the ashes but you are about to rise with the whole damn fire in this dress.

After a couple hours they were ready to head out the door, hailing a taxi as they stepped out on the sidewalk. Jill was still feeling down and didn't notice the looks she was getting in her dress, but Scarlett did, and smiled.

A few minutes later they're walking into the club, Jill stops abruptly and ducks back outside.

Carl is here! s**t! I'm sorry Scarlett, I can't do this. I cant see him with that b***h and he's definitely going to think I followed him or something...

Scarlett took her friend by the shoulders and looked her in the eyes,  Jill we're going in there, and you're going to show that asshole that he just made the BIGGEST mistake. Now, here's the plan...i am not your best friend tonight. We're going to pretend we're on a date.

Jill looked at Scarlett like she had lost her mind. On a date?! Thats crazy, why would we do that?!

Scarlett laughed at the surprised expression on Jill's face. Just trust me, ok? I promise you, by the end of the night you won't care that that asshat cheated with some girl it looks like he picked up on the corner. DO NOT even give him the time of day, as far as you're concerned, he's invisible. Then just follow my lead. 

With that Scarlett took her friend by the hand and led her back into the club. It was loud and almost filled to capacity. They shouldered their way to a small table near the dance floor as a waitress came to take their order. 

Good lord girl! I hope you brought a body gaurd! In that dress,, you're gonna need it!! Pretty sure you've caught the eye of every guy...and woman in here tonight!  The cute little waitress said with a wink to Jill, admiring the little red dress that fit her every curve and showed just enough of everything. 

Jill blushed before finally giving a wary look around the club. Her eyes grew big as she realized she did in fact have a LOT of eyes on her. The men all looking at her like she had just stepped out of their favorite centerfold and the ladies looking like they were torn between jealous and turned on. Scarlett could see the confidence creeping back into her friend as she stood a little taller on the red stilettos and squared her shoulders. 

Well it looks like I have some competition darling. Scarlett purred with a wry smirk at her friend. I better buy you a drink before someone beats me to it!

Before Scarlett could finish her sentence, another waiter approaches with a tray of drinks. This is from that guy, that guy, that guy AND that lady at the bar, for "the knockout in the red dress"  he says, setting the four drinks down on the table and walking away.

Once the servers had left, Scarlett looked at Jill and gave her hand a squeeze. How are feeling honey?  Do you wanna stay or....? 

Oh hell no! We're not going anywhere!  Jill exclaimed before Scarlett could finish speaking. I really needed this, as much as I hate to admit you were right, this is exactly what I needed to bring my spirits back up. Thank you, you are the best friend any girl could ask for. 

With that they clicked glasses and downed a couple of drinks before heading to the packed dance floor. An upbeat song had everyone pretty much dancing as a group before the dj put on a slow one. Scarlett pulled Jill into her arms and began to sway and grind with her. Jill looked at her shocked.

Relax, Scarlett whispered in Jills ear. Carl hasn't been able to take his eyes off of you since we walked in, this should push him over the edge. 

Jill smiled and moved a little closer to Scarlett. Then let's break his heart like he broke mine, shall we. 

After a couple more songs they made their way back to their table, which was already filled with fresh drinks, all with numbers jotted hastily on cocktail napkins for "the model in the red dress". Jill was grinning, feeling like a goddess with practically every person in that bar trying to get her attention. 

Suddenly she went pale, clutching Scarlett's wrist. He's heading this way!  Jill hissed through clenched teeth. Scarlett winked at her friend, Good, now just follow my lead. 

What the f**k are you doing here?!  Carl scowled at Jill And what the f**k are you wearing! And who the hell is this? He gave a sideways glare at Scarlett.

Hi I'm Jade!  Scarlett lied, giving a quick wink to Jill. Can I help you with something or do you always interrupt random stranger's dates like an asshole?  

Carl's eyes grew wide at the word "date", clearly he expected Jill to be home crying in a tub of ice cream nursing a broken heart, not on a date with a gorgeous woman looking like ahe had spent the last week living her best life.

Jill smiled up at Carl, then grinned at Scarlett  Oh Jade, don't worry about him. This is Carl. My ex. We broke up forever ago.

It was only a week ago!! Carl exclaimed before taking his date's hand and storming out of the club. 

Jill busted out laughing unable to hold it in any longer. Here's to you Jade.... Jill grinned at her friend, raising her glass to Scarlett's ...and the whole damn fire!!