The Sweetest Revenge

Chapter 5 - Hakuna Ma'vodka Part 1

The bass from inside the club thrums through the ground, vibrating up my legs as Sophie and I approach the entrance. The air around us buzzes with energy—the kind that comes with the promise of music, the night, and the chance to forget everything that's been weighing me down. Tonight isn't about Jake or Celine. It's about me. Or at least, that's what Sophie keeps telling me.

I glance over at Sophie, her red dress hugging her body like it was a second skin. I tug at the hem of the emerald green dress she bought me. It fits perfectly, accentuating my curves, but I still feel a little out of place. I'm not used to being the girl who stands out. Not anymore.

"Alright, Em," Sophie grins, looping her arm through mine. "Tonight is about fun. No moping, no Jake—just drinks, dancing, and maybe, if we're lucky—"

I cut her off. "Sophie, I'm not here to find a guy. I'm just... here." My words come out sharper than I intend, but Sophie knows me too well to take offense. She squeezes my arm in understanding.

"Okay, okay. But maybe you need a little fun tonight. Even if it's just to forget for a while."

I glance at her, trying to match her enthusiasm. "We'll see."

As we step inside, we're immediately hit by the heat and sound. Neon lights flash over the dance floor, casting the moving bodies in a surreal, dreamlike glow. Tables and booths line the perimeter, while a sea of people sway to the pulsing beat.

"Ugh, I still can't believe I didn't know this place existed," Sophie groans. "Remind me to kill Jason for not telling me."

"I think he had his reasons," I reply with a smirk.

We weave our way to the bar, dodging dancers and groups of people already lost in the music. Jason is easy to spot, working the bar with his usual laid-back smile. He waves when he sees us, though his harried expression tells me he's in no position to chat.

"Hey, ladies! Sorry, I'm slammed tonight," Jason says, tossing a rag over his shoulder as he pours drinks without missing a beat.

"Don't worry, we'll manage," Sophie replies, winking. "Just keep the drinks coming!"

Jason laughs. "You got it. I'll catch up with you later if I can."

I nod, feeling a bit deflated. It would've been nice to have Jason as a buffer between Sophie's boundless energy and my nervousness. But it's a busy night, and he's got work to do.

Sophie turns to me, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Alright, birthday girl, let's grab some drinks and hit the dance floor."

Jason hands us two vodka tonics, and Sophie downs hers like it's water. I take a slower sip, the burn of the vodka oddly comforting.

"To forgetting exes and dancing our way to a better mood," Sophie declares, raising her empty glass in a toast.

I clink mine against hers, forcing a smile. Maybe she's right. Maybe a night of dancing and drinks is exactly what I need. Or maybe I'll just drown in this vodka and forget everything for a while.

Soon, Sophie weaves through the crowd, heading straight for the dance floor. I plaster on a smile and follow, determined to let go of everything, even if just for a few hours. The music pulses in time with my heartbeat, pulling me into its rhythm. Sophie's already in full party mode, dancing with that carefree abandon I wish I could tap into.

I try. I close my eyes, let the music take over, and for a few moments, it works. The beat thumps through my chest, my body sways with the crowd, and I lose myself in the rhythm. But then, the thoughts creep in. Jake. Celine. That ridiculous birthday message. Hope you're doing well. What a joke.

I need another drink.

"I'm getting a drink!" I shout to Sophie, but she's too busy flirting with some guy to hear me. Typical. I push through the crowd back to the bar, catching Jason's eye.

"What'll it be?" he asks, looking frazzled but still smiling.

"Vodka soda. Heavy on the vodka."

He raises an eyebrow but doesn't comment, just nods and goes to work. A moment later, the glass is in front of me, and I take a long, grateful sip. The burn is sharp, but exactly what I need.

Drink in hand, I drift to the edge of the dance floor, watching the bodies move. That's when I notice him—a guy leaning against the wall, watching me. Dark hair, sharp jawline, a casual confidence about him. Our eyes meet for a second, and something about his gaze makes my heart skip a beat.

Weird. I shake it off, finishing the rest of my drink. It's probably just the dress. Sophie was right—it does look good on me.

I step back onto the dance floor as the music shifts to a bass-heavy track that vibrates beneath my feet. Sophie's still lost in the music, her hips swaying effortlessly. I try to follow her lead, letting the beat take over. For a while, it works. The vodka kicks in, and I start to feel lighter, less burdened by thoughts of Jake, Celine, and the life I thought I'd have.

But then I feel it again—that nagging sense of being watched. I scan the room, eyes darting through the crowd, and there he is again. The same guy, now standing by the bar, watching me with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. His gaze locks on mine, pinning me in place for a moment too long.

I look away quickly and turn to Sophie, who's now eyeing potential hookups like a woman on a mission.

"That one," she says, nodding toward a tall guy in the corner, leaning against the wall like he's too cool for everything. "He's mine."

"Go get him, tiger," I tease, nudging her forward.

She winks at me before heading off toward her target, leaving me alone on the dance floor.

A few songs later, I'm back at the bar, ordering another vodka. The warmth spreads through my chest, dulling the edges of my thoughts. I feel lighter, freer.

That's when I see him again. The guy from earlier. He's at the bar, leaning in to talk to Jason. Something flickers in my mind—recognition. He looks familiar.

I blink, watching as he moves away from Jason. I try to ignore him, focusing on the cold glass in my hand, but when he sidles up next to me, I can't pretend I don't notice.