ONE NIGHT WITH THE CEO

Chapter 5: One Night

Hailey’s POV:

I dropped the kids off at Grace’s after school the next day and spent the rest of the evening researching the company I had an interview with the next week then Belly called. This was around 7:30pm.

“Are you getting ready?” No greetings, just straight to it.

“No.”

“What do you mean no?”

“Belly, I think it’s best I stay home, I have an interview next week.”

“Yes, I know but it’s just one night.” I didn’t speak.

“Are you there?”

“Yes I am.”

“So what do you say?”

“I don’t have what to wear.” I thought that would make her stop.

“That’s just an excuse.”

“I’ll get you something to wear on my way.” She wasn't giving up.

“What time would we get back though, you know I don’t stay out late.”

“I know Belly, we’d be back in no time.”

“You don’t get tired do you?”

“You know I don’t.” I could tell she was beaming a smile through the phone.

Belly pulled up in an hour.

“That was fast.”

“There’s no time to spare.”

She scanned me with her eyes.

“You don’t look ready in any way, Did you even try?”

“I showered, I guess that counts.” She shook her head.

“Let’s get you ready.” Belly came with makeup products because I didn’t exactly have any.

“How do you want it?”

“Really light please.” I don't remember the last time I had makeup on so I didn't want much.

“Why did I even ask?”

She started on the makeup and I thought to check on her. I had been so busy with the divorce and trying to find myself again that I didn’t care for my own sister.

“How has work been?”

She sighed loudly.

“To be very honest, hectic, I’ve been really stressed and overwhelmed. More reason why I want us to have fun tonight, we deserve it.”

“Oh, sorry about work, sorry I haven’t been checking in as I should too.”

“It’s okay Hailey. You've also had so much to deal with these past weeks so it’s totally reasonable.

”

That moment made me realize how much of help Belly has been to me and I appreciated it.

“Thank you for everything, Belly.”

“Anytime.”

She was done with the makeup now.

“Are you ready to see the final reveal?” She smiled widely like she just won a lottery.

“Your face tells me it’s definitely not light but let’s see.”

She handed the mirror to me.

“Hmmm”

“Just hmmm?”

“You look absolutely stunning.”

I tried hard to not blush but I actually looked good.

“This isn’t light though.”

“No way you thought I was going light.”

“What outfit did you pick for me?”

“I think you would love what I picked.” I certainly didn't believe that.

“Your expression tells me otherwise.”

“Check in that bag.” She pointed towards the bed.

I was unwrapping that bag with the hope that I actually liked what she got because what Belly likes most probably won't be the same for me.

“A skirt?” I spread it out and raised it with both of my hands.

“Yes, is there a problem?”

“This is too short, Belly. It won’t even fit.”

“Uh.. try it on before concluding.”

I did and it looked even shorter on me.

“No way I’m wearing this.” I was taking it off.

“Well there’s no other option.” She was happy but I wasn’t having it.

“It’s okay Hailey, clubs are always dark.”

“What do you think of the top?”

“I could work with it.”

“Exactly what I love to hear.”

She finished with her own makeup and got dressed.

“You haven’t looked this good since Raymond.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes and I mean it.”

We left the house past 10pm and arrived at the club a few minutes before 11.

“I’m only here because of you.” I said as we walked into the club.

“And I’m grateful that you’re here, you’re going to have a nice time, trust me.”

We got in and the club was exactly how I imagined. Loud, crowded and certainly not for me.

I didn’t feel comfortable and Belly stayed with me for just a few minutes before dashing into the crowd of people dancing.

Now I was left alone. I found an empty seat at the rear end of the bar stand and just sat, my head buried in my phone.

I looked up a few times. Belly was having the time of her life, different people dancing and through the scanning, my eyes met with this couple, they looked like they were in their thirties and happy too.

Maybe that could’ve been Raymond and I if he didn’t cheat. I was at the club for just a short time but I was totally over it.

Belly was back.

“Hailey, you need to dance, we’re here to have fun.” She was screaming because of the music.

I nodded my head lightly.

“How about a drink?”

She didn’t even let me answer, she looked at the bartender.

“4 tequila shots, please.”

“Four?” I asked shockingly.

“Yes, for starters.”

I had just one out of the four. It had been so long so it was hitting, I think it also helped me loosen up a bit.

“Would you dance now?” She asked.

“Nope.”

She was off to the dance floor again. I ordered another drink this time and just scrolled through nothing on my phone.

“You don’t look like you’re having a good time.” I didn’t know that voice, it was calm and stoic at the same time. I assumed it wasn’t me whoever was referring to.

“Hi.” The person waved slightly across my face this time. I looked up from my phone, he was tall and good looking.

“Oh, me?” I asked, surprised.

“Yes, is it okay if I join you?” He pointed at the seat beside me.

“Sure, it’s a free club.”

“You look like you were forced to be here.”

“Maybe I was, maybe I wasn’t.”

“I’m Cole” He stretched his hand for an obvious handshake and I took it.

“Hailey.”

“Lovely name.”

Since I had been married, I didn't exactly receive compliments for other men.

“Why are you here?” Someone was talking to me, I might as well enjoy the moment.

“Long day, I needed to clear my head.”

“I’m not sure a club is the best place for anyone to clear their head.”

“Well, whoever brought you here probably disagrees.”

I laughed a bit. A stranger was making me laugh, that was interesting.

“Who are you with?”

“My sister and she’s obviously enjoying her time without me.”

“Ah sorry about that.”

“No need to be, I didn’t intend to have fun anyway.”

“Why is that?”

“Nothing in my life is fun.”

“Can I get you a drink, if you don’t mind?”

“I might not have it but yeah.”

I looked towards the dance floor and my eyes met with Belly’s.

She was smiling so much and pointing at Cole. I shunned her and she continued dancing, I mean it was just a random stranger, or so I thought.