Under the Mistletoe

Double Date

When we finished for the night, I could sense Rachel wanted to ask me something. She nervously fiddled with her keys as we walked through the cool evening air. “What, Rachel?” I finally asked, unable to watch her fidget any longer.

She jumped at my unexpected burst, looking startled, her blue eyes wide. Tucking her dirty blond hair behind her ear, she grinned nervously at me. “We are going on a double date tonight.”

I frowned. “A double date?”

She nodded eagerly. “Oh, please, May! It’ll be fun! Plus, it’s at that high-end casino—oh God, what’s it called? Chaos Kings!” She practically bounced with excitement.

My stomach dropped at how enthusiastic she was. “I can’t exactly afford that,” I mumbled, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over me.

“That’s fine! They can pay. And don’t complain about not having anything to wear—I’ve got you covered! Now let’s go!” she grinned, making a beeline toward her house.

I hesitated. I really didn’t want to go out tonight, but I didn’t have the heart to kill Rachel’s joy. So, I found myself in the bathroom, showered and sitting in a chair as Rachel blow-dried my hair and styled it into a fancy updo. She worked her magic with makeup, and before I knew it, I was crammed into a tight, mid-thigh black dress and sandals.

I looked good—Rachel always had a knack for this stuff. And that’s how I found myself in a cab with her, dressed in a sparkly silver halter top dress and long silver heels, a beaming smile lighting up her face.

As the city lights blurred by outside, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. Maybe this night would be a distraction I desperately needed. I glanced at Rachel, who was practically glowing. “Let’s make it a night to remember,” I said, trying to match her enthusiasm, even as my heart raced with uncertainty.

We arrived at the flashy, brightly lit casino, the neon lights casting a vibrant glow on everything around us. Rachel bounced out of the cab, dragging me along with her. “Remember to smile and be nice, May! We’re meeting Tim and Dan!” she called excitedly as she pulled me through the front doors.

Inside, the casino was a whirlwind of colour and sound. The air was filled with the cheerful chime of slot machines and the distant laughter of patrons enjoying their night out. Glittering chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting twinkling reflections on the polished marble floors. To the right of the entrance, a fancy dining area opened up, adorned with plush red booths and low, ambient lighting that created an intimate atmosphere. The scent of gourmet food wafted through the air, making my stomach growl despite my earlier reservations.

Rachel led me deeper into the casino, her excitement palpable. “Look at this place! Isn’t it incredible?” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she took in the lavish décor.

I nodded, feeling a mix of awe and anxiety. The grandeur of it all was overwhelming, but I couldn’t help but appreciate the opulence around me. As we walked past the gaming tables, I noted the people gathered around, their faces a mixture of concentration and thrill.

Rachel tugged me toward the dining area, where a sleek bar lined with colorful cocktails caught my attention. “Let’s grab a drink before we meet them!” she suggested, her enthusiasm infectious.

“Um....Sure, why not?” I replied, trying to shake off my nerves. Maybe a drink would help ease me into the evening. As we approached the bar, I took a deep breath, reminding myself to enjoy the night.

“What can I get you, pretty ladies?” came the polite bartender’s voice. He was cute, with tousled dark hair and striking green eyes that sparkled as he smiled at us.

“Two gin and tonics, please!” Rachel called, her excitement infectious. I grimaced inside but nodded along with a small smile, hoping the drink would help ease my nerves.

The bartender was quick, and soon our drinks were served. Rachel grabbed hers, her eyes scanning the room. “Cheers to us, May! Living life to the fullest!” she exclaimed, clinking her glass against mine before taking a hefty sip.

“Cheers,” I muttered, taking a small sip and trying to suppress the grimace that threatened to escape.

As I began to people-watch, Rachel stood with her phone to her ear, chatting animatedly. I noticed two men enter the bar, and she started waving at them. They were good-looking—one tall and slender with blue eyes and blonde hair, the other more stocky with short brown hair, stubble, and hazel eyes.

“Good evening! You must be Rachel and May,” said the shorter one, smiling widely. “I’m Tim, and this is Dan.” He leaned forward, kissing both our hands in a gesture that made my skin crawl.

Rachel laughed at the charm, clearly enjoying the attention. I gave a small nod and a strained smile, feeling a wave of discomfort. Gross.

“Shall we?” Tim offered his arm to Rachel, who took it easily, her face lighting up as she followed him toward the dining area.

“Coming?” Dan asked, extending his arm toward me. My stomach dropped at the thought of being led away by him, but I forced a nod and took his hand, ignoring the unease bubbling inside me.

We were seated at a fairly open table, which eased my nerves a little. As the waiter handed us menus, Tim leaned in closer to Rachel. “So, what do you do for a living? Moduling?” he asked, his tone flirtatious.

Rachel blushes and bursts out laughing. "I own a small cafe that we both work at. We have the best pastries,” Rachel replied, her enthusiasm shining through.

“Sounds amazing,” Tim said, his eyes sparkling. “I bet you make a mean cupcake.”

“Oh, I can definitely whip up some good ones!” Rachel laughed, clearly enjoying his attention.

Dan, on the other hand, turned to me with a smirk. “And what about you, May? Do you bake too, or just serve up the goods?”

I shrugged, trying to keep my response brief. “I just serve.”

“Just serve, huh? I bet there’s more to you than that,” he said, leaning back in his chair with a cocky grin. “You could probably whip up a storm if you wanted to.”

I ignored him, and the arrogane shine in his eyes, choosing instead to focus on the menu. They were ridiculously priced.

“So, what do you do for fun, Tim?” Rachel asked, her eyes bright with curiosity.

“Oh, you know, the usual,” Dan said, waving a hand dismissively. “Parties, trying out new restaurants. I love a good night out.”

Rachel’s eyes brightened. “Well, maybe after this we could hit the club, and you can show me some of your moves,” she teased flirtatiously, her smile wide.

My heart dropped at hearing that. I didn't want to go clubbing; the thought of loud music and crowded dance floors made me anxious.

Dan grinned as he waved down a waiter. “Oh, I’d love to see what you guys have got on the dance floor,” he teased, his tone dripping with innuendo. I could sense the dirtiness behind his comment, and it made me cringe inwardly.

The waiter arrived, and they quickly placed their orders.

“I’ll have the steak,” Tim said confidently, glancing at Rachel. “It’s a classic.”

“Same here,” Dan added, flashing a grin. “Can’t go wrong with a good steak.”

"I'll have the rossotto" chimed Rachel.

I hesitated, scanning the menu for something less extravagant. “Um, I’ll just have the garden salad,” I said, trying to keep it simple.

Dan raised an eyebrow, cringing slightly. “A salad? Really? What worried about your weight?” He said, just shaking his head with a playful smirk.

Tim tried to hide his reaction better, but I could see the annoyance flicker across his face. “Interesting choice,” he said, maintaining his charming demeanor.

As the waiter took our orders and left, the atmosphere shifted back to flirty chatter. “So, Rachel,” Tim said, leaning in closer, “what’s your idea of a perfect night out?”

“Oh, definitely good music, great food, and lots of laughter,” she replied, her smile radiant. “And maybe a little dancing.”

“I can definitely deliver on that,” Tim said, his gaze lingering on her. “I know a few spots with amazing DJs. You’ll have to let me take you sometime.”

Rachel laughed, clearly enjoying the attention. “I’d love that! Just don’t step on my toes.”

Dan turned to me, a mischievous grin on his face. “And what about you, May? What’s your perfect night? Salad and a book?”

I rolled my eyes, trying to brush off his teasing. “More like a quiet evening at home, thanks.”

“Come on,” he prodded, leaning back in his chair. “You should join us in the fun. A little excitement wouldn’t hurt, right?”

I shrugged, trying to keep my tone neutral. “I’m good, really.”

“Don’t be such a buzzkill,” Dan joked, but there was an edge to his voice. “You can't just sit back and watch. You need to let loose!”

Tim laughed, his focus still on Rachel. “I bet once you get out there, you’ll surprise us all,” he said, throwing me a knowing look.

Once the food arrived, I shifted my focus to my plate, trying to block out Dan’s lingering gaze. I shuffled in my seat a few times, attempting to break his eyes from my breasts, but he seemed increasingly annoyed at my lack of attention. Meanwhile, Rachel and Tim were laughing and carrying on, clearly enjoying each other’s company.

I noticed Tim order another round of drinks for us, and I carefully sipped mine, not wanting to get too intoxicated in front of these two.

Once we finished dinner, Dan paid the bill, and we made our way downstairs to the club. As we descended, a pulsating rhythm filled the air, and I could feel the energy shift.

The club was a luxurious underground space, dimly lit with vibrant neon lights that danced across the walls. The atmosphere was electric, with the thump of bass reverberating through the floor.

To the left, a plush VIP area boasted oversized couches and low tables, where well-dressed patrons lounged, their drinks in hand. The seating was positioned for optimal viewing of the stage, which featured barely dressed female dancers performing with mesmerizing grace. The dancers moved fluidly, their bodies illuminated by colorful spotlights, showcasing the choreography that had captivated the crowd.

The dance floor stretched out in front of the stage, packed with people swaying to the music, lost in the moment. I could see couples and groups dancing with abandon, their laughter mingling with the beat.

In the center of the club, a lush bar beckoned, its surface lined with an array of bottles glistening under the lights. Bartenders crafted cocktails with flair, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Hidden in the back were cozy booths, offering a bit of privacy for those wanting to escape the crowd. The plush seating and intimate lighting made them ideal spots for quiet conversations amid the chaos.

As we stepped inside, Tim led us to the bar, ordering a round of shots. “To new friends and memories!” he called, raising his glass high in the air. I sighed, pushing aside my warning voice, and raised my glass as well. Dan was grinning at my hesitation, clearly enjoying the moment.

We all cheered and downed the shots together. I cringed at the burning taste that shot down my throat. “Woooo!” Dan shouted, his excitement infectious, while Rachel let out a loud laugh, clearly in high spirits.

I scanned the crowd, but my blood froze when I spotted Adaline further down the bar, her eyes narrowing when they landed on me. Panic surged through me, and I quickly tore my gaze away just as Dan interrupted my thoughts. “Ready to dance?” he grinned, oblivious to my discomfort.

I looked to Rachel, who gave me big puppy eyes, and I sighed. “Sure, let’s go,” I muttered, following them toward the dance floor.

As we hit the dance floor, I tried to distance myself from Dan, but he seemed intent on getting close. The music pulsed around us, and I moved to the beat, hoping to create some space. But before I knew it, Dan was right behind me, grinding against me with a confidence that made my stomach churn.

A wave of disgust flooded over me, and I felt a knot forming in my throat. I wanted to push him away, to escape the unwanted attention, but I was stuck in the crowd, and the energy of the dance floor was overwhelming. I felt trapped, as if the walls were closing in.

Suddenly, a weird sensation washed over me; it felt like eyes were on me, scrutinizing every move. I glanced around, half-expecting to see Adaline, but the faces blurred together in the dim light.

“Come on, baby ! Let loose!” Dan shouted over the music, his breath hot against my ear. My skin crawled at his proximity, and I felt waves of nausea rising in my throat.

As I tried to dance away from Dan, he moved in closer, his hands gripping my hips like a vice. I felt his growing erection pressing against me, and I shuddered at the unwelcome proximity. “Come on, baby, you know you want me,” he groaned lowly in my ear, his voice dripping with arrogance.

Panic began to set in as I struggled to wiggle away, but he was much stronger than me. I felt trapped, my heart racing with discomfort and fear. Steeling myself, I took a deep breath and stomped my foot backward, landing hard on Dan's foot. He let out a loud groan, finally releasing his grip on my hips.

Without looking back, I beelined for the bathroom, relief flooding over me when I found it empty. I rushed inside, shutting the door behind me and leaning against it for a moment, trying to catch my breath.

After a few seconds, I walked over to the sink and washed my hands, allowing the cool water to calm my racing heart. Dan was a scumbag, and I realized that Tim probably wasn’t any better. But Rachel liked hookups; she thrived on the excitement of it all. Sometimes, I wished I could live as carefree as Rachel, but I wasn't starting tonight.