My Emerald

The Valley

“10 min or I’m coming in for you!” Nancy yelled through the bathroom door, bringing Charlotte back to the present. She hadn’t planned on staying tonight and didn’t bring any clothes, which meant she would have to borrow from Becca or Nancy. Coming out of the bathroom with her towel wrapped around her, she headed to Nancy’s room to see a green cowl neck midi dress already laid out for her.

“Nancy, you know its freezing outside, right? And this is what you expect me to wear?” She called out to her friend.

“Don’t even complain, wait until you see me” Becca yelled back from her room across the hall.

Giggling to herself, she pulled the dress on and it hugged all of her body. Charlotte was a lean girl of average height, long wavy chestnut brown hair and emerald green eyes.

“Uh Nancy, I’m missing something rather important?” Charoltte called out “You cannot wear a bra with that dress!” Nancy called back, already knowing what she was after. Nancy was right. The back was completely open and scooped down right above her bottom, but there was no way Charlotte was comfortable going without one. Nancy came strolling back into her room and pulled tape out of her drawer,

“Turn” was all she said to Charlotte as she pulled off a piece. She stuck the tape on Charalette's side and peeled off the backing, sticking the dress to it, “see all fixed, you are secure, sometimes I think my Gran is more adventerous than you” Nancy chuckled at her own joke. “Becca’s finishing her hair head over and she’ll start yours while I get dressed then I’ll fix your make up.” Nancy’s instructions were clear. All of this make-up was a major reason Charlotte’s style was what it was. She didn’t see the point in this glam up to go out for a few hours, then have to drunkenly try and get it all back off, especially with the new addition of tape on her body.

“Ok Nancy, where are we going?” The girls asked as the ride share car pulled up to their flat.

“The valley” she replied with a shrug sliding in next to the girls.

“Are you serious?” Charlotte asked, “And how are we supposed to get in? Was your latest conquest a duke or lord?” Charlotte asked, annoyed she went through the glam process for this. The Valley was an exclusive night club on the West side of London. No one got in without a substantial trust fund, or on the arm of someone who had one. These were not the people Charlotte wanted to associate with. Becca, on the other hand, was thrilled, she didn’t care how Nancy had pulled it off, she never thought she would have a chance to go to The Valley.

“Business school has its perks” was all Nancy replied. She had toured a business school one time and suddenly they could get into The Valley? Charlotte was far from convinced as the car pulled up to the door, “confidence ladies” Nancy stated as they walked up to the bouncer.

“Nancy Stillhorn, and they are with me.” The large man said nothing, but lifted the velvet rope and let the girls through, never taking his eyes off of Charlotte. Right before they walked in Char could feel his eyes still on her exposed back and turned to look, the man was staring right at her and speaking into his ear piece.

“Creep” she thought to herself, after making it inside Nancy and Becca were both gawking in awe and giggling looking around. This place oozed prestige and was right up Nancy’s alley. Charlotte leaned into the girls

“If we are doing this I need a drink.” Pointing over to the bar, “let’s go.” Grabbing their hands they headed over to the crowded bar. Standing behind the hoard of people waiting their turn they heard someone calling, looking up to see the bartender staring at Becca, “Hey beautiful what can I get you?” Becca felt the heat creeping up her chest and was sure the others noticed it too.

“Cran Vodka, White wine, Whickey double and 3 shot of patrone please?” She asked as she slid over her card “Keep it open”.

The bartender winked and started on the drinks right away. After collecting their order and more flirtation from Becca the girls eyed an open table across the dance floor.

Becca set their drinks down, “pick up your shot girls, lets get this night started, cheers!” she shouted as Nancy snapped their first picture of the night.

“I need to use the bathroom,” Charlotte shouted over the music, the other girls just waved her off as they were furiously trying to get the picture posted to make sure Josh knew they were out and where. Charlotte weaved her way through the crowded dance floor, bumping into a broad back on her way, “I’m so sorry” she said as she instinctively grabbed the man's arm to balance them both. Annoyed by what he assumed was another drunk debutant trying to latch onto him.

He turned with his fiery gaze and steel face, “Get your han..” he stopped as her piercing green eyes looked up at him, he noticed for the first time she had apologized. He didn’t recognize this girl, no woman, and he knew everyone in this club. Charlotte, knowing what he was going to say, quickly dropped her hands, apologizing again and turning to walk away.

“It’s quite alright” he called after her.

“What a complete pompous ass” Charoltte thought as she walked away, no matter how handsome he had been. The man also watched as Charlotte left, unable to take his eyes off of her beautiful back and emerald dress that hugged the tiny woman so perfectly.