The Velvet Room

Can’t Help But Worry

Meanwhile, in the main part of the club, Thomas was growing increasingly concerned. He hadn't seen Robin for over an hour, a stark contrast to her usual punctuality. The club throbbed with a cacophony of noise—music, laughter, and the general din of a busy night—but none of it could drown out the nagging worry in his mind. He weaved through the crowd, his eyes scanning the sea of faces, each one a stranger in his search for her.

He asked around, approaching bartenders, dancers, and patrons alike, but no one had seen Robin. "She's got long dark hair, green eyes, kinda petite," he'd say, his voice barely audible above the music. Each shake of the head, each shrug of the shoulders, only amplified his anxiety. Where could she be? Had she gone home without telling him? Or was something else going on?

Unbeknownst to Thomas, Robin was indeed in the club, but she was far from the carefree, vibrant woman he knew. Shaken by her encounter with the Don, she was lost in her thoughts, trying to make sense of the events that had unfolded. When Thomas finally found her, she was sitting alone in a dimly lit corner, her eyes distant, her body tense.

"Robin, there you are! I've been looking all over for you. Are you okay?" Thomas asked, his voice filled with concern as he knelt beside her.

Robin managed a weak smile, trying to mask the turmoil within. "Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just needed a little break from the noise."

Thomas studied her face, his brow furrowed with suspicion. He could sense that something was wrong, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. "Are you sure? You seem a little out of it."

"I'm fine, really," Robin insisted, forcing a more convincing smile. She knew she couldn't tell him the truth, not yet. It was too dangerous, and she didn't want to involve him in her problems. "Let's just go home, okay? I'm not really feeling up to this tonight."

Thomas hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching hers for any sign of deception. But Robin's mask was firmly in place, and he couldn't penetrate her defenses. "Alright," he said finally, helping her to her feet. "Let's get you home."

The car ride to Thomas' apartment was silent, save for the soft hum of the engine and the occasional passing car. Robin stared out the window, her mind replaying the events of the evening. The encounter with Malia's father, the Don, had shaken her to her core. His words, his demeanor, the veiled threats—they all painted a grim picture of the world she had inadvertently stumbled into. She knew she couldn't keep it to herself any longer; she needed to talk to Malia.

As Thomas drove, oblivious to the storm raging within her, Robin discreetly pulled out her phone and typed a quick text to Malia: "We need to talk." She hit send, her heart pounding in her chest. The response was almost immediate. "What's wrong? Are you okay?" Malia's concern was evident in her words, but Robin knew she couldn't explain everything over text. It was too sensitive, too dangerous. "I'm okay, but it's complicated. Can we meet up tomorrow? I need to tell you something in person."

Malia agreed without hesitation, and they arranged to meet at Robins townhouse. Robin put her phone away, a sense of relief washing over her. At least she had a plan. But as she glanced at Thomas, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. He deserved to know what was going on, but she was afraid of what might happen if she told him. The Don's reach was long, and she didn't want to put Thomas in harm's way.

When they arrived at Thomas' apartment, Robin excused herself, claiming she needed to unwind after the hectic night. She went straight to the bathroom, locked the door, and leaned against the cool tile, trying to catch her breath. She splashed water on her face, hoping to wash away the fear and anxiety that clung to her like a second skin. As she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she barely recognized the woman staring back at her. Her eyes were wide with apprehension, her face pale and drawn. She knew she had to be strong, not just for herself, but for Malia and Thomas as well. Whatever the Don had planned, she wouldn't let him win. She would protect her friends, even if it meant putting herself in danger.

Back in the living room, Thomas was waiting for her, his concern still etched on his face. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Robin forced a smile, trying to reassure him. "I'm fine, Thomas. Just a little tired. Let's just relax and watch a movie, okay?"

Thomas nodded, but his eyes still held a hint of doubt. He knew something was amiss, but he decided to drop it for now. He would be there for her, no matter what. As they settled on the couch, Robin snuggled close to him, seeking comfort in his warmth. But even in his embrace, she couldn't shake the feeling that their lives were about to change forever.