Chapter 1: Topsy Turvy
There I was, sitting at the bar at the local club drinking a cheap, berry flavored seltzer. The bass from the low end speakers coarse through my bones in waves. The song pumping through my veins is unrecognizable to me, but it sounds like a remix of a couple different pop songs. Not my type of music at all, but at least it has a nice beat.
I run my index finger around the smooth edge of the half filled can in front of me, gazing into space. I read the nutrition label again for the countless time, not having much else that I want to focus on. "Zero calories, zero sugars" 'Zero taste as well.' This locally produced seltzer isn't my drink of choice. It claims to be berry flavored, but I've yet to taste any fruit, let alone a berry. I usually drink a variety of fruity mixed drinks mostly of the iced tea family, but though I love strong liquor it doesn't reciprocate my feelings. I'm a lightweight to most forms of alcohol, even to these 5% cans of seltzer.
Tonight, I find myself drinking alone so I'm not allowing myself to get too hammered in a room full of strangers. I can take care of myself most of the time, but getting plastered and waking up in a ditch doesn't sound like a party I want to attend. The reason why I'm keeping myself company tonight in this packed club, instead of my warm bed, is because my supposed best friend ever, Ethan, was swept away by a random blonde, perky stud. I only assume his name was Chad or something of the like, I wasn't really paying attention when he introduced himself.
Ethan and I have been friends since our freshman year of college and throughout our friendship I've noticed he definitely has a type. Ditzy and two-dimensional, but usually very nice to look at. I call them Ken dolls, flawlessly handsome, but that's probably all they have going for them. I like to tease him about it, though it's extremely hypocritical because my choice in men isn't much better than his.
He was the one who suggested our adventure out of the house tonight so I could get over my boyfriend of a year, Austin. We had started living together just a couple of months ago and when we broke up, he kicked me out in a heartbeat. Generously, Ethan let me move back into the apartment we had lived in since our junior year when we got tired of life at the dorms. While we don't always see eye-to-eye on each other's romantic partners, we make sure to always have each other's back when things go south. Ethan always said Austin had a stick up his ass, but I thought it was just because he wanted one up his at the time. A really petty thought, I know, but only with hindsight do you get twenty-twenty vision.
'I need to listen to other's opinions more.' I'm the stubborn type of person who likes to think I can do everything on my own, but in reality I'm a mess. I put on like I don't care what others think, when others opinions are what matter the most to me. I can't do a single thing without thinking about it a million times. For that reason I don't seek others' attention, it's too much work. Oftentimes this gives people the impression I'm just a cold-hearted bitch, but I'm simply trying to guard myself.
When Ethan was approached by this dashing individual, he initially declined, saying he was here to chill with me. I didn't push the issue while we sat there chatting, but during our conversation, his eyes kept drifting off to the dancefloor where the Ken doll was gyrating with his batch of photocopy frat boys. How he could tell them apart was beyond me.
Feeling like a buzzkill, finally I sighed, "You can go get laid by that stud if you want him that bad." I gave him a slight smile as I peeked over at him. "Don't let me keep you from a good time."
He glanced back at me, his eyes full of excitement which slowly faded to concern. "Are you sure, girly? Tonight was supposed to be you getting wasted beyond reason while we hung out." He grabbed my hand, tenderly. "I don't want to leave you in your time of need."
"Pfft, Time of need." I scoffed as I put the black thin straw of my drink to my lips. "You make it sound like someone died. I'm not the first person to get dumped and I'm sure I won't be the last." As I peeked up from my mixed drink I was sipping, I could feel Ethan's stare narrow as our eyes met. I took a sharp swallow as I sighed. "Look, all I'm saying is, don't miss out on a good time just cause of me. I'm sure you'll have a much better time seeing what Mister Ken has hanging than hanging with me." I smile at him and we share a laugh.
He gave me a kiss on the cheek. "From the look of those booty shorts, he looks hung." He whispers into my cheek. "If you need me to come back, I will. Keep your phone on you and don't get murdered."
"Thanks mom." I playfully shove him. "Now go get you some dick."
He hugs my side. "You gotta promise me, don't drink too much and go home with a worthless prick." He takes a few scrunched up bills from his pocket and tosses them on to the bar as he stands up. He started to run off, but spun back around on his heels and leaned into my ear. "Remember, the best way to get over someone, is to get underneath someone else." He whispered before he ran off with Chad.
"But didn't you just say-" I was about to question his opposing statements, but he was already too far into the crowd of dancing people to hear my soft voice. It wasn't too long after that, I saw the two of them pour out with the group of plastics.
By the time my mind had caught back up to me, I had finished the rest of my seltzer. I peered up at the drink specials, most of them named after sex positions, debating if I could remain in control if I only had one of these raunchy named cocktails. I wasn't feeling much from my one mixed drink and one can of seltzer, but I also haven't stood up since I got here. I don't want to try because I want another drink and I don't want to pop my bubble just yet. While I was debating I noticed I was fidgeting with the empty can.
Suddenly the bubbly bartender appeared in front of me breaking me out of my trance. Her short, pink pigtails bounced as she shook the mixer in her hands. I took notice that the pigtails weren't the only thing that bounced when she moved. I was well endowed, but she was making me feel a sense of inadequacy. She looked like she was about to bust through her white tank top. She spilled a little of the drink on her bright pink shorts, leaving a dark spot on her lap.
"Goddammit." She cursed under her breath and wiped the spill off of her with her hand. She glanced over to me and we made eye contact. Her expression perked up with her customer service smile. "Need another one?" She asked politely though she looks like she'd rather be anywhere, but here. With how busy it gets on Fridays this close to a college, I can understand. I hated working customer service while I was in school.
I snapped out of my thoughts, realizing I was taking up her time. "Y-yeah, same flavor please." I blurted out, a little too loudly in my opinion.
"No problem, have that right to ya, sweety."
'Sweety?' She looks like she just started drinking, while it's been a couple of years for me. She handed out the drinks she was making and skipped to the cooler. As she turned her back I could see bedazzled hearts on each of her ass cheeks. Though I feel like my eyes linger too long, I watch her as she walks to the cooler.
"It's not polite to stare, you know?" A confident voice chuckles beside me.
I snapped my head to the voice and a man, who I hadn't noticed approaching, was sitting in the bar stool beside me. I had to look up to make up for the height difference. His raven hair was neatly combed back out of his face, he might have hair gel in, but I can't tell because of how soft it looks. He was dressed in what I would take as business casual, a white button shirt and a pair of dark blue slacks. He's way too dressed up for this club's usual crowd.
"So, you were staring?" He said with a lowered voice.
I felt my face burn red as I made eye contact with him. His dark eyes lit up with amusement to my blushing. I fake coughed and turned away. "I don't know what you're talking about." I felt my voice about to break from embarrassment.
"Hey, no judgments from me. I was looking just as much as you were. A glittering ass is hard not to stare at. I'm not a fan of the hearts though, maybe a tad too much."
"Just a tad." I giggled while mimicking what he said. "Stars would've been a much better choice."
He blew out air as he laughed. "I agree." When he smiled, his perfect white teeth caught my attention. 'Definitely could be a dentist on one of those billboards.'
The bartender returns with my drink and takes my empty can away. "There ya go, I went ahead and put it on your tab." She looks over at the man sitting next to me and puts on a bigger smile than what she was giving me. "What can I get for you, sir?"
He glanced over to her without turning away from me. "Whiskey on the rocks. Whatever topshelf you have here." She nodded and skipped away. He blinked and looked back at me, his smile still brimming. "What are we having tonight?" He glanced down at my drink and you could see the disgust on his face. "What the fuck is that?"
I looked down at my drink. "What's that face for? It's a seltzer."
His nose crinkled as he turned the can so he could read the label. "Zero calories, zero sugars. Sounds like that would be zero fun as well." He looked up at me. "Of all the drinks here, that's what you choose?"
I scoff at him. "It's not that bad. This one's the best flavor, they're pretty cheap too." I lean the can over to him. "You can have a sip if you want to try it."
He put his hand up and lightly pushed the can away from him. "No, I'm good. You are too. I'm going to buy you a real drink. I saw you eyeing the drink specials earlier, get something from up there."
I blush a little harder. "Earlier? You mean you were watching me?" I take a sip of my flavorless drink and look away to hide my embarrassment.
"I sure was." He says bluntly. I almost choke on my sip as I wasn't expecting him to be so blunt. I look back at him and he's smiling as he leans his chin against his fist. "I mean you stand out here. Not too many punks in this club."
I glanced down at my outfit, remembering what I wore today. I'm in a short, black, puff skirt with fishnets underneath, a black bat-wing sleeve crop top and my straight, long dirty blonde hair framing my body. Ethan insisted I go full out since tonight was supposed to be us partying until the sun came up. I wasn't wearing too much make-up because I anticipated breaking down at some point tonight. Just black lipstick and some winged eyeliner.
"Punk?" I laughed as I blew out air. "I'd say gothic more than punk."
"Is there a difference?"
"Mhm." I nod as I snicker. "You stand out here too, you know?"
"Oh, I do? Enlighten me."
I take another sip from the can. "You look too high end for this place, shouldn't you be at a rooftop party or something?" I look away in case I'm being rude by accident.
The bartender returns with his drink, a little more pep in her step. "Here's that for you, were you going to cash out or start a tab?"
He pulls out a brown leather wallet and takes out a black and gold credit card. I feel my jaw drop as I see him pull it out. As he puts down the card, a fancy looking silver watch pokes out from underneath his sleeve. I notice him side eye me with a smile and I glance away. "Start a tab please and can you get this nice woman a better drink?" He looks at me. "Unless you feel pressured of course."
The girl looks over to me for my response. "Oh, um." I look back at him. "Are you sure? You don't have to." He nods and gestures his hand to the special board. I quickly focused on the menu, which I should have memorized from staring at it so much earlier, but I did not. I just picked a random drink. "May I have a blow job, please?" I blurt out. Somehow my face burns hotter, the heat rushing to my ears.
The bartender giggles as she takes the man's card. "One blow job, coming right up." She bounces away.
I feel my body cringe as I slowly look over at the man. He's covering his mouth with his fist, clearly trying to hide his amusement. "You want a blow job, huh? Never had a woman ask what she wanted so bluntly like that before."
I snap to the direction of the girl, "Can you also get me a lemon drop please? On my tab." The girl gives me a nod as she smiles back. 'Fuck being sober, I need to drink away some of this cringe.' I place my head in my hands covering my face. I hear him chuckling from beside me. "It's not that funny." I blew out.
I feel him lean closer. "I beg to differ." I feel his breath against my ear. "I got to say, it's quite amusing when someone is as easy to read as you."
I jumped a little at his breath, turning away. "Trust me, that's not a common thing when it comes to me. At least that's what I've been told." I look at the television across from me, it has the bass visualized through color changing waves. I think back to my last conversation with Austin. 'You're the biggest cunt with a stick so far up your own ass you can't be bothered to let anyone else in!' I shutter at remembering how he screamed at me. "I'm too cold and closed off."
"Now, who would tell you such a rude thing? We've only just met and I haven't felt any degree of coldness from you."
"Be around long enough and you will." I look down at the cracks in the wooden bar and trace them with my index finger. 'Look at me moping about with someone I just met. Pathetic.' I'm in my thoughts and don't notice my drinks were placed in front of me. When I come through I quickly grab my shot and shoot it down. Though I'm a fan of fruity drinks, I am not a fan of Lemon Drops, they're never as sour as I want them to be. I shake my head and I put the glass down to where the bartender can clear it away easier. With my eyes watering from the shot I slide my proclaimed "Blow job" towards me and put the straw to my lips and try to use it as a chaser. I keep the straw on my lips as I zone out.
'I don't know how to be honest with myself or others. If I tell someone how I'm actually feeling, it'll just get in the way. Why is it when I try to keep the peace by keeping my thoughts to myself it's never enough? Not everyone wears their heart on their sleeves.' Only the slurping sound of me reaching the bottom of my drink makes me come out of my thoughts. 'Shit, how long was I spacing for? I'm sure this guy got bored and moved on to someone else.'
I peek over and the man's eyes are glued to my lips. His mouth rested on his knuckle, his glass in his other hand. It appeared as if he was frozen in a moment. I took a closer look at his face. For some reason, I figured he would be clean shaved, but he has a shadow along his jaw. His slender fingers extend to his jaw as I notice he was also lost in thought. I wonder what a man like this could be so concerned about.
I release the straw from my lips and give a small laugh. "Sorry, I was being a bit of a space cadet. I'm really not much fun to be around right now." I glance back down at my empty glass and stir the watered down ice cubes, creating a pale blue color from the remaining liquor. "Don't let me ruin your night…"
I feel my long hair being pushed behind my ear. "I sat next to you because you seemed like you needed company." I look over and our eyes connect. "Am I mistaken?"
I lower my gaze, then feel his fingers lift my chin up. "You're not entirely wrong…." I mumble.
He retracts his hand and places it on his lap, instinctually my eyes follow it. The perfect fit of his pants causes a bulge while he's sat. 'It's just how pants are made, pervert.' He lets out a low chuckle. "So, how was that blow job?"
I snapped my focus up to his eyes. "W-what?"
"The drink you got. It was called a blow job right? Was it good? You drank it all in one go." He said as he pointed to my empty glass. "If you want another, I will gladly order you one."
'Shit. I did chug all of that, didn't I? I was so in my thoughts I didn't even taste what I was drinking nor thought to pace myself.' I gaped up at the menu and saw all that was in my drink. 'Fuck' Vodka, rum, gin, tequila, tripple sec, Blue Curacao and sour mix to blend everything together. 'Who the fuck mixes all those liquors into one? Also how in the hell did I not taste a lick of alcohol?' I look back at him trying to hide my concern. "I-it was good and no thank you. I don't think I need to consume another drop of liquor. Not for a while." 'Gods, let me not go wild from this stunt. I'll never drink again.' I pray to anyone who'll listen to my sinful soul. "Um, do you mind saving my spot while I go to the bathroom?" I don't want to leave our conversation, but I must assess my situation.
"Of course, I'll be awaiting your grand return." He holds out his hand to help me down from the far too tall stools. I take his hand without thinking and blush once I realize I've done so.
This is the first time I stood up all night. I'm hopeful that my tolerance randomly shot up from the last time I drank, which was last week. I felt my body pumping, but I just accounted that to the bass. My face quickly started burning, but I chalk that up to my stimulating banter. Denial, meet reality. No matter how hard you try, you can't just mind-over-matter away the effects of alcohol. Normally I would go ahead and text Ethan, but I doubt he would answer at this moment. When I took my first step I felt the world shift and my spiked boots felt like bricks. I stumbled back and caught myself with what I thought was the stool. When I regained my balance, I felt a hand on the small of my back.
I felt the man's breath against my ear as he snickered. "I was trying to be respectful of your boundaries, but I see the sentiment isn't returned."
I wrinkled my eyebrows, confused until what I thought to be the wooden stool was soft. Suddenly it pressed back against my hand. I snatched my hand away quickly, bringing it to my chest.
"OHMYGODSI'MSOSORRY." I blurted out in one breath.
"Well, I didn't mind," He rubbed his hand up and down my back. "But are you okay? You lost your footing pretty quickly there."
I stared up at him through my now glazed vision. He looked back down at me and even sitting in the chair he towered over me. Cranking my neck up caused me to lose my balance once again.
"Woah there, let's get you sat back down, shall we?" He hooked his hands around my hips and scooped me into the stool like I weighed nothing, which I most definitely do not. "Not great with liquor, I take it?" He asked with a chuckle. "That was a rapid downfall."
I felt the world spin as I glanced up at him, feeling insulted for some reason and poked his chest. "I cAn HoLd My AlhCoHal jUst As WeLl aS AnYoNe!" I swayed as I spoke. "JuSt SO You *hiccup* KnOw!"
"Alright, alright I believe you." He patted the top of my head. "Let's get you some water. How much have you had to drink tonight?"
"Only, like, three drinks. Annnnddd~ That shot so I guess four, LOL." I hold four fingers closely up to his face. He just smiles and grabs my hand as he signals to the bartender.
I glanced towards the dancing crowd, watching everyone have fun. The music had turned to dubstep, so everyone was jumping around, arms in the air. "I'm *hiccup* really no fun to be around." I mumble through my hiccups.
I'm not allowed to wallow in my thoughts for long. Suddenly a glass is brought to my lips. "Shush now, beautiful. You need to drink this." I swallow the water and despite me hating water normally, it tastes defined. "Why don't you sip on this for a while to get your bearings, then we'll get you home."
I shake my head frantically. "I can't go home tonight. *hiccup*"
He tilts my head towards him. "And why is that?"
"Ethan…" I trail off. I remember that Ethan had taken that frat boy home and I really don't want to interrupt their lovemaking.
"Ethan?"
"Ethan's fucking a Ken Doll right now…" He squints his eyes at my response even through my drunkenness I see the confusion in his face. "Also I can't go home until I accomplish my *Hiccup* mission."
"Mission? Are you undercover?" He chuckles. "And may I ask, what is your mission?"
I suddenly feel really shy and squirm around in my seat. I look up at him with my head still down. I raise my head and signal with my hand for him to lean closer. He does as I ask.
"I have to get under someone."
"Und- What? Who?"
I squirm some more and I lean closer. The fresh smell of his fancy cologne fills my nose. "You?"
He snaps backwards and for the first time tonight, I see his caramel colored face redden. "Is that really okay?" He clears his throat to regain his composure. "You don't even know my name."
"You're not a worthless prick, sooo~" I hum as I sway back and forth. "It should be fine."
"Some might disagree with you on that." We sit there for a while as I sip on my water. I hear him let out a loud sigh. "Alright, may I see your wallet please?"
I nod and raise my boot against his leg. "Can you get it for me?" He looks down at my boot.
"Inside your boot?" He raises an eyebrow. "Why do you keep your money there?"
"Cause, I'ma girl."
"Uh huh..?" He tilts his head.
"No pockets." I motion to my skirt. "And pulling money from my titties is grossies."
He kneels down in front of me. "And money from your shoe isn't?"
"My feet don't sweat."
"Mhm." He slowly takes off my spike boot and reveals my freshly painted feet. He turns the boot upside down and my pink, Sailor Moon wallet falls out into his large hand. "Pink? I wouldn't have guessed." He looked up at me, but stopped halfway. "Oh, pink there too."
"Hmm?" I tilted my head.
"N-nothing." He clears his throat and stands up. "I'll get your card back and we'll be on our way."
I nod and sip on my cup of water, which now has a straw, that I had no idea how it got there. I swing my feet back and forth, the feeling of the cold air between the holes of my fishnets felt refreshing. Moments later the man kneels back down and puts back on my boot, making me smile to myself. "I feel like I'm Cinderella right now."
He chuckles as he stands up and holds out his hand. "Well, Miss Natalie, it's way past midnight, let's get you home before you turn into a pumpkin." I grab his hand and stand up.
He gently escorts me out to his car, which of course, is as fancy as he is. I don't know anything about cars, but I think it's a sports variety and it's red, which is usually a flashy color. "Pfft, are you a famous actor or something?" I giggle as we approach the car. I go to open the door, but he gently moves my hand and opens it for me. "Oh, I could've done that." I snark to him.
He holds my hand as I sit in the fancy leather seats, my frilly skirt giving me a soft place to put my hands. "You could've, but you won't need to when I'm around." He leans over me and buckles me in, he tugs on my seatbelt, making sure I'm secure. As he retreats our faces come inches from each other. He looks into my eyes, his gaze smothering. He stares into them for a while before looking down at my lips then back to my eyes. "May I kiss you?" His deep voice, only slightly above a whisper.
"Mhm." I close my eyes and tilt my head to his, assuming it was a rhetorical question. I feel his hand on my cheek, but not his lips on mine. After a moment I opened my eyes.
"I need to hear you say "Yes". I won't do anything without your verbal permission."
I take a deep breath, the smell of him and his fancy car filling my nose. "Please, kiss me." I whisper, leaning forward. Slowly his lips are touching mine, kissing me softly.
'I don't know if it's the alcohol or if it's him, but thiskiss feels too good.' I normally hate kissing as I think it feels like making out with wet gummy worms that have been stewing in someone's pants pocket, but this kiss, it feels like electricity is shooting down to my groin. His soft lips tenderly press onto mine, I feel him tilt my head a little more as his kiss gets powerful. I rest my head against the headrest bracing myself from his power to make my knees shake and me forget to breathe. As he pulls away, our lips make a wet smacking noise, which if I was sober, would have made me want to die. I'm left with the taste of whiskey and a hint of mint lingering on my lips. I feel the heat in my face grow as I remember to breathe. He leans into my ear.
"I hope you're ready to be underneath me." He breathes with an airless whisper, the rough tone in his voice making my soul shake. He lingers for a minute before closing the door and jumping into his designated spot behind the wheel. I watch as his long fingers press the engine button and move to the steering wheel. The engine turns over and I feel the power of this fancy car shake through my body. He smiles as he looks over to me. "Ever been in a luxury car before?" I shake my head. He snickers. "Well hold on, we're going for a drive."
As he puts his car into drive, his radio starts playing soft music. For some reason the music is familiar to me. It reminds me of studying for exams. "Is this…" I listen closer. "Lo-fi? Do you have ADHD or something?"
Suddenly the car jolts forward causing a small scream from me. We go from zero to really fast in a split second. "Now quiet, you drunkard. Sit there and enjoy the vibes." He drove through the city, the colorful lights and music went perfectly to each other. Slowly I felt my eyelids grow heavy as I watched his large hands as he drove. I was startled when he cleared his throat and turned the music down a level. "Not that you asked, mind you, but my name's Theodore, my friends call me Theo. It was nice meeting you tonight."
"Nice meeting you, Theo." I say as the alcohol takes over and I drift off to sleep.