Chapter 3
Chase had definitely outdone himself this time. His first ever nightclub was crawling with local celebrities, all extremely impressed by the elite club. Chase had always been a people person, he could sweet talk his way out of any situation, charm even the most sour-faced person. His name was known throughout the town, but that didn’t change him. He never let the little bit of fame get to his head. To Chase, this was his job and while it may have loved it more than anything, he would never let it take over his life. He would happily turn down hangouts with football players and actors, to spend time with his life-long best friend Alex. So, when his friend called asking for an invite to his club opening, Chase couldn’t say yes fast enough.
Nico had gone all out. Make-up, fancy dress, she’d even done her hair to an acceptable degree. She didn’t want to draw any unwanted attention to herself. She had a job to do, that’s all this was. She wasn’t here to have fun or to be Alex’s date. If only Alex had seen it that way. Nico knew what he was thinking as they walked into the club together, the simple hand rested on her lower back without so much as a second thought felt wrong, but then, it had always felt wrong. All the little things, small touches, stolen kisses, pet names. It all left a bad taste in Nico’s mouth, and it wasn’t just with Alex. Looking back on her high school and college boyfriends, Nico realized that she never felt comfortable with them, never felt like she could relax and let her walls down. She didn’t know if she’d ever find that in a relationship, or if she’d ever find a relationship, she actually enjoyed being in. Alex wasn’t the worst person to be with, they’d had their fun, a lot of fun. But Nico saw him as a best friend more than anything. He was one of the girls in her mind, and part of her hated that she couldn’t give Alex the relationship that he wanted.
“I told Chase we’d meet him in the VIP section. If she’s here, then that’s where we’ll find her.” Alex’s breath was hot and tingly on Nico’s exposed neck. She knew what he wanted from her. A few drinks and they’d fall into bed together like always and then the cycle would start all over again. Alex would fall and fall hard and then Nico would have to stomp on his dreams. The black-haired woman never wanted anyone to get hurt, but she couldn’t help who she was or how she felt.
“What are we waiting for then?” Nico quickly moved away from his touch and braved the crowded dance floor. Weaving her through the already drunk bodies, grinding and rubbing against each other in time to the blaring music.
Behind the red velvet rope lay her oasis, her only chance. It felt a lot quieter on the other side, well-known faces danced together, equally as sexually frustrated. Chase greeted the pair almost instantly, armed with champagne flutes and his usual charming smile.
“This was a surprise, to say the least.” Chase happily greeted his former roommates, wrapping his arms tight around them both. The trio tried to make as much time for each other as possible, but with all three of them in full-time work and Chase spending the majority of his free time building his dream nightclub, it had been quite some time since they were able to actually spend time with each other.
“Well, we wanted to see what all the fuss was about.” Nico winked playfully as she drained her glass of the expensive liquid and swapped her empty one for Alex’s full one.
“This place looks amazing bro.” Alex shared a knowing look with his best friend. He wished that Nico would relax, she was always so stressed with work that she never really let her hair down. That’s why he was so excited when she had actually agreed to come with him tonight.
“It really does Chase.” The smaller woman placed the second empty glass on the tray of a waiter who offered up a fresh glass. “Now, down to business. Where do you keep your press hating celebrities?”
“Huh?”
“Nothing, she’s just playing with ya.” Alex shot Nico a warning glance, knowing that Chase wouldn't appreciate Nico using their friendship to get the latest scoop. “Nico, care to join me on the dance floor?” He held out a shaky hand, hoping that Nico would take him up on his offer.
“I’d love too.” Her smile was soft and small, the only thing giving it away was the faint dimples at the corner of her mouth.
The dance floor was busy, couples held each other tight as the music suddenly turned from heart thumping rave music, to a soft, slow ballet. Alex side smiled as Nico gently draped her arms around his neck. The pair swayed awkwardly to the music, neither completely comfortable with their close proximity.
“Why didn’t you tell Chase the real reason we’re here tonight?” Nico spoke up after a few moments of painful silence.
“As much as he loves us, you know how he feels about the ruthlessness of the pre-” He caught himself, realizing what he was about to say. “I didn’t, I didn’t mean you...it’s just…”
“I get it Alex...but I’m not gonna stop. This is my only chance,”
“I know, but would it be so bad if you stopped for a minute. When was the last time you relaxed Nic? I feel like you’ve been on hyperdrive since we met.” Alex spoke with caution, knowing that if he didn’t choose his words carefully it could end badly for him.
“You see hyperdrive, I see trying to actually do something with my life!” Nico snapped slightly, but not as much as she would have if they had been alone. “I thought you wanted to help me tonight Alex? Or was this just another one of your pathetic schemes to try and make me into the perfect little girlfriend that you can bring home to Mommy and Daddy?” She hissed quietly, not caring if her harsh words hurt Alex. She was so sick and tired of people thinking that they had a say in how she lived her life. It was her decision, and whether it was the wrong one or not, it was still hers to make.
“I’m trying to show you that there’s more to life than work! You’re obsessed with getting your name out there, with finding your big break. And you’re pushing everyone away in the process.”
“Well, it’s better than pretending that you’re not living off of your parent's money.” Nico was started to get angry now, and it was starting to show in the piercing glares that were being sent in Alex’s direction. “Try actually having to worry about money for a change Alex, this isn’t just about popularity. This is my life, it’s the only thing I have left!”
Silence fell over the pair, neither willing or wanting to look the other in the eye. Sure, they’d had arguments in the past, but there was something about this one that ruffled Nico’s feathers more than the others. Normally she didn't care what anyone thought of her, she was out there, unique, and she owned it. But hearing Alex talk about her passion like that, it hit a nerve and - not that she’d ever admit it - it hurt her that he felt that way.
“Songs over. Until we leave later, I don’t want to see you.” Nico spoke sharply as the usual club music began to blare through the speakers once more, sparing Alex one more glance, she headed in search of her prize.
***
One of the things Karolina loved most about Gert was that she always followed through with a promise, be it ice-cream after a long day, or secret access to a premium night club opening. The alley behind the club wasn’t the most appealing, but then, what alley was? The low lighting acted as a perfect cover for the two women as they quickly rushed from the car to the door. The bouncer smiled tightly as the two women entered through the back door that led straight to the VIP section of the club.
“I look ridiculous,” Karolina muttered as they walked down the hallway, the music getting louder with each step. The popstar hated dressing up, she’d much rather relax in a comfy pair of sweats or jeans. But Gert had insisted that getting all dolled up might help pull Karolina out of her funk, and at this point, she was willing to try anything.
“No! You look hot as hell!” Gert quickly shot back as she gently patted Karolina’s backside for extra emphasis.
“I feel ridiculous. I don’t belong in a place like this Gert. Isn’t there a nice, small bookstore that we can go to instead?” The blonde grabbed onto her best arm, forcing them to stop as they reached the door that led to the VIP section.
“Snooze! Tonight is just what the doctor ordered.” Gert laughed, before noticing how down her friend still looked. “Hey, all I ask for is ten minutes. If you still want to leave after that, then we will grab the biggest pizza ever and pass out in front of the tv. Pinkie promise.” She held out her pinkie finger, with a shy smile on her face.
“Fine. But I’m not drinking.” Karolina linked their pinkies together and chuckled at the adorableness of her best friend.
“You do you boo.”
The club was nothing like the ones Karolina had visited a few years before. It was actually quite pleasant. The music was good and not too loud, the floor wasn’t sticky and so far, she hadn't been noticed by anyone. She didn't want to admit it, but she was actually enjoying herself. “I see a smile.” Gert poked her in the hips as she swayed contently to the music.
“It’s the musician in me. I hear good music and I have to react.”
“Let’s find Chase! Then we are hitting that dance floor girl!” The purple haired girl bumped hips with her best friend playfully, before dragging her away.
It didn’t take them long to locate the man of the hour, everyone wanted a piece of him tonight, but with Gert in attendance, everyone else would be in line for quite some time. “Hey, you made it!” Chase’s face lit up as he caught sight of his ‘girlfriend’, not that Gert would let him call her that just yet.
“I said that I would, didn’t I?” Gert pressed an excited kiss to his wanting lips, forgetting for a second that Karolina was standing behind her. Breaking apart the young couple made silent promises to continue this later in the night in a much less public setting. “Chase, this is my best friend Karolina.” The young man’s attention quickly turned to the blonde by Gert’s side. He tried his best not to seem too in awe, he couldn't believe that he was meeting Karolina Dean, in person, in his club.
“Nice to finally meet you, Gert has been talking nonstop!” Karolina smiled sweetly as she held out her hand to the awestruck man.
“All good I hope,” Chase coughed, trying to regain some composure.
“Oh definitely. She’s had nothing but great things to say.” The blonde winked at her best friend, enjoying the furious blush that was starting to creep onto her face.
“And I suddenly regret bringing you tonight.” Gert hid her head in Chase’s chest momentarily, as soft laughs escaped from her two-favorite people.
Karolina liked Chase. He seemed like a really great guy, and she was glad that her best friend had found some happiness in her life, and even if she was pretending to play it cool, Karolina could tell how much she really liked Chase. But as happy as she was for Gert, it didn't take away from the pain she felt when she looked at Chase and Gert together, being happy in each other's arms, laughing at their own little inside jokes, saying so much with a single look. She missed that feeling, being so close to someone that you didn't even need to use words to communicate. She had that once, had her great love story...but it didn't last. Unable to watch any more coupley interactions, Karolina excused herself from their table, not that the two lovebirds even noticed when she’d left.
Wandering around the club Karolina felt at ease, it wasn't how she had planned on spending the night, but it was a close second to her initial plans. Until she heard her name being called from behind, as she turned to see an unfortunately familiar face approaching, she couldn’t help but swear under her breath. “Andrew, Hey.” She fake smiled as the blonde man approached. The two had attended the same performing arts high school, and Karolina cringed as she thought about the number of times, she had rejected him.
“Long time no see sweetheart.” Andrew gave her a drawn-out once over, pausing at certain areas and making Karolina’s skin begin to crawl. “Didn’t peg you as the clubbing type.”
“I’m just here with my friend, it’s more her thing than mine,” Karolina replied quickly, as she looked over his shoulder at where Gert and Chase sat in hopes that they’d somehow see her and come to her rescue, but the pair had been too lost in each other to see her piercing looks.
“Random question, can we get a quick snap together?” He asked as he pulled his phone out.
“I... I don’t know if that’s a good idea, I’m trying to keep a bit of a low pro-”
“Oh my god, are you Karolina Dean? I’m such a big fan.” A high-pitched scream cut through the loud music as a young woman came rushing over to Karolina, camera at the ready.
“Thanks, it’s always nice to meet-” Karolina started but was quickly cut off and nearly deafened as she called for her friend. “Jessie! It’s Karolina Dean!” Another voice behind called out, as a bright flash blinded the blonde singer.
“Oh my god! Smile!”
“I don’t…” Karolina tried to move out of the camera view but was blocked in by the growing crowd of people wanting a selfie.
“Hey, I was here first, me and the pop princess go way back, don’t we baby.” Andrew pushed through and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, quickly taking a few pictures before Karolina could wiggle out of his embrace.
“No, we don’t.” She snapped at him, already seeing the headlines tomorrow. “Please, I’m just trying to have a quiet night out.”
“Over here.” “Gives a smile.” “Where have you been all this time?” Too many questions filled the air, suffocating Karolina. Hot tears filled her eyes as more and more camera flashes blinded her. Her breath hitched, chest tightened, and the room began to spin. A flash of purple pushed through the crowds, creating a barrier between Karolina and the vultures trying to peck at her.
“Go, I got this.” Gert threw over her shoulder at Karolina as Chase joined her but trying to control the ever-growing crowd that began to spill past the human barrier. Pushing through the horde of bodies, Karolina ran towards the nearest safe haven: the bathroom. Once inside the blonde quickly locked the door, not taking any chances. She knew that something like that would happen, she never wanted the attention, never asked for the popularity that came with her music. The tears fell with ease, an unfortunate side effect of the last year.
Karolina jumped as the alarming sound of a toilet flushing filled the small bathroom. In a blind panic, she rushed into the free cubicle. Safely locked away from the world, Karolina curled herself into a small ball on top of toilet seat. Her soft whimpers filled the air, catching the attention of the woman leaving the stall next to her.
“What the...Hey, are you okay in there?” A raspy voice broke through the sound of Karolina’s tears, filling the blonde with an odd sense of security, something she hasn’t felt in years.