Chapter 5

Maya's POV

By 6:15 p.m, I felt like I was about to give up the ghost. Clearly, Bryan had hit the living shit out of me, and judging by the way he was limping, I had also done damage to him too. I was more than ready to leave.

The gym was even more packed, filled with sharp sounds of gloves hitting punching bags and squeaking shoes.

I pulled the wraps from my hands and shoved them into my gym bag.

I didn't even have time to take a shower. I was just tired and wanted some shut-eye.

Nevada's evening heat hit me the moment I stepped outside. It was cooler, but still hot.

The setting sun painted the sky orange and gold as the evening heat lingered. Cars moved steadily along the road, their headlights flickering on as the city transitioned into night.

Sometimes, I forget how beautiful this city can be.

I slung my bag over my shoulder, ready to make my way home.

“Leaving so soon?”

I glanced over my shoulder.

Bryan stood in the gym's doorway, arms crossed over his chest.

“Unless you want an ambulance rushing in here carrying a non-breathing patient, sure, why not?” I shrugged.

He chuckled. “Dramatic shit, you'd obviously survive.”

“You sure about that?”

“Most definitely.”

I rolled my eyes. “Byeeee, Bryan.”

I was already on my way before he could say another word, but I heard him laugh.

I put on my headphones, listening to nothing in particular. I just wanted some silence, thinking how Mum and Dad would love this city, Trina, Bryan, and his family.

My thoughts were suddenly put to a stop when I bumped into someone, sending liquid splashing all over my face.

Great. Just great.

Now I'm not only sweaty, but sticky too.

“Oh my God, I'm so sorry—Maya?”

Huh.

I looked up to see… Sophie.

“What are you doing here? I thought T’s didn't close for another two hours,” I asked, removing my now sticky headphones.

“Yeah, but Trina said she was heading somewhere. She didn't say where, just that she wanted to do something important. We even closed a few minutes ago,” she explained.

“Oh, that checks out. Anyway, bye, and thanks for the soda.”

“Again, I'm so sorry.”

“Yeah, don't worry about it,” she said, giving me an apologetic smile.

There was a brief silence between us before Sophie shifted awkwardly on her feet.

“Um…”

I glanced at her. “What is it?”

She fiddled with the edge of her sleeve, avoiding my gaze.

“Well… two of my friends and I are going out later today to a party, and I was just wondering if… maybe you'd like to come along.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“That's if you don't have plans. As a ‘thank you’ for saving me. You don't have to come if you don't want to,” she quickly added.

I'm beat as fuck and about to decline the invitation, but then my mind went back to the nightmare I’d had earlier.

Yup, not happening.

“Sure, why not?” I shrugged.

“Wait, really?”

“You thought I'd turn your invitation down?”

“No, no. Thank you. Let me have your number, then I'll call and pick you up.”

We exchanged contacts and went our separate ways.

I made my way home, exhausted. All I wanted was a shower, food, and a few hours of peace before the party.

I finally got home and sniffed my underarms.

Fuck, I really need a bath.

I kicked off my shoes by the door and headed straight to my room. The idea of a nice hot shower was the only thing keeping me moving.

After grabbing a clean towel, I disappeared into the bathroom, only to realize there was no fucking hot water left.

FUCK! I hate this apartment.

At this point, I just wanted to get clean and relax, so I made do with the ice-cold water, did my business, and got the fuck out. My teeth were practically chattering when I stepped out.

With my towel around me, I curled up in my patched blanket and fell asleep. A few hours later, I jolted awake, gasping, my heart pounding. God, I hate those nightmares. Once I calmed down, I reached for my phone on the floor. The moment the screen lit up, my eyes widened.

“Shit.”

I was late.

Double shit.

I threw the blanket aside and scrambled out of bed, mentally cursing myself for not waking up earlier.

I rummaged through my small wardrobe, searching for something, anything, to wear. Just when I was about to give up, I spotted a little black dress hanging at the back. It was short, with an open back and thin straps.

It wasn't anything fancy or practical, but it'd do.

I quickly put it on, put my curly hair into a messy bun, leaving a few loose curls framing my face, and wore my only pair of black heels.

I don't even know how, but I somehow managed to properly put on some decent makeup, finishing it off with a wine-colored lipstick.

I feel like I'm forgetting something.

Oh, yes. Earrings.

I rushed to my rickety dressing table, pulled open the drawer, and grabbed my everyday medium-sized gold hoop earrings.

When I was done, I looked at myself in the full-length mirror Trina had gifted me as my 'Employee of the Month' gift, taking in the unfamiliar sight of myself dressed up.

The little black dress suited me perfectly, while my messy bun, wine-colored lipstick, gold piercings, and even my scar gave me a bold, almost dangerous look.

“Not bad,” I muttered to myself. “You actually don't look terrible.”

Still checking myself out, I heard a car honk. Seconds later, my phone started to ring.

It was Sophie.

I glanced at myself in the mirror one last time and grabbed my small purse from the bed, slipped my phone inside, and headed for the door.

I locked the door behind me and made my way downstairs. The moment I stepped outside, the cool night air brushed against my skin.

A blue expensive-looking car greeted me.

Huh?!

I tried moving past the car, looking around for Sophie, only for the car to honk again. Just when I was about to give the driver a piece of my mind, the car’s window rolled down, and I saw Sophie waving a bit.

“Hey.”

I answered her with a small smile.

“Please come in.”

I opened the passenger door and noticed two bored-looking girls in the back, one redhead and one blonde.

Sophie turned towards me. "Maya, meet Colette and Susie. Guys, this is Maya."

It took everything in me not to laugh.

Who the fuck names their kids Susie and Colette?

They looked me up and down, rolled their eyes, and pulled out their phones.

Ah, now I know why they have those names. Rich snobs.

I ignored them and looked out the window at the passing city lights.

Sophie got the hint and drove in silence.

I must have zoned out because she eventually tapped my shoulder. “We're here.”

I blinked, snapping out of my thoughts, and looked out the window, realizing I was the only one still in the car.

We were parked in front of a huge building glowing with neon lights. Music thumped faintly from inside, while groups of people stood outside, laughing and talking.

I looked at Sophie in shock.

“This is the place?”

“Yup.”

“But this place is huge, and you are kinda underage.”

“Oh, yeah. I forgot to tell you. This place is, like, an, um… exclusive club, and we all have fake IDs.”

“Well, at least I'm older.” I shrugged.

“But still underage.” She gave me a small grin.

I grinned back and stepped out of the car.

“You look good, by the way,” she said shyly.

I gave her a small smile, now able to see her well enough to catch her sparkly pale-blue dress and notice that her blond hair was styled in a high ponytail with loose curls. The dress caught the light with every movement, making her look perfectly suited for the flashy Vegas night.

“You also look wonderful.” She blushed.

I tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and glanced toward the entrance. “We should probably go in before the line gets longer.”

“Oh, we don't need to wait in line. We're on the guest list.”

I raised a brow.

“I know a guy.”

“If you had this kind of money, why bother working at a place like T's?”

“Well, um, I guess I want to feel independent and have my own money.” She shrugged. “Also, in case anyone asks, my name is Linda, and I'm twenty-two.”

“Whatever you say, Miss Linda.”

She laughed and headed inside. I followed with the two diva duchesses, still amused by how easily her lie had worked.

In no time, we were inside.

Music hit me the moment we entered, loud enough to feel through the floor. Flashing lights swept across the crowded room as people danced and laughed.

“Wow,” I muttered.

One of the girls, Colette, if I remembered correctly, laughed. “You've never been to a place like this, have you?”

Susie snickered beside her.

“First time, actually, but judging by you smug b*tches, I can already tell I'm not missing much.” I made sure to look them both in the eyes as I said it.

They both gaped at me, mouths open like two bedazzled fishes.

Susie scoffed. “Excuse me?”

I shrugged, looking bored. “You were clearly born with ears.”

“You do not talk to us like that, you ugly freak of nature, with that ugly thing on your face,” Colette snapped, pointing at my face.

How typical, using my scar against me.

I rolled my eyes, turned to Sophie, who looked like she wanted to run and hide.

“You and your friends can go find a table or whatever, I'm gonna get a drink.”

Then I left, not waiting for a response.

I made my way through the crowd, ignoring the occasional shoulder bump as I headed toward the bar.

I reached the bar, took a seat, tapped my fingers against the counter, waiting for the bartender.

“Give me anything.”

The bartender gave me a confused look but didn't say anything.

“Coming right up.”

A few seconds later, he placed a drink in front of me.

“What's this?” I asked.

“Espresso Martini.”

Hmm, well, okay.

I took a small sip and paused.

Okay.

That was actually pretty good.

I finished it and placed the empty glass back on the counter.

“Another,” I said.

The bartender nodded and prepared another drink.

I leaned against the counter, scanning the room as the music pulsed around me.

I felt like I was being watched. I looked and spotted none other than the blue-eyed asshole.

What the actually actual fuck?!

He was upstairs at the special VIP section, holding a glass of alcohol, clearly invested in what I was doing, which, by the way, was nothing. When our eyes met, he didn't even so much as look away. He just kept staring at me like a predator sizing up its prey.

I need more alcohol.

Right on cue, the bartender brought my drink.

“Just keep 'em going.”

I have a feeling tonight is going to be a really, really long night.