So much for a relaxing vacation

I stood in front of the mirror for what had to be the fifteenth time that day.

"What am I supposed to wear?"

I hadn't planned on going clubbing.

In fact, I hadn't stepped foot inside a club in... years.

So much for a relaxing vacation.

I'd spent almost the entire afternoon trying on clothes I'd packed for sightseeing, nice dinners, and lounging by the pool.

None of them screamed *Las Vegas nightclub.*

Finally, I gave up.

The black dress I'd worn to Sophie's rehearsal dinner a few nights earlier would have to do.

Thankfully, the hotel had laundry service.

At least it was clean.

I curled my hair, kept my makeup simple, and slipped on a pair of black heels that my feet were already threatening to protest.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I shrugged.

"This will have to do."

 I met Darlene and a few of our old friends from San Diego outside one of the newest clubs on the Strip.

The music was so loud I could feel the bass vibrating through my chest before we even made it inside.

Lights flashed across the crowded dance floor.

The DJ stood high above the crowd while people danced like they didn't have work waiting for them on Monday.

I immediately regretted every outfit decision I'd made.

"Oh my gosh..." I muttered.

"What?" Darlene asked.

"I look like I'm going to church."

She looked me up and down before bursting into laughter.

"You do not!"

I looked around the club.

Women wore sparkly mini dresses, sky-high heels, and outfits that left very little to the imagination.

Meanwhile...

There I was.

In my simple black dress.

I suddenly felt like someone's aunt who accidentally wandered into the wrong building.

"I am severely overdressed," I said.

"I think you mean under-fun," Darlene corrected.

I rolled my eyes.

"I feel ancient."

"Mylene..."

"I'm twenty-seven."

"And?"

"I swear everyone here looks twenty-one."

She hooked her arm through mine.

"You are overthinking everything."

Maybe she was right.

Fortunately, we'd reserved a table.

The moment we sat down, I sighed with relief.

"My feet thank you."

Darlene laughed.

"I forgot how much of a grandma you are."

"I'm not a grandma."

"You've been here five minutes and you're already excited about sitting down."

"...That's fair."

Within minutes, Darlene was making friends with nearly everyone around us.

She chatted with the bartender.

She complimented strangers' outfits.

She somehow convinced an entire group of girls to join us for a selfie.

I shook my head, smiling.

Some people had that kind of personality.

Darlene could walk into a room full of strangers and leave with twenty new best friends.

I, on the other hand...

Preferred sitting quietly with my drink, watching people.

Eventually, I noticed Darlene talking to a group of guys across the club.

She laughed at something one of them said before waving enthusiastically in my direction.

Oh no.

Please don't.

I quietly pulled out my phone beneath the table.

One hour.

I started the timer.

If I stayed for one hour, I'd done my part.

I'd come out.

I'd socialized.

I'd supported my friends.

Then I could go back to my hotel, order room service, and pretend clubs no longer existed.

The hour passed surprisingly fast.

Before I knew it...

My phone vibrated.

**Timer Complete.**

I smiled to myself.

Perfect.

I slipped my phone back into my purse and quietly stood.

I'd barely taken two steps when I heard someone call my name.

"Mylene!"

I turned.

Darlene was practically dancing toward me.

"Where are you going?"

"I think I'm heading back."

"What? Already?"

"I told you I wasn't built for clubbing."

She grabbed my hand before I could protest.

"Oh, come on!"

"Darlene..."

"No excuses."

"I'm tired."

"You can be tired tomorrow."

She pointed across the club toward the group she'd been talking to all night.

"Come meet our new friends."

I laughed nervously and gently pulled my hand back.

"No thanks."

She wasn't giving up.

"Mylene..."

"I'm serious."

"It'll take two minutes."

"I don't even know them."

"That's the point!"

I shook my head.

"No, really. I'm good."

Darlene smiled the mischievous smile I'd known since we were kids.

"Oh, come on."

Before I could think of another excuse, she linked her arm through mine and started pulling me toward the group.

Against my better judgment...

I let her.