CHAPTER TWO

The music pounded through the room, some people at the party sang along with the music while others danced.

Audrey and I sat in the corner watching everyone. My expression was unreadable after everything that happened today. It was enough reason for me to come here and forget.

 Audrey's cousins Maria and Carlos joined us shortly.

“You guys are so boring," Maria said amidst the loud music.

“Exactly, coming to a party, sitting and watching, that's not fun.” Carlos retorted without a care as he swayed his waist. In front of us, I grinned, and everyone laughed.

“You guys would blame Nyla for being in a bad mood, forcing herself to be here.” Audrey leaned forward.

They tried cheering me up, but my mind wasn't here at all. I couldn't stop thinking about everything that had happened today, being fired instead of being given a promotion, and my mom's call that afternoon as I walked out of my office building with my stuff. When my phone rang.

 I looked at my screen, and my mom's name appeared. I answered reluctantly.

“Nyla, how're you doing? I've called you like forever, and you never answered.” Her voice filled the room.

“Mom, I've been busy with work.” I shrugged 

“Nyla, I wanted to inform you that I'll be getting married to Mr. Xavier Knight " 

I gasped. Wait, she didn't even let my father's body decay before deciding to get married, and my mom is getting married.

It felt so out of place to me. And unfair to my dad. 

“Mom, how is this supposed to get me involved?”

I asked. Not waiting for her to speak more, I ended the call.

My head was already a mess. I'd just been fired, and now my mom had just dropped a bombshell, and I couldn't tell which hurt me more.

“Hey, girl, zoning out on us is bad,” Audrey called me out, waving her hands in my face.

I jolted from my thoughts, forcing a smile.

. “Guys, I'm so sorry,” I said.

 I grabbed my glass, emptying it in one sip.

The drink was warm and sharp. I didn't get to taste it as I swallowed it all in one sip.

My eyes fixed on the dance floor once more.

Turning to my drink the third time, repeating the same steps, but this time I swallowed it slowly, letting the burn sit on my tongue before gulping it.

I turned to watch Audrey and her cousins talk, but I cared less, I was determined to push my sorrow down.

“Nyla, your face won't change the fact that you've been fired, girl. You have to cheer up.” Audrey focused her attention on me, grabbing my hands towards her as she stood up.

“Let's go whine our bodies so you can forget about everything, baby girl.” She said, dragging me further.

“Girl, no need, I'm not in the mood for that. Maybe we could play a game.” I said, removing her hands from mine.

“Yeah, I agree with Nyla's suggestion,” Carlos spoke.

“ And if it's Truth or Dare, count me in,” Maria added.

“Okay, let's start. The rules are very simple. If you don't do what you're asked, we'll take your phone and post your nude on all your social media accounts.” Audrey said, grabbing a bottle and spinning it on the table.

This time it landed on Maria. “Truth or dare?” 

“Truth.” Maria answered without much thought.

“Who's the guy you've been crushing on recently?” Audrey asked, “Uhm, recently, like right now, I'll say that hot bartender.” Maria giggled.

Everyone echoed Whoa. At least my mood was starting to feel light. I looked around the bar everyone danced and did their own thing.

Audrey spun the bottle once more. This time it landed on Maria again. Everyone laughed. “Truth or dare?” “Truth.”

Audrey continued spinning the bottle, this time it ended on her while Maria asked the question 

 “Truth or dare?”

“Dare”, she returned 

“Dare you to drink three bottles of vodka,” Maria said, smiling, as everyone cheered for Audrey, who started gulping down the drinks one by one.

Next, they spun the bottle, and it ended on me 

I chose Truth. “We won't stress you much, Nyla; just drink two bottles of drinks.” 

Without hesitation, I took the bottle, gulping down every drink. I was no longer awake. I was now very drunk. The three continued playing and taking turns until it finally got to my turn.

“Finally, Nyla, it's your turn. Truth or dare?” 

“Dare,” I said, turning to Audrey

“See that hot guy over there? Go there and kiss him and ask him if he wants to fuck you.” Audrey teased.

“Which guy? I can see many guys over there,” I asked, turning in the direction Audrey pointed 

“Him, that guy on black hoodie.” Audrey described.

“Oh no, please, can I request a change?” I pouted.

“No, I guess everyone needs to cheer you”, Audrey said, clapping her hands, with Maria and Carlos joining her.

My eyes landed on the guy Audrey was describing. He sat quietly, taking a sip from his glass, his leg crossed.

His eyes roamed around the room, not caring what the person sitting close to him was saying.

I stood up slowly, walking towards him, my heart beating faster. I couldn't lie; he was devastatingly handsome.

As I approached him, overly confident under the influence of the alcohol. He looked up at me slowly. 

I mustered every bit of courage in me and greeted him, trying not to stammer.

“Hi, good evening,” I said, but he didn't reply. He turned his face away like I wasn't there or didn't exist.

Anger surged through me. Who does he think he is? If not for this game, I wouldn't bother talking to this stone-faced piece of shit. 

I walked closer, closing the gap between us. I grabbed his collar, pulling him for a kiss. His lips were warmer than I expected.

Without much hesitation, he kissed me back. His kiss was hungry, like he had waited his whole life for it.

I inhaled his strong mint cologne. I broke the

kiss without waiting another second. 

“Do you want to fuck me,” I asked, my voice hoarse.