Chapter 4

Sienna

The whole week went by in the blink of an eye. Everything was so hectic this week in the ER. A plane crashed near the airport, so there were a lot of casualties. Everyone had to take double shifts to cover all that. By the time the weekend came around, I was exhausted as hell, but I promised Ava, so here I was getting ready to go out for her birthday.

     I stood in front of the mirror to check my appearance one last time before Ava came to pick me up.

   I stared at my reflection. I wore a stunning black drop shoulder top, paired it with sleek black flare pants and black heels. I wore my hair in a high ponytail, showing my neck. The final touch was a bold, red lipstick that added a pop of color to my overall look. This was one of those times that I felt completely confident in my looks. 

  After what happened five years ago, I completely stopped going out and interacting with people. It wasn’t until I met Ava that she pulled me out of my shell and helped me gain my confidence again. 

   My phone buzzed with a text message. I glanced at it, seeing a text from Ava indicating she was here to pick me up. I left my room, going downstairs. The whole house showered in darkness and emptiness. Adrian, as usual, was at ‘work’. I can’t wait to move back into my apartment. Maybe this way Adrian will move on with Gracie too and stop worrying about me.

     Ava is standing right outside her car when I come out. She’s dressed to the nines. Her delicate features and petite frame give her an innocent, girl next door look, but once you get to know her, you realize she’s got a fiery spirit underneath. Right now she’s wearing a fitted black dress that hits just above her knees. She looks stunning.

     “Finally you’re here, and look at you, beautiful!” Ava exclaimed, beaming with a warm smile.

     See always so supportive and boosting my confidence.

    I shot back with a teasing grin, “Look in the mirror. You look even more stunning!” I told her, though she doesn’t need others to tell her about her beauty.

    “I know I know,” she said, pushing her long blond hair over her shoulder. “Let’s get going before we’re late.”

    The drive there is short enough that we get there in twenty minutes. Giving the car keys to the valet, we enter the stunning restaurant. The hostess greets us with a warm smile and shows us to our seats.

    “Oh look! There’s a big bar and dancing floor up there too,” Ava said excitedly, pointing above us. “Let’s eat and then go up there.”

     Soon the waiter was there to take our orders. I ordered a chicken fettuccine Alfredo pasta with a side of Caesar salad. while Ava ordered herself the same with some fries. 

    “Look at this place. It’s so cool. I’ve never been somewhere like this before. I love it!” Ava said, barely containing her excitement. 

   “Your uncle owns one of the biggest restaurants in New York. Are you sure you haven’t been somewhere like this?” I raise one eyebrow and tease her.

   “Oh shush, don't ever tell my uncle he’ll disown me,” she said amusingly. 

    Ava's parents died when she was a child. Her uncle raised her, and she loves him very much. It took a lot of convincing on her side to let her come to Chicago for her career. She came here four years ago. She'd been in every one of my classes. That's how I got to know her. Her situation is a little similar to mine, which is why I'm so happy to have met her. 

    We spent the next few minutes catching on to the latest gossip and sharing laughs until our food arrived. The food was amazing. Ava, being her dramatic self, let out a series of exaggerated moans with each bite, which drew attention from nearby tables, on which I rolled my eyes playful every time she did. 

    Soon we were done, and Ava was ready to jump up and run to the bar. I had to hold her back a few times before I relented, and we went to the bar upstairs. We took our seats on the stool and waited to catch the attention of the bartender. 

    “So what are we drinking?” Ava asked, drumming her fingers on the counter. 

   “You are drinking. I'm not. One of us has to drive back home.”

   “Oh bummer. I won’t drink either.” Ava said sadly.

   She didn’t push me much because she knows I’m not a big drinker.

   The bartender came and took our orders.

  While we were eating, I felt a tinge in the back of my neck, as if someone were watching me. I turned around, but all I could see were people busy dancing. I'm probably being paranoid due to Adrian's warnings. I turned back to Ava, continuing our conversation, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of someone watching me.

   Before I know it, the drinks are in front of us. A lime soda for me and soda for Ava. 

   Ava takes her drink in one go and screams, “Let’s go dancing!” And pulls me along with her.

   I let her go and stood by the corner. I’m not so comfortable dancing in a crowd. 

   I feel someone touching my arm, I whirl around to face a tall man, grinning at me 

   “Hey pretty girl, want to come dance?” 

    He looked wasted. I was already weirded out by this creep. I tried to decline politely. “I think I’m fine here,” I said, giving him a smile.

    His features changed from smiling to a scowl in a second. He held onto my arm in a bruising grip and squeezed it.

    “Come on. One dance won't hurt you.” he tried to drag me to the dance floor.

     “Hey! Let me go.” I try to squeeze out of his grip. 

      Before I could scream, a shadow loomed over the man’s face. He looked over my shoulder. Whatever he saw drained all the color on his face, and he let go of my hand quickly.

      “Ah, boss, I was just trying to get this lady to the dance floor,” he blurted out nervously.