Late Night Encounter
The trio of young women stepped out into the fresh evening air, the loud music from the bar quickly abated as the door closed behind them. The noise of the dive joint echoed off the street intermixing with similar sounds from nearby establishments. The temperature was a few degrees cooler than when they'd stepped inside an hour or two before. It was early Fall in the South when the nights were still warm but had lost their telltale summer humidity. The three close friends, Lauren, Mary & Caitlin, were taking advantage.
It had been since right before college that they'd all been together. Squeezing in those last weeks in August after senior year of high school. After that, the three ladies had split ways to different schools spread across the East Coast. While each one had visited the others, they hadn't found a chance to reunite those short four years. Ultimately, after graduation, they had all pursued their own goals each landing respectable, entry-level jobs in different cities. More than a few hours apart, it was hard to stay connected and, nearly a year later, they committed to a re-union trip back home.
Lauren, the only one who settled back in their hometown after school, was the natural host. She had a small apartment in the city's historic district, easily walkable to several nightlife spots. She'd also been the "adult" of the three, the steady rudder that kept wild evenings from getting too out of hand. Unsurprisingly, she was also the only one in a serious relationship now a mere month away from the one-year mark with her boyfriend. Andrew was a mirror version of herself: responsible, career-focused and attentive.
Still, tonight was a girl's night. She'd promised them as much and they all looked the part. The trio had spent the early pre-game hours putting their new salaries to work resulting in enough exposed skin to draw stares but with an aura of confidence that drove away most college-age males. Both Mary and Caitlin had opted for dresses, excited at the opportunity to be back in the warmer climate of the South. Lauren on the other hand elected for a bright pink tank top with a pair of jeans and booties. The tight denim pants showcased her full, round ass and always drew a few stares. Plus, they were one of Andrew's favorites.
"God!"
exclaimed Caitlin.
"Did we ever look that young in college? That place was packed with kids."
"Seriously,"
Mary replied.
"What gives them the right?"
her tone laced with sarcasm. Caitlin scrunched her face in response before smiling back.
Laughing lightly Lauren said
"Why don't we try a different spot? I've heard good things about a bar around the corner. Don't think they have $1 beers so probably a few less students."
Caitlin nodded in agreement,
"I want some good music and to be hit on by a guy who actually pays for his own drinks."
With Mary's similar approval and Lauren's guidance, the group moved on down the block. The establishment was a bit more subtle than the others with darkened windows and no line for admittance. As they slid open the door, the air, thick with music and heat, washed over them. Despite lacking curb appeal, the bar had a vibrant atmosphere. The central room contained a throng of people pulsating to a hip-hop song alongside a long, main counter. There was a smaller anteroom near the back that seemed to offer a respite from the chaos.
Nodding in excitement, Caitlin pushed forward through the crowd. By the time Lauren and Mary caught up, the bartender was pushing three drinks and a series of shots in front of them.
"Jesus, Caitlin,"
Mary remarked holding up the dark shot glass.
"We just did a round at the last place."
"We don't get to do this much,"
she replied before gesturing to the tray.
"Besides, Lauren always needs a few to loosen up."
Shaking her head at the well-earned jab, Lauren grabbed her glass, clinked it and threw it back. The cinnamon-flavored whiskey burned slightly as it slid down her throat.
Before too long, the girls made their way to the dance floor; the rhythmic music and alcohol providing an encouraging push. Like only young women can do, the trio danced together, laughing and reveling in the opportunity to rebuild their connection. More than once an intrepid young guy attempted to peel one of them off only to be rebuffed. Eventually the music shifted to a slower, near-romantic song and, capitalizing on the respite, they slid off the floor for a break. Caitlin slid down the narrow hallway towards the restroom and Mary signaled to the main bar before disappearing into the dense crowd.
Doubting Mary's chances of returning soon, Lauren made her way into the darker anteroom and discovered a smaller counter. Sliding into an open seat, she leaned against the surface taking a deep breath from the chaos of packed venue. The adrenaline and alcohol from the evening were starting to catch up with her. She might be young at 23 but she wasn't a freshman in college anymore. This bar was in the far corner of the establishment, affording it not just privacy but an almost perceptible buffer from the noise and heat of the room. Lauren glanced down the counter, trying and failing to catch the bartender's view, before noticing the eyes of a young man who was looking directly at her. While several seats away, she could tell he had dark features, a heavy stubble and, most notably, an unapologetically appraising gaze. They locked eyes for a brief moment before, startled at the connection, she turned away glancing back for Mary or Caitlin.
"Hey there,"
the nearby voice so startling in her ear that Lauren jolted from her seat. Suddenly, she felt a strong set of hands catch her sides and she was looking up into the face of the young man from across the bar.
"Apologies if I surprised you,"
he said apologetically yet with a slight smile. Lauren nodded in appreciation before becoming acutely aware of his arms still holding her up; one hand firmly held against her outer thigh.
Shifting back onto her seat,
"It's ok,"
she tried to smile back casually as they disentangled.
"Thank you for catching my fall,"
intending the comment to both express her appreciation and create distance. Whether he didn't understand her meaning or chose to ignore it, he remained directly next to her, his hand lightly on her shoulder.
"I'm Alex. I didn't catch your name."
Tilting her head in acknowledgement,
"Lauren. Nice to meet you,"
glancing slightly at his hand before giving him a quick appraisal. He was of slender build but clearly toned; his trendy jeans and button-down showcasing his physique. She guessed he was around 6 feet but her seated position meant she had to look up to engage in conversation. His olive complexion and dark hair hinted of a Mediterranean heritage, yet it was the presumptive air of confidence that exuded from him most strongly.
Squeezing her shoulder slightly,
"Are you alone Lauren? I don't think I've seen you here before."
Laughing somewhat nervously at the pointed question,
"I'm here with some girlfriends who are staying with me."
She had hoped the remark would provide an air of security clearly outlining that she had pre-existing plans. Yet now that she'd said it out loud, she felt exposed and almost vulnerable in his presence. She tried recovering,
"It's a girl's night out."
Nodding slightly Alex said,
"Away from...your boyfriend?"
Exhaling an internal sigh of relief, Lauren smiled in agreement.
"That's right. His name is Andrew."
She felt a bit foolish inserting his name unnecessarily and looked around in search of her friends.
"I'm sure they will be here soon."
Unfazed Alex responded,
"Well, I'll buy you a drink until they arrive. We can actually become acquainted. Then you girls can go have your fun."
Lauren hesitated but saw little reason to reject his offer. She was too polite to decline and didn't see harm in accepting a drink for a casual chat. So, she relented, smiling politely back at him in acquiescence. Surprisingly, the bartender quickly brought them two small but strong bourbons and the pair chatted amiably for several minutes. It wasn't until her glass was nearly empty that she began to wonder about her friend's whereabouts. Before she could say anything, Alex interjected.
"Let's dance,
" softly pulling her towards the dance floor. Caught off guard, she allowed herself to be lead along until they were pushed together by the throbbing crowd. Without hesitation, Alex pulled her body against his and began to sway smoothly to the music. Lauren could feel the effects of the strong bourbon coursing through her as she fell into his rhythm, her figure naturally molding itself against his own. As the first song slid into the next, she lost herself to the pulsating beat and the warmth of Alex's close proximity. She flinched slightly as she felt his hands descend to her ass, cupping each cheek with clear intentionality. Nonetheless, and for reasons she couldn't quite articulate, she stayed against him as he slowly slid a finger along her waistband running the sharpness of his nail against her skin. Her breath quickened as it slid just below the edge of her jeans.
Suddenly, the song ended and she pulled away instinctually looking around to ensure no one had seen them. She felt Alex's hand on her the small of her back guiding her to the rear bar again. With the wave of his hand, two fresh drinks were slid in front of them. How did he do that so fast? The move was impressive but forced Lauren to acknowledge reality. Alex was aggressive and clearly had a singular objective despite her girlfriends and distant boyfriend. His unchecked desire was captivating and erotic. She needed to extricate herself from this situation before she lost control. Just as she was getting ready to make an excuse and withdraw, Mary tapped her shoulder.
"Hey girl, we've been looking for you!,"
then looking quizzically at Alex,
"And who is this?"
Before Lauren could interject, Alex offered an outstretched hand,
