Finding Home: A Club Dark Novel (4 page)

For some unknown reason, my nerves have really started to set in. I have no idea why, it’s just a room for heaven's sake. Walking thru the door, I stop and stare in awe. I can tell that pulling me out of here is going to be hard. The room itself is simple. It’s large but very basic. What I’m more focused on is the huge four poster bed sitting dead center in the room. On top of it lies a plush cream comforter with matching throw pillows. I have an extreme urge to run across the room and throw myself onto the bed.

“I’ll give you some time. I’ll be right downstairs. There’s a bathroom right through that door over there. Take your time,” Amber says and walks out the door.

I’m a bit shocked when I notice that my luggage is already sitting next to the bed. I didn’t hear anyone come to the door. I don’t spend much time worrying about it, but do make a mental note to ask Amber if they have access to some kind of maintenance elevator or something. But at this moment, I’m too eager to take a nice, hot shower. I grab a few things out of my suitcase and walk into the bathroom. I am rendered speechless. This bathroom would rival any other master I have seen, including those in magazines. Whoever designed these apartments spared no expense when it came to luxury. Along the left side of the room is a counter that runs wall to wall with his and hers sinks on either side and a large vanity with a bench in the middle. On the opposite side, in the corner, is a walk-in shower with a tan and ivory tile backsplash. To the right of the shower is a large jetted garden tub, and I decide against the shower after all. No, I’ll definitely be taking a nice long soak now.

Stepping into the tub, the temperature is set just right, and I finally start to feel my body relax. It’s been a very long day and my body is stiff from the drive and the stress. And all I can think of now, is where do I go from here? I have no job, no family, and no friends. I’m in a place where I know absolutely no one. This should bring me relief, but all I feel is depression. Where did I go wrong? Aaron was my life, my everything. We shared so many first together. He was my first love. He took my virginity, and with it, my heart. I’m not sure my life will ever be the same again. I just hope I made the right decision coming here.

Coming back downstairs, I find Amber lounging on the couch. I’m relieved when I notice that she’s at least put on something a little less revealing.

“Enjoy your shower?” she asks with a sweet smile on her face.

“Actually, I couldn’t resist the tub, it was calling to me,” I say with a slight laugh and take a seat across from her.

“So? What’s your story? Where are you from?”

Not ready to go into the sappy story of my life, all I say is, “I don’t really have a story. I’m just looking for a fresh start. I’m from a little town in Montana.”

“Oh yea? You’re a ways from home, sweetie! Why were you looking for an apartment way out here? You’re not a criminal running from the police are you?”

Wow! Is this girl gonna take a breath? I have no way of explaining why I drove over 700 miles to relocate. And she doesn’t strike me as the type to give up until she’s satisfied with the answer. So I guess the truth it is.

“Where do I even begin? Long story short, I caught my fiancé of three years having sex with my childhood best friend.”

“Ahh, so you are running?” she says with a smirk on her face. Her tone suggests that she has no sympathy, and I’m not quite sure if it’s a mask she uses to hide her true feelings, or if she’s just that cold-hearted.

“I guess I kind of am, but I’m really just looking for a fresh start. Seattle seemed like the perfect fit.”

“And why is that?” She actually seems interested in the answer.

“Well, where I’m from, you can’t spit off your front porch without someone having an opinion about it. So you can imagine the kind of gossip that was stirred up once the town learned of Aaron’s betrayal. I needed somewhere far enough away that I can forget everything that happened and with enough people that I can get lost and not be tracked down.” That was easier to explain than I thought, and it actually feels good to confide in someone.

“Do you expect this guy to track you down?” She raises an eyebrow at me like maybe she’s worried or something.

“Who Aaron? No, I don’t expect him to come after me. He hasn’t even called and it’s been two days!” Ugh! I hate the sadness in my voice. It makes me feel weak knowing that my heart is aching over that douchebag. This is exactly the reason I didn’t want to talk about this. I can already see the pity starting to form across her face.

“Enough about me,” I say, attempting to get the spotlight off of me. “What’s your story? How’d you come across such a nice place?” Oh no, that totally came across judgmental. I feel my cheeks heat up as I prepare for her to be pissed. Instead, she only smiles.

“I grew up around here. My parents actually own the building.” I think she can tell what I’m thinking because before I can say anything she continues, “But don’t take that as I get to live here for free. My rent is discounted, yes, but I still have to pay. My parents are not ones for freeloaders.” That explains why she can afford this place.

“So, where do you work? When I first arrived, they said you had been called in?” She’s still wearing that smile. What’s with this girl?

“I’m a bartender at a club.” She shrugs.

“Oh really? Like a dance club?” That might be cool.

“Something like that,” is all she offers. Hmm, ok then, that was cryptic. “You can come as my guest if you like. I can give you a tour and maybe you can make some new friends.” A distraction is just what I need right now.

“I’d actually like that very much, thank you.” I give her a genuine smile as I get up and head toward my room.  “It’s been a long day, so I think I’m going to go to bed,” I tell her, starting to feel the effects of the last forty-eight hours taking their toll on me.

“See you in the morning,” she says while turning her back to me as she stretches out on the couch again with a book.

“Good night,” I mutter and make my way upstairs.

Getting rest doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen tonight. I lay in bed tossing and turning, wishing I could get my brain to shut down long enough to have a little peace. Bits and pieces of mine and Aaron’s relationship take center stage in my head. I always thought that we had a pretty great relationship, but I guess that was just my opinion. We never really had any arguments, unless it was over something stupid like what pizza topping we wanted or what way the toilet paper roll should go. I guess that’s why it’s still so hard for me and why it leaves me with so much confusion. Before I realize what’s happening, I cry myself to sleep.

I wake up a little confused and disoriented. Where am I? Whose bed am I in?  It takes a few minutes for everything to start coming back to me. I’m no longer in Mon-tana. I’m in Seattle, Washington. I’m in my new apartment and this is my bed. To-day marks day one of my new start and my new life. I will get over the heartache I will get over Aaron and Allison and their betrayal. I'm a strong, confident lady. And this will not bring me down.

***

I feel excitement and nerves building at the thought of tonight. Getting ready, I’m honestly not sure what I’m supposed to wear. The only info Amber has given me is that it’s an exclusive members-only club, and I have the sense that it’s not a dance club. Walking into my closet, I glance around at my non-existent clothes and suddenly, I don’t want to go. I have nothing to wear. I’m fairly certain that jeans and a t-shirt are not going to get me by.

“I have a closet full of clothes you are welcome to come shopping in!” I almost jump out of my skin from the sudden intrusion named Amber.

“That’s okay. I’m sure I can find something in here,” I say while flipping through the measly pile of clothes I have.

“Suit yourself, but there is a dress code.”

Great! Of course, there is a dress code. “And that would be?” I question since she just left me hanging.

“Nothing held in that shabby little closet of yours!” she says as she exits my room. Well shit.

We walk into her room and it looks much the same as mine. Four poster king bed, only her sheets and comforter are black. She’s got a chest of drawers, and a nightstand beside her bed. There are no other decorations in here. She walks into her closet and walks out with the most gorgeous little black dress and black stilettos I have ever seen. I’m not sure I can fit into this dress, let alone look remotely good in it.

“Wow! Amber, I don’t think…”

She cuts me off, “Sure you can, and you’ll look amazing.” I stand in the middle of her room speechless when I hear her say, “I’ll leave you to it then.” And then she’s gone.

Well, here goes nothing. Sliding this perfect little dress over my curvy body is no easy feat, but I manage. I’m surprised it actually fits. It’s beautiful. And seeing it on my body, I almost don’t recognize myself. I actually look really good in it and not like a slut, which is what I was expecting. As I’m buckling the black heels she handed me, I hear Amber walk into the room. For the first time, I notice her outfit; one little bend and her ass will be hanging out of her shorts, and don’t get me started on her shirt— if you can even call it that— it barely covers her boobs. Strangely enough, though, she looks good. I’m even more curious about this club if this is acceptable attire for their employees.

“You look HOT!” she says, looking me up and down. “I don’t think you even need makeup. Well, maybe just a little blush. You’re looking a little pale there.” she says with that smirk of hers I’m starting to get used to. It’s like this woman doesn’t have a serious bone in her body.

Standing up, I feel a little awkward and unsteady. I’m not used to wearing heels, especially not a pair that adds three inches to my height. “Do you by chance have anything with a shorter heel?” I ask her, hopeful.

“Are you kidding? You look great, kid. The height looks good on you. I do have a pair of flats, but they wouldn’t look right with that dress.” Well great! There goes that idea. “So? Are you ready?” she asks.

Not really, is what I’m thinking, but instead I say, “As ready as I’m going to be.” My answer brings a big smile to her face.

“Would you like to ride over with me?”

Normally, I would decline this offer. I like the independence of driving my own vehicle. But in light of trying to write this new chapter in my life, I take her up on it. “Sure, that would be great.”

If I didn’t know any better, I’d say her expression changed just a little when I agreed. Her signature smirk is back. But this one feels different, almost evil. Surely I’m mistaken. My nerves must be playing tricks on me.

As we make our way to her car, I’m not surprised when I find that she’s driving a Corvette. And boy, is this one impressive.

“Wow! This is your car?”

“Yep. Got it as a birthday gift from my parents’. They may be hard to deal with at times, but they never fail to deliver when it comes to gifts. This here is a 2015 Z06. I wanted fast and sleek.”

Awesome, now I get to fear my life while riding shotgun in what appears to be a pretty powerful piece of machinery.

“Why did you choose all black?” I ask, just trying to make conversation.

“Easy, I like to think I can disappear while speeding down the highway at night,” she says as she climbs inside. Maybe I should just drive my own car. “Are you get-ting in or what? I’m going to be late as it is.” Against my better judgment, I get inside.

We may spend ten minutes in the car. She wasn’t kidding about disappearing with the night. This girl is driving speeds I’ve never dreamed of attempting. My hands are gripped in a fist so tight that I’m surprised there’s not a trail of blood running down them. I’m pretty positive I’ve left marks on the palm of my hands.

Amber just looks over with a smile saying, “Relax, sweetie, and live a little.” Yea, I’ll relax when you stop this car.

Finally, we arrive at some kind of parking deck and she drives down to the lower level marked Employees Only. She pulls in a space and we get out of the car.

“We have to take the elevators to the first floor then walk across the street to the club. It’s still about an hour before opening, so we should be able to get you a good tour before the door opens.”

Walking across the street, we’re heading for a building that’s unremarkable. It appears to be an old abandoned warehouse. There’s a set of steel double doors on the side. Amber knocks three times on it and then drops her hand. We wait a brief moment before the doors open, and standing in the doorway is who I’m gonna assume is one of the security guards. The guy is huge and appears to have a military background. At least his hair mimics that of a freshly shaved high and tight. He’s roughly six feet tall and all muscle. I mean it ripples from head to toe. He’s not bad on the eyes either.

“Who’s this?” he asks in a deep, rustic voice.

“Oh, this is my new roommate. Lacey, this tough guy here is our head of security, Alex.” There’s a very subtle flirt in her tone that I’m sure this Alex guy hears but chooses to ignore.

Alex looks me up and down causing nervous butterflies to erupt in my stomach. “Does the boss know she’s here?” he asks, raising his eyebrows at Amber and giving her a look like he already knows the answer.

“Not exactly. But she’s harmless. Just wanna show her the ropes seeing as she’s new to town.” Amber’s voice is sultry, and she trails her fingers down Alex’s arm.

“You know Mr. Lewis does not like surprises,” he says as he removes Amber’s hand from his bicep.

“He’ll get over it.” Amber shrugs and pushes her way past Alex. I follow after her because I’d rather not be left behind with Mister Serious, thank you. It’s bad enough that I can feel him staring daggers at the back of my head.

“Are you sure I should be here?” I suddenly have a very bad feeling.

“Of course! You’re gonna have so much fun! You’ll see.”

Walking out into the main area, I’m instantly impressed. You definitely wouldn’t be prepared for this by looking at the outside. There’s two bars set up on either side of the room and they appear to be identical in style, and fully stocked with all the liquor and beer you could ever want. In the center of the room between the two bars is a huge u-shaped couch. The oversized couch seems to be the focal point of the room which I find a bit odd. There is a hallway off each bar. At a glance, I’d say there are many doors down those hallways. There’s definitely not a dance floor here, that’s for sure.

I’m starting to feel out of place. What sort of club is this? Amber walks toward one of the bars, and I follow. “This is typically where you can find me. I serve the drinks and keep up conversation. I guess you could say I’m eye candy, only I never leave the bar.” She’s so nonchalant as she says this and keeps walking while I follow behind her.

“So, what kind of bar is this exactly? Clearly, it’s not a dance club!” I may sound a bit rude, but I have that lied to feeling going on here. Only, she really hasn’t lied to me.

“We are a type of gentlemen’s club, for lack of a better term.” A very deep voice answers from behind me.

I spin around so quick that if he didn’t put his hands around me to steady me, I would’ve found myself on the floor. The feel of a large warm hand on my arms causes goose bumps to form on my body which is odd considering I haven’t even looked at him yet. When I do finally turn around to get a glimpse of him, I am met with a wall of chest. I’m stunned in place.

“And who is this?” Oh. My. God. That voice. Which is nothing compared to the incredible face I see when I finally bring my eyes up to meet his. Is this guy even real? I’ve never seen someone so good looking before, at least not up close anyway. If ever I was the type to have rebound sex, I definitely wouldn’t be opposed to this guy. Hell, a rebound might be just what I need right now. Something tells me I might get in a little trouble with this one, though.