I spot you before you see me. You’re at the bar around the corner from the club, checking the door with the studied casualness of someone who has checked it several times already.
“Waiting for someone?”
You turn, smile, and pull out the stool beside you. A promising start.
I’ve chosen a little black dress for the occasion. You notice as I take off my coat, and I let you have a moment before asking about your day. We have a drink, settle into conversation, and soon you’re making me laugh. Your shoulders drop. By the time I move closer so you can hear me over the music, you’ve stopped checking anything at all.
“Shall we?”
We step outside and I slip my arm through yours. The club is only a few minutes away, just long enough for you to admit you’ve been looking forward to this all week.
As we turn the corner, we see the door and head towards it with a spring in our step. Inside, the bass reaches us before we’ve handed over our coats. There are dark booths, low tables and pools of coloured light. Glasses catch the glow from the stage and somewhere behind us, a group erupts into applause. A woman in spectacular heels walks past with the most gracious balance.
We find a table with a good view. You sit beside me, close enough that we can exchange observations without shouting. There is plenty to discuss: the music, the outfits, the astonishing strength involved in making something difficult look effortless.
Then a beautiful woman catches my eye and smiles. I smile back over the rim of my glass.
“Oh, she’s gorgeous,” I say.
You agree rather quickly. I laugh.
A moment later she’s beside us.
“What’s funny?” she asks.
“I said you were gorgeous. I’ve never known him to agree with me so quickly.”
“Good,” she says, looking at you. “I’d have been worried if you needed time to think about it.”
That gets a laugh out of you. She introduces herself and asks if we’ve been here before. I tell her it’s our first time together. She leans in to hear me over the music and then nods towards a doorway at the far end of the bar.
“Have you seen the VIP room? It’s a little easier to talk in there. I can show you if you like.”
You look at me.
“Oh, I’d like,” I say, and reach for my bag.
She catches the host’s eye and asks if there’s a table free. While he checks, she asks what we’re drinking and puts in an order for another round. Then the host gives her a nod, and she beckons us over. I take your hand as we follow her through the crowd.
The room feels quieter despite the music. Deep seating, softer light and a little more privacy. She shows us to a low sofa and goes to fetch a friend. Our drinks arrive just before the two of them come back and pull up a pair of chairs.
They’re warm, funny and entirely at ease. Within minutes, one has teased you for looking nervous and the other has complimented my dress.
The dances have us both a little hot under the collar. You glance across at me occasionally, as though checking whether I’m having a good time. You needn’t worry. I’m smiling and thoroughly appreciating the company.
Between dances, the women sit with us while we sip our drinks. That might be my favourite part. By then we’re all laughing and your attempts to look composed are getting worse by the minute. I’ll still be teasing you about it tomorrow.
After the last dance, you thank both women and tip them generously. Of course you do. I catch your eye as you sit back down. I’ve always found generosity rather attractive.
Eventually, I lean towards you.
“Ready?”
You nod, then look faintly reluctant to leave. Understandable.
We thank the dancers, collect our coats and step into the cool night. After the music, the street seems almost impossibly quiet. You offer me your arm again.
In the taxi, we compare favourite moments. You claim yours was watching my reaction to everything.
“Very diplomatic,” I tell you.
By the time we reach your hotel, we’re still laughing. You hold the door while I walk inside, and we cross the lobby together, wearing our most innocent expressions.
At the lift, you press the button and turn to me.
“Good evening?”
I straighten your collar.
“Excellent choice.”