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By the time it hit seven p.m., the sun was just starting to sink below the New Athens skyline, splashing the city with warm oranges and purples. Miles's car screeched, maybe a bit too much...into a parking spot right in front of the club.
The moment the engine went quiet, we could hear the bass-heavy music thumping faintly through the air, sending vibrations through the pavement like a promise of questionable choices and even worse sleep schedules.
The club was hard to miss. Tall and sleek, it towered over the street with glossy black walls highlighted by glowing neon lines that pulsed rhythmically, like they were alive. Huge LED panels framed the entrance, flashing the club's name in bright, electric letters, while spotlights swept across the crowd, almost like they were on the hunt for their next target.
A long line of well-dressed revelers snaked down the sidewalk, their laughter blending with the distant beat that spilled out whenever the doors opened.
Miles jumped out of the car first, throwing his arms up like he'd just hit the jackpot. "Time to partyyyyy!" he shouted, already bouncing on his heels.
Jessie hopped out with a bit more grace, smoothing her jacket as she took in the scene with genuine admiration. "Okay," she said, her eyes sparkling as she looked at the glowing exterior, "I'll admit it. This place looks pretty awesome, I just hope the drinks aren't as pricey as my rent."
I followed them out last, adjusting my jacket and trying to play it cool like I was discovering the place for the first time. But honestly, my mind was flipping through memories like a messy photo album.
I had definitely been here before.
Twice, I think? Maybe three times? I was pretty sure I'd even hooked up with the bartender once, unless that was at that other club upstate with the weird lighting and even weirder tequila shots. After a while, they all started to blend together. Counting just leads to thinking, and thinking leads to guilt.
Still, I widened my eyes a bit and let out a low whistle. "Wow," I said, adding just the right amount of awe to my voice. "This place is… something else."
Miles slapped me on the shoulder, grinning. "Right? I told you it was legit."
Jessie chuckled softly, glancing between us as the line inched forward. "If the inside is half as cool as the outside, I might just forgive you for dragging us out tonight."
I smiled and nodded along, doing my best to look like someone experiencing this for the first time, even as the neon lights brought back memories I really didn't want to revisit right now.
Yep. Totally new experience.
We shuffled up in line until we were finally facing the bouncer. And when I say facing, I mean face-to-chest. This guy looked like he was made of bricks and had some anger issues, arms crossed over a body that clearly never skipped leg day. His black shirt stretched across muscles that could probably bench-press Miles's car without breaking a sweat.
Miles handed over his ID like he owned the place, followed by Jessie who seemed completely unbothered. Then it was my turn.
I passed my ID to the bouncer with a polite smile, the kind I've mastered over years of dealing with tough guys who thought manners were optional. He glanced at my card and then slowly lifted his eyes to meet mine.
Then he frowned.
He looked back at the ID, then back at me again, as if hoping the card would somehow explain itself.
I swallowed hard.
The silence dragged on, thick and awkward, and I could practically hear my omega genes cackling at me. Damn them. Damn my smaller size, my soft features, and my seemingly eternal baby face. Being twenty-four and still looking like I need a guardian to get into places should honestly be against the law.
"Twenty-four years old," the bouncer grunted, squinting at the card. "You?"
I nodded quickly. "Yes, sir."
His eyes narrowed. "You look like you're about seventeen."
I forced a smile. "Genetics."
Miles chimed in immediately, leaning in and slapping the counter with way too much enthusiasm. "Oh, it's real," he emphasized, nodding vigorously. "That's a legit ID, and he's a legitimate man."
I shot him a glare. "Miles."
"What? I'm just helping."
The bouncer still didn't seem convinced. He studied my face again, slowly, like he was looking for cracks in my disguise. Just when I thought I might get kicked out and publicly humiliated, his expression shifted.
"Huh," he said slowly. "You look familiar."
My stomach dropped.
Oh no. No, no, no.
Before I could stop it, my brain started playing a highlight reel of all my bad choices: tequila shots, loud music, poor coordination, and a sidewalk that came up way too fast—
"You weren't the one," he said, "who threw up right out here a few weeks ago and almost passed out, right? That we had to call a cab to haul your ass home?"
I blinked.
Once.
Twice.
That was… definitely me.
I straightened up, shaking my head a bit too quickly. "Nope," I replied, my voice going a little higher than usual. "Definitely not."
Jessie gasped softly, placing a hand on her chest as she leaned in with mock indignation. "That couldn't have been him," she said smoothly. "Theo is way too dignified for that."
Miles was quick to agree, nodding enthusiastically. "Yeah! Super composed. Totally regal. Throws up? Never."
I smiled, trying to stay calm on the outside while freaking out inside, begging the universe to let this go.
The bouncer stared at us for what felt like an eternity, clearly unsure before finally letting out a tired sigh and handing my ID back. "Whatever," he muttered, stepping aside. "Go on in."
Relief washed over me so fast, it almost made me stumble.
As we walked past, he shot me one last suspicious look. "Still think I've seen you before."
I laughed nervously, feeling a bead of sweat trickle down my back. "Guess I just have one of those faces."
The doors swung open, music and light spilling out, and I exhaled shakily as we stepped inside.
That had been way too close. Looks like I might be developing a bad reputation around here. I seriously needed to get my act together...
Starting next week!