Thebar is dimly lit so that it creates a cool ambiance. Just outside it starts to pour down inciting people to funnel into the three-story building. The DJ begins to play one of my favorite tunes. I blow smoke from my lips the taste of iced cherry on my tastebuds lingering. I scan the crowd taking in the attractive women wearing the smallest dresses hugging their curves.
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I'm standing with a few friends around the pool table playing round after round while we rack up a tab. The loser has to buy a round of shots or drinks for the four of us. The crowd can never drown the sound of the pool cue hitting the balls though as I break. The stripped brown ball labeled fifteen instantly going into the top right pocket.
Each of us taking turns hitting the balls in.
The last three balls.
"If I make this shot, Ash, you have to go get a number from a random girl," Jess chuckles.
"Fuck you."
Jess knows I am the introverted one of the group. The only time I like interacting with anyone is at my own will. It's actually a wonder I find myself wondering into the bar at all. If it weren't for my friends I'd be a homebody. Alcohol is the motivator. Free alcohol is the motivator. Jess is decent at pool too. I have no doubt she will make the ball in. It's the last of the stripes before she has a chance at the 8-ball.
"Here we go."
Jess positions her body in an angle to better adjust her pool cue to hit the solid purple ball in.
I glance around the dancefloor to find the target. My chances of Jess not hitting that ball perfectly in the pocket is slim to none. My eyes search over the sea of people spotting the all too familiar Mariah. It wasn't as if I could avoid seeing her either. This city was known for it's bars downtown, the river side, or the beaches.
Mariah.
The song changing to match the irony of me seeing her.
Even in the dimmest lighting she stands out amongst all the regular faces. Either that or she's the only one in the room that I find the most mesmerizing. The way her baggy jeans hang off her small waist. Ivory skin exposed underneath. I watch her dance against some random masculine girl. I can only assume they are dating but part of me doesn't want to believe that.
Those hazel eyes looking a pale bluish green as she makes eye contact with me. Her makeup always boldly drawing the eyes from anyone and demanding attention always. I don't like her arms draped over someone else. I take the last big swig from my cup the amber liquid burning as it slides down my throat.
"I'll be right back," I announce.
The three of them watching me walk away from the pool table.
