The Colors of Ash-Chapter Thirty-five

I spot the girls on the corner, exactly where they said they would be. I’m surprised they showed up, and not played some sort of joke, where they’d watch and laugh at me from somewhere. But they are here, giggling, and chatting.

“Hey, Cinder. You made it, great,” Rachel says, taking a puff off her cigarette. I wasn’t aware she smoked, though I don’t know her, or Darlene. And why are they being so nicey nicey to me? Who cares? Just go with it, Cinder.

“Okay, you ready?” Rachel says, dropping her cigarette, and grinding it out with her shoe.

I nod my head, not knowing what the next step is. Then she pulls out her phone and begins texting. She waits for the response.

“Okay, we're in, follow me into the alley. There’s going to be a door.”

“Then what?” Darlene whispers.

“I guess someone will let us in.”

I remain quiet and follow the girls into the alley. Suddenly, this doesn’t seem like a good idea. It’s dark, creepy, and smells bad back here.

We stop at a metal door with no handle. Even scarier. The door opens, and there stands a large, bald man, looking down at us.

“Ahh…I’m Rachel. We just texted the password to…”

He looks around, and then behind us, opens the door wider for us to step inside. It’s dark, and I hear the thumping of music coming from somewhere.

“Follow the neon lights down the stairs. Cause any problems, and you’re out.”

“Yes, sir,” Rachel says, and the word hits me hard. Sir.

We follow the neon line of lights, descending the stairs. The thumping of music increases, and I can feel it vibrating inside me.

We come to another door, one with a handle, and Rachel slowly opens it. Music is blasting, people are dancing, and drinking. In one corner, a joint is being passed around. In another, a couple are making out. It seems to be your typical young, underground rave. I know the girls think it's all risqué, but it’s nothing compared to what I have witnessed, or participated in. But still, it should be a good time. Time to slam some down and forget about a certain person for a while.

“OMG, isn’t this awesome, like totally psychedelic!” Darlene says, and I start to laugh. What are we, in the 60’s? But hey, these chicks might be cool to hang with for tonight.

“Let’s get some drinks and dance, fit in,” Rachel says, and we follow her lead. She orders us three beers, and I pull out what change I have, for the cheap beer.

She starts dancing with her beer bottle in hand, making her way out to the dance floor. I take a swig, it tastes horrible, and begin dancing, disappearing into the throng of partiers.

After a few more sips of the rotten beer, I begin to relax, allowing myself to blend in. It’s hard staying together, as everyone is bumping and grinding into each other. Especially the females—like we’re all trying to turn the men on. And…it’s working, as one girl grinds me from the front, and a man from behind. Together, we all three move to the beat of the sexy music being played.

The place is still dark, only lit up with neon lights, and lights that go with the beat of the music. It’s fun in a skanky sort of way. I’m actually enjoying myself.

I have no idea where Rachel and Darlene are in the crowd. I assume they are enjoying themselves.

Someone wraps his arms around my waist, and we begin to dirty dance with the music. Tipping my head back, I let my head relax on some dude's shoulder, attempting a sip of the beer. But of course, it spills down my front, and I begin a fit of giggles.

“Hey, I’m sorry,” the dude groping me says. “I’ll get you another,” he yells through the music.

“Don’t bother. The beer sucks anyway,” I say, turning to face him. He’s not bad-looking, maybe in his late twenties with a military buzz, brown eyes, and the cutest dimples when he smiles.

“Then I’ll get you something better,” he hollers through the music.

He pulls me by the hand, dragging me back to the bar. I hear him yell something to the bartender. Some drinks are set down, and he hands over his credit card.

“Here,” he says, handing one of the drinks to me. The bartender returns his card, and he places it back into his wallet, returning to his back pocket in those nice fitting jeans. Yeah, he’s not bad at all.

He grabs the other drink and gives me a toast. “To a better drink,” he says, and we clink the plastic cups. Taking a drink, I know it’s rum and coke. And…it’s much better than the beer.

He takes my other hand, leading me back out to the dance floor. We drink. We dance. We drink some more.

I’m now lost in all the fun, feeling a bit dizzy. Maybe the drink was a bit too strong.

“Hey, you want to find a table?” he asks.”

“Yeah, think I need a break,” I yell.

He pulls me by the hand and finds us a table in the corner. No chairs, just a tall table. It will do, and I brace my elbows on top.

“What’s your name?” he yells.

“Cinder. What’s yours?”

“Jack.”

“Hi, Jack. It’s nice to meet you,” I say, cracking up.

He laughs, pulling me into him. “You alright?”

“Yeah, just having a good time after having a shitty life.”

“What, a pretty girl like you? No way.”

“Yep,” I say, reaching for my drink, and taking a hefty swallow.

“Better slow down. We have many hours left, getting to know one another.”

Is this guy for real? Probably not. But he’ll be good for tonight. “Well then, let's get out there,” I say, wrapping my leg around his. “But I think you’re gonna have to carry me out there.”

He turns around, and motions for me to hop on his back. I grab my drink and hop up. I’m whooping and hollering, as he gives me a piggyback ride out to the dance floor, dancing to Cake by the Ocean. The song is fitting. He doesn’t put me down right away, and for the next few songs, I’m riding on his back, dancing, and drinking. I’ll regret this in the morning, but at the moment, I don’t much care.

My drink is finished, and I lay my head down on his shoulder. “Wanna buy me another drink?”

“You got it.”

I slowly slide down from his back, and carefully plant my feet on the floor. I’m feeling a little buzzed. Jack walks off the dance floor to get me another drink, as I do my best to dance without falling over.

“Here you go. Better nurse this one,” he says, handing it to me.

I take the drink with a smile. “Thanks. I definitely need this after the month I’ve had,” I say, my words beginning to slur. I like the way he’s looking at me and give him a sexy look. Maybe he’ll take me home, and make me forget about a certain someone. With that thought, I down the drink.

“Oops. Looks like I forgot to nurse this one.” I look up, giving him a silly pout. He gives me that sexy smile again. “You know, you’re really good-looking.” Okay, I’m now drunk…and I don’t care. I deserve to feel good for once.

“Well, thank you. You’re not so bad yourself,” he says, teasing me with those sexy eyes.

“How about you buy me another drink, and see where this night takes us.”

“Are you sure you haven’t had enough already?”

“Oh, I’m sure. One more should do it. And then,” I lean over, and lay my head on his chest, “I’m all yours.”

I know I’m going to regret every bit of this, and should probably call Sasha. Hell, I can’t even remember the girls’ names I came with. Where the hell are they? But Sasha did say, I’m a big girl, now. Go and have some fun.

And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

“Another rum and coke coming up,” Jack says and leaves for the bar. I’m now leaning against the pub table for support. I look around, trying to spot…Rachel and Darlene, yes. I can’t seem to spot them. I’m sure they are out there, bumping and grinding in the cluster of dancers having fun.

“Here you go, one more rum and coke.”

“Awesome. You’re a nice guy, Jack,” I say, and give him a wink. Ooh, he winked back. Oh, yes, I’m going to get lucky tonight.

And just like that, Ash Sinclair uninvited consumes my thoughts. Will the sex be good? Will I be able to handle…vanilla?

I force myself from all things Ash, again, and down the rum and coke. That should numb my mind.

I slam the plastic cup down on the table. “Take me away, Jack. I’m yours for the night.”

Cake by the Ocean-click to listen

The Colors of Ash © 2024 Gina A. Jones rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.