“Why are you in such a great mood?” Miley asked.
“I just received the best news ever. The hospital has found the funds for my mother’s operation. I thought I may have to prostitute myself, but it turns out that waiting was the right decision to make. My mother’s going to be just fine, and my life will finally get back to normal,” Ari answered with a wink.
Miley looked at her with shock for a moment before laughing. Ari knew Miley thought Ari was joking, but the girl had no idea how close Ari truly had come to signing along the dotted line for Rafe Palazzo. If the funds hadn’t come in, she would’ve been left with no choice.
A fifty pound weight had been lifted from Ari’s shoulders that she hadn’t realized was resting there. It was time to paint the town red, and the best part of all was that she could do it guilt free.
She gathered her purse and coat, then followed the three ladies from the building.
“I got my performance bonus today so the first round of drinks is on me,” Shelly said.
“Mine came in too, so I claim second round,” Amber told them with a big grin.
“How many drinks are we having?” Ari asked with trepidation. Her one experience of getting drunk hadn’t gone so well – actually, it had gone downright horrible.
“As many as it takes to start making my not-so-fit-and-very-balding-husband start looking like one of the Chippendale dancers,” Shelly said, making the group of women laugh.
“I’d say that’s at least twenty tequila shots if he looks anything like my husband,” Miley piped in.
Ari stayed quiet as the other women bantered back and forth on their ride down the elevator. She didn’t want to offend them by not joining in their fun, but she was terrified to try her hand at drinking again.
The need for friends overrode her fear of alcohol, though, so she figured she may as well suck it up. It might not be as bad as last time. It wasn’t like she could make her life any worse than it already had been for the past six months.
“Did you drive to work today, Ari?”
“No. My car has been having engine trouble. I took the bus in.”
“Good. We’ll all take the bus over there and then not have to worry about having a designated driver. I hate pulling straws cause I always seem to end up with the short one.”
Ari looked at Shelly with a bit of surprise. She was always the efficient one in their office. It seemed that once five-o-clock hit, her sites were set on partying verses filing paperwork. Ari had to admit she was enjoying the group of women. Her worries were quickly left behind as they exited the building and headed for the nearest bus stop.
It didn’t take them long to reach the club, and they found a crowd was already waiting for entrance along the building in the cold night air.
“Wow. I wasn’t expecting so many people to be out this early,” Ari commented.
“It’s Friday, happy hour time. Everyone has the same idea as us – to blow some of their paycheck before getting locked inside with the kids all weekend. Even if my husband and I weren’t swimming in debt, I’d be out working just to keep my sanity,” Amber answered.
“I don’t think we can get in.”
“Don’t worry, Ari. I have connections.”
Ari watched Shelly approach the stunningly gorgeous bouncer who embraced her before nodding his head. Shelly nodded for them to follow her and once inside, Ari was seated at a crowded circular bar on a high stool, watching as chefs prepared sushi rolls with lightning fast speed and craft.
The lights were turned down low and the noise level was high as waiters moved among the patrons while friends visited. The energy in the room was exciting and the last of Ari’s concerns floated out the window. With her new friends next to her she was determined to have a wonderful time.
“Ari, I did tell my friend, Tony, that if he could get us in, you’d head to the backroom later and let him get to at least third base. I knew you wouldn’t mind.”
Ari choked on her drink as she sent an incredulous look Amber’s way. She couldn’t tell if the woman was kidding or not. She really hoped so. Thankfully, Amber couldn’t keep up the serious expression for long and soon burst into laughter, letting Ari know she’d been joking.
“I wish I had my camera right now. You should see the expression you’re wearing. Trust me, girl, Tony has zero problems getting dates. Just look at him. If I weren’t already married, I’d be ripping his clothes off with my teeth. Heck, for that matter, if I get a few drinks in me, I may just go ahead and take him for a spin, anyway.”
“I have to admit that you girls frighten me a little,” Ari replied, sending the women into fits of laughter.
“What are you ladies drinking?” Ari looked up, more than grateful for the interruption.
“We’ll all have a round of Tequila shots followed by Apple Martinis. Just make sure you don’t take too long for our next round. We don’t have a ton of time to get drunk enough to go home,” Miley stated as she batted her eyes at the young and gorgeous waiter.
“Mmm, don’t worry, I’m always very attentive for the pretty ladies,” he flirted right back before sending a wink Ari’s way and then taking off to the bar.
“Wow. I bet I could get wild and kinky with him. Too bad he was looking straight at you, Ari. He must have realized you’re the only one available,” Shelly said with a smile.
“I’m not available. Just because I’m single doesn’t mean I have any desire to date. I have my mom to take care of, work to do, and more importantly, school to think about. I will get back and graduate.”
“Yeah, well you know what they say… all work and no play…”
“I’m just fine with all work.” Her three co-workers looked at each other and rolled their eyes.
“Here you are, ladies. I brought an extra round of Tequila shots for you – on the house.”
“Mmm, mmm. You’re a man after my own heart,” Miley purred as she batted her eyelashes. “Our friend here was just saying what a nice ass you have.”
Ari gasped in mortification as the waiter sidled a bit closer to her, his dark eyes not releasing her gaze.
“My name’s Chandler. You are more than welcome to look… touch… do just about anything you want with my ass and any other part of me.” Ari was speechless as he moved far too close for her comfort, his hip brushing up against her leg.
He turned his body, and if she wasn’t mistaken, he was already a bit excited and pressing his arousal against her. Panic filled her as she looked toward her friends. She’d never had a man be so forward with her before – well, except for Rafe, but that didn’t count as he’d been trying to hire her for a sex slave, where she was pretty sure Chandler the waiter, wanted her for just a single night.