Tim was already perched at the bar, leaning in close to the waitress, flashing her his signature grin. “So, what time do you get off tonight?” he asked with a wink, but the waitress simply rolled her eyes and walked away, unimpressed.

Eric strolled up, shaking his head. “Already working your magic, huh?”

Tim chuckled, shrugging. “Yeah, but she’s not having it tonight. Can’t win ’em all.”

Eric smiled faintly. “Come on, let’s grab some beers.”

They ordered drinks, and as the bartender slid two frosty bottles across the counter, they clinked them together in a silent toast. The music pulsed around them, the club filled with people, but for a moment, everything else seemed far away.

Tim’s smile faltered as he glanced at Eric. “How’s Lily? I know things have been rough lately.”

Eric took a long drink, his jaw tightening. “Yeah, my parents were devastated when they found out. My little sister—breast cancer. It hit everyone hard. We’re looking for a specialist now. Money’s no issue... I just want her to get the best treatment.”

Tim nodded, his expression somber. “I was crushed when you told me, man. You know Lily’s always had a special place in my heart, ever since we were kids.”

Eric smiled softly. “Yeah, I know. It means a lot, knowing she has someone like you looking out for her too. Like a big brother.”

For a fleeting moment, Tim’s face shifted, a look of something unreadable passing through his eyes before he quickly plastered on his usual grin. “You know it. I’ll always be there for her, no matter what. If there’s anything I can do, just say the word.”

Eric raised his bottle. “Thanks, bro. I’ll keep you posted.”

As they drank in silence, Eric’s attention was pulled elsewhere. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a flash of red. A pair of high heels, effortlessly commanding attention as they walked through the club. His gaze traveled upward, tracing the elegant legs, the fitted dress, and then he saw them—those lips. Luscious, painted in a shade of red that was both bold and dangerous. His breath caught in his throat. Who was she?

——————————————————————————

Across the club, Emily stepped inside with Rachel, scanning the crowded room. The music thumped in rhythm with her heartbeat, and she could already feel the buzz of excitement in the air. “Wow, it’s really packed in here tonight,” Emily said, her eyes wide as they wove through the crowd.

Rachel grinned. “Yeah, but the music’s killer. I can’t wait to hit the dance floor.”

Emily laughed, the energy infectious. “I’m ready! But should we get drinks first?”

“Definitely,” Rachel said, eyeing the bar. “Also... did you notice how many hot guys are here tonight?”

Emily rolled her eyes playfully. “I’m not here for that. Tonight is just about us having fun, remember?”

Rachel gave her a knowing smile. “Yeah, yeah... but I’m just saying, a little fun doesn’t hurt. A hookup could turn into something more, you know.”

Emily shook her head, laughing. “Sure, because that always happens.”

As they made their way through the sea of bodies toward the bar, Emily felt a prickling sensation, like someone’s eyes were on her. She glanced to her left and caught sight of him—a tall, striking guy, with piercing eyes that seemed to be drinking her in. Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly smiled, looking away as she reached the bar.

Rachel noticed the exchange immediately, nudging her friend. “Did you see that hottie checking you out? He hasn’t taken his eyes off you since we walked in.”

Emily blushed slightly, shrugging it off. “I saw him. But I came here to dance, not to hook up.”

Rachel raised an eyebrow, giving her a playful smirk. “Hey, you never know—a hookup could lead to something more.”

Emily laughed, rolling her eyes again. “Yeah, right. Let’s just get our drinks and find a seat.”

Rachel glanced around and pointed to a couple of empty stools at the far end of the bar. “Looks like there’s some space over there.”

They made their way over, the crowd shifting as they passed. As Emily sat down, she couldn’t resist one last glance toward the mystery guy. He was still watching her, his gaze intense and unreadable. She felt a spark of intrigue but pushed it down, taking a sip of her drink.

Rachel, already two sips into her cocktail, leaned in, whispering, “I swear, if you don’t talk to him, I will.”

Emily shot her a look. “Let’s just enjoy the night, alright?”

But as she laughed with Rachel, sipping her drink and trying to focus on anything but the man at the other end of the bar, she couldn’t help but wonder. Who was he? And why did he make her feel something she hadn’t felt in a long time—a magnetic pull, an unspoken connection, like the universe had just shifted, and the night had only just begun.