Chapter 18
Evelyn had been in Romaine chilling for a couple of weeks, tagging along with Aron and checking out just about all the cool spots. Sometimes she felt so at home, like she was a local, and her old life in Glovia felt kinda like a far-off fairytale. After chillaxing for two solid weeks. Evelyn was feeling way better, like a whole new vibe.
One night, she heard buzz about a rad new bar opening with all this fun stuff planned. She figured she should switch it up and hit the town instead of camping out in her hotel room all night. Then she dolled up with some party makeup and bounced to the bar. Since she had parted ways with Caleb, she thought that it wouldn’t be bad to indulge her eyes fully.
Volare, the new hotspot, was jumping from the get-go. Folks were all over the place, lured in by the hype of the big launch. As Evelyn strutted into the bar, the blaring rock music was so loud, she almost bounced right back out. The place was packed with hotties, all vibing around the stage. Above them, a rock band was lost in their jam, totally owning it. Bright lights were flashing all over, making the crowd go wild. Chilling on a barstool, Evelyn just watched the party go down.
“Flying solo, gorgeous? The bartender, looking sharp in his black coat and white shirt, served up a blue c*****il, all cool and casual like. “Try our special-it’s a chill one.”
Evelyn said thanks and tasted the drink. It was like a refreshing chill that turned to warm fuzzies. She couldn’t help but go for another gulp
The bartender smiled at her enjoying. Catching sight of new arrivers at the door, he tipped his head to her and went off.
Evelyn peeked through the flash of the lights, letting the buzz from her drink make her feel all kinds of good. The music was hitting just right now.
Before she knew it, she was in the thick of the dancing crowd. The bar had this wild, almost dreamy vibe. The bartender was now putting on a show, flipping and mixing drinks like it was an art. With the beat getting into her, Evelyn’s hair swished to the rhythm, and she was in the zone. She didn’t spot the look of total surprise on a watcher’s face in the corner.
Is that… Evelyn?’ Caleb couldn’t believe his eyes. “The woman owning the dance floor in a daring red skirt-that is supposed to be the serious, all-business Evelyn? Could this really be the same woman who seems so chill but could cut to the bone in a heartbeat? He watched, taken in by her carefree smile and how her hair, flying around as she moved, gave her this mysterious vibe.
He couldn’t help but be momentarily distracted. But then, some dude in the crowd perked up at the sight of her, and Caleb’s temper flared. He was furning inside, Is she over me already? We had just split, and here she is, turning heads left and right? That look she has-the one that screams look at me! Damn it! All Caleb wanted was to grab her and bolt-the side of her he’d never seen before!
Just then, Caleb got a reality check-Ava was right there, gripping his hands. She was all fluttery, in her innocent white dress, looking for some solid ground in this wild scene. “Caleb, there you are! It’s too much here… can we bail?”
Caleb wanted to look for Evelyn, but as he turned his head to look over, he saw nobody.