Page 4 of Ride with Zane
“Thirty-six on ice, now!” the coach shouts, making us jump.
“Balls,” he sighs. “Have to go, talk to you later.”
“Past is past,” I say with a nod. I have never told anyone but Kelly why Blake and I broke up. I was too ashamed to tell everyone he wanted something I couldn't give him, or I wanted to, and when he forced me to, I knew it was the end for us. The truth is Blake was a perfect douchebag, he has never respected me or my profession. For him, I was just a silly girl dancing on her skates, so after almost two months we killed our relationship and I have focused on my career. I've promised myself I won't let anyone make me feel miserable or broken as he did.
Never again.
Riding back home, I try to guess where Kelly has booked for mysurprisebirthday party. She always had the craziest ideas, but honestly, this time I have no clue.
When I get home, I already feel exhausted. I knew it was a bad idea to train today but as always, I made the wrong choice. A nap is mandatory since Kelly has texted me saying at nine p.m.I have to go to her place. Again, no hints. She's trying to play mysterious and this time I can't figure out what she's up to.
Parking in front of Kelly's house, I get out of the car. As I lean on the hood, I pick up my cell phone and start to type her a text, but her door opens and she rushes by.
“Happy birthday, Ash.” She pops some confetti before peering at me. “You're hot as hell, girl!”
“Thank you,” I pivot to show her my new dress. “I thought this would be the right outfit for celebrating my birthday wherever you’re taking me.” I hug her. “I wanna go to a strip club.”
Her mouth drops open. “Okay, where's Ashley we all know? The shy, lovely bitch?” I burst out laughing, giving her a middle finger. “No seriously, Ash. Are you okay?”
“I am, silly. I was teasing you since I have no idea what you're up to.”
“Okay, here's a hint,” she pauses. “we'll go to a club.” I look at her puzzled, I mean we have just a dozen of clubs here in Newtok. “not a strip club though, and not where your dad can spot us.”
“Hmm, okay, that trims to four clubs where you could book us.” I laugh while starting the engine.
After tugging her seatbelt, Kelly claps her hands. “If you haven't figured it out, even better.”
Rolling my eyes in a dramatic way I drive away from the parking lot. “How can I drive if I don't know where to?”
“I'll be your wingman.”
Checking the rearview I overtake a car. “Great, then we'll never get there. At least not tonight.”
“Hey,” she crosses her arms over her chest, pretending to be offended. “it happened once.”
“Thank God, we ended up in Colorado when we should have been up in Washington D.C.”
“No one is perfect, Miss gold medal.” She mocks me. Even though I've won some prizes and medals I don't like to brag about them. Something she doesn't get. If it were for her, I'd have a monument with my name on it.
“Ha! I know but that means you suck as a wingman.”
“True.” She giggles. “Okay, then, we’ll go to ZBE.”
“Oh, wow. For the hot guys or there’s another reason?” I ask, implying why anyone wants to go there. Their cocktails seem to be sublime as is the music, but their staff are hot as hell.
After forty minutes I park my car and kill the engine while reaching for my bag. The ZBE is one of the exclusive clubs here in Newtok. It’s out of the downtown area and she was right, Dad would never come here. They check anyone's ID; the bouncer is someone you don't want to mess up with. Proud to display his patches and I think that's why we never hear something bad about this club. The Black Panthers are well-known around here. Seems like the city is divided between those who respect them and the ones who fear but still hate them. I’ve always been a fan. Not sure if because of their reputation or the prohibition of getting close. I admit I rode close to their neighborhood but never dared to get in there. The bouncer eyes me and I realize I’m staring at him.Ops, sorry man, not my type but those muscles should be illegal.
Kelly takes out her golden pass and I snap my head at her. “How on the earth…?”
Grabbing my shoulders she forces me to look at her. “Promise me, you will enjoy tonight without pondering everything. Free your mind for once.”
“Okay, I promise,” I smile as she pushes me into the club. The music is not as loud as I thought, and hell, it's crowded too. Spotting some of our friends in the VIP area I wave at them but before reaching them, Kelly drags me to the bar.
The bartender rolls his shaker while his eyes land on us. “Hey, gorgeous, what can I get you?”
“A Cuba Libre for me.” Kelly orders while looking around.
“I’d take a Cosmo and hey, could you please add just a little alcohol to mine? Not the whole quantity.” I’m not sure if he’s surprised or offended by my request but then his eyes skirt behind me.