Sterling stepped out of the car attired in a light grey hoodie, black jeans and white sneakers. I stared down at my own outfit; a grey v neck sweater, black denim shorts and black UGGS then checked Skylar as well; Dark blue cardigan, sky blue top, Dark grey jeans and in black UGGS as well.

We looked more like we were going to chill in someone's basement to watch Netflix than going partying.

"Are you sure we're even dressed appropriately?" I questioned them both while staring at the elite club. Memories of pain and pleasure darted through my mind. So much has happened in my life since then.

"Don't worry." Sterling beamed. "We made a...wager with the owner two years ago...every time our team wins a football game, the team and their closest friends  are allowed free drinks for - wait for it- 15 minutes." He snickered as Nostalgia fluttered across his minty greens.

"That's all?" Skylar whined slightly. 

"It's a lot of us. But, 100 is the limit, Unfortunately. He doesn't want to go bankrupt."

"But, we're minors..." I sighed looking down at the pavement underneath my boots. At heart I would always be a goodie goodie.
"It's okay. It's only for 15 minutes. How much could they possibly drink?" Sterling grinned.

He walked us to the bouncer showing him something on his phone. He was the same security guard from before, dressed in a similar stark black suit and a pristine crimson tie. Inwardly,  I hoped he didn't recognize me. That night was one I was trying to forget. The security guard nodded and let us in.

" What was that?" Skylar demanded nudging Sterling's shoulder.

"My invitation." He said vaguely with an enigmatic smirk followed by a wink. The man punched in a code and the door opened for us to enter. We didn't have membership cards so this must of been the other way to enter...

The nightclub was dark with  neon crimson masked in certain areas. The music was more upbeat in contrast to the sensual tones that were playing that night. The stripper poles were empty as well.

Stop thinking about it.
Stop thinking about him. 

The dance floor to our left was aligned with couples dancing here and there. Sterling continued on toward a door which I knew led to the more private areas. He gave a distinct knock. 

The door opened inward leading to dark leather chaises placed along the luxuriant chamber. There was a lush black rug sprawled on the obscure marble floor. I hadn't noticed how beautiful the place was last time.

The loungers were scattered with football players here and there along with UCLA cheerleaders. So, that's who the boys invited...Makes sense. I overlooked the sting of jealousy that hit me.

Griffin with gorgeous cheerleaders. Great...Shut up!

My eyes took off before I could stop them. I was looking for him. I found him next to the glossy dark marble out stretched bar surrounded by people I believed were his friends. They were taking shots. The bartender was a pretty young woman a couple of years older than me. She had long dark wavy hair and ivory skin with possible Spanish descent.

"Come on, doll, you and Griffin." One of the guys beside him cooed to the woman. Her hazel green eyes gave Griffin a one over. Griffin winked and bit his lip in return. His signature.

A pang of irritation and sadness shot inside of me. I shouldn't of came. But instead of letting my self-pity engulf me I let anger take over.

"I need a drink." I hissed to Sterling.  His eyes followed mine.

"Sage..."

"Let's leave." Skylar suggested.

"No, no, I'm fine." I smiled. "I just want alcohol." Sterling gave me a confused look.

"I think I have a bad case of Summer Syndrome."

"But, it's November." Skylar answered incredulously. 

"How else can you explain my confusion of this situation?"

Skylar shook her head and patted his shoulder.

"I don't think they serve minors..." Skylar turned to me.  Her dark eyes flushing with worry.

"Uh...we can drink what we want, doll." Sterling whispered to her.

"You're not helping." She whispered back shooting him a crossed look. Sterling was clearly still confused but his eyes followed mine landing on Griffin.

Shit. Now he knows.

"Sage... the best revenge is success."

"You catch on quick." I beamed sarcastically not being able to hide the tremors in my voice.

"But, you know what I say, drown your sorrows." He smirked rubbing my shoulder.  "Shots?" He asked with a wink.

"Sterling." Skylar hissed. She pulled him away from me, clearly not liking his advice.

But, it was too late. I couldn't control my actions. Not, when I was in too much pain. I know I was being weak. But, hey? I'm in college. I deserve to make a bad decision now and then. Don't I? 

I held my head up high taking a seat at the end of the bar on one of the black leather high stools. A man who looked like he was in his mid- twenties walked up to me.

His attire was a dark sleek shirt, and dark slacks. His skin was a pretty caramel hue and he had long wavy dark hair slicked against his head. He looked familiar.

"Gabriel Santiago." He said flashing a pearly white smile. He had a light Spanish accent to his words.

"You're Coach Santiago's son?"

"Yes, you know my father?" He asked, surprised.

"We've met." I smiled. He gave me a nod.

"What would you like, hermosa?"

"Something fruity but will get me drunk?" I asked not knowing which drink would have that effect.

"I think I have the perfect thing."
I watched him pull a drink from a dark steel refrigerator behind him.

The drink was light pink filled with strawberries and kiwis. He gave me a wink as he grabbed a jar of honey, threw it over his shoulder and caught it behind his back. He did a cute spin and grabbing a spoon then letting it fall down his arm then did a flick off his shoulder. The spoon flew in the air, he dipped it in the honey, gave a wink then drizzled it over the drink.

"Wow." I exclaimed clapping in awe. "You're really good."

"Gracias, hermosa." He beamed.

"Are you sure this is drinkable?" I questioned looking at the beautiful drink filled with swirls of pink and orange and strawberry and kiwi pieces.

"Definitely." Gabriel said, giving  me a big smile.

Loud laughs encased the bar. Before I could stop myself my eyes wander to the voices.  It was them; Griffin and that bartender. His friends had dispersed for the most part leaving behind only two who were making out with cheerleaders.

The pretty bartender was now whispering in Griffin's ear, making him smile. I clenched my fists overlooking the hurt.

You're the one who walked out on him yet why doesn't it feel that way?

Consumed by confusion and pain I drank myself under the table. The drink was slightly strong but the fruity taste masked it. I drank down the glasses as fast as he brought them.

By the time I downed my sixth glass, my world was hazy. My body felt so heavy that I feared I'd fall off the stool. I kept swaying slightly. I grabbed onto the bars counter trying to steady myself.

My world tilted and before I could catch myself I fell to the floor. The entire bar went silent and then I busted out laughing. Gabriel's face filled my vision.

"Are you alright?" His soft dark eyes were filled with sincerity and concern.

"Yes." I giggled resisting the urge to roll around on the floor.

"Sage!" Skylar said terrified from above. Sterling entered my vision as well. "She shouldn't have drank." Skylar hissed.

"I don't agree... She looks better. " Sterling sighed. Skylar shot daggers at him.

"She can't handle alcohol." Skylar said concerned.

"I didn't know." Gabriel smiled softly down at me. I blew him a kiss.

"Get her up."

Gabriel's arms wrapped around me as he hoisted me up on to my feet.

"Are you okay?" He asked me lowly.

"Yes." I said leaning my head against Gabriel's neck. He smelled like aftershave, fruity alcohol drinks and cologne. I held on tight as I came to the conclusion that I couldn't feel my legs.

"Are you sure?" Skylar demanded. Her eyes watched me warily and I gave her a shaky thumbs up. Just then, a burning sensation crept up my throat.

"I..." I gulped. "Need to go to the restroom. Gabriel, where's the...restroom?" I asked looking up at him, still in his arms. "I don't think I can walk." I added with a giggling whisper.

"It's okay." He smiled down at me. "I'll take you." He gave Skylar a kind smile.

"Bring her back right after." She ordered sternly. "Never mind I'll wait by the door."

"Could you...?"

"Carry you?" He suggested beaming. "You're lucky this is my father's place." His hands moved under my thighs and his other hand gripped my upper torso as he lifted me off my feet.

He began walking toward the other section away from the area I knew led to rooms. Instead, he headed toward another dark door.

"Where?" I asked a little too loudly, catching the attention of individuals around us and unfortunately his. His blue eyes locked with my brown ones.

"Gryffindor!" I yelled sticking my tongue out. Yep, definitely wasted. Gabriel threw open a door leading down a dark hall. Skylar stayed at the entrance of the hall. 

"Hurry, we're leaving after this."  The door closed behind us and we continued down the hallway.

"Ouu spooky." I giggled. I then looked up at Gabriel. " You're hot." I whispered.

"Thank you. You're beautiful."

"I'm not."

"Says who?" He demanded.

"Me. Personally, I think... my hips are kind of ... big and my boobs are definitely too small." I confessed as he placed me back on the ground in front of the entrance to the bathroom. My legs felt like jelly and began to wobble. He leaned in closer to me.

"I happen to think both are perfect." He winked then opened the door to the women's restroom. I took a step forward and the wobbling grew uncontrollable.

"I got you." Gabriel whispered holding me close. He helped me into the bathroom.  The chamber had marble black flooring and walls. Dark doors encased the area to the right and an extended obscure tile sink filled the left.

"I can t-take it f-from here." I said starting to hiccup much to my demise.

"Are you sure, hermosa?"

I gave him a timid nod. I studied his face thinking why is this guy helping me? Why is he being so nice?

"Y-yes. I'll be out in a few." I opened the door and shut it.

"I will be here." I heard his muffled words come from outside of the door.

I stumbled to the dark sink. I look into the extended mirror. My vision blurred then sharpened. My skin was slightly clammy and I looked flushed. My body wavered to the side but I held onto the sink. I wasn't going to fall in the bathroom.

It felt like the floor was tilting. My mind began to wander and soon I was thinking about him. Even though he was with another girl, I was still happy for him. He was smiling... and that made my heart flutter. I smiled but that happiness left as soon as it came.

"I'm not some five foot eight flawless chick with a perfect body and hair." I growled lowly.
That woman was like Kate in ways and that made me sick. I had no idea where the thought came from. Must've been the alcohol.  The burning restarted and the acerbic bile rushed up my throat and straight into the black sink. I vomited again and again.  I couldn't stop it.

Finally, after vomiting four times, it came to end. I let the water run and washed my face. My hair stuck to the sides of my head. I could hardly stand. My breathing accelerated. I felt the bile raise in my throat again. I tried to move my hair out of my face as my gut wrenching vomit ripped from inside of me.

I felt hands pull my hair back. I wanted to stop it but my body was taking its revenge. As the last bit exited, my legs collapsed. Strong arms wrapped around me, holding me up. I had felt these hands before and a familiar scent engulfed my senses. They belonged to Griffin Marshall.

*****
-Ouuu!
I'm going to try to update every two weeks. :)