Chapitre 19: A NIGHT WITH HIM
"You gave him what!" Natalie's voice shrilled, echoing off the walls.
Rachel's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug. "It's not that deep. You can't run away from him anyway, since he is the General manager of the Finance Department at the company, we are working with."
Her expression remained indifferent, a clear contrast to Natalie's growing distress.
Natalie's face contorted in dismay. "Even at that!" she cried out, her voice strained. "You could have asked me first!"
Rachel replied calmly, "Listen, you should be grateful."
A hint of defensiveness crept into her tone. "Remember the handsome man I told you about last night? That's Raymond."
Natalie's eyes widened, her face frozen in shock.
Rachel's voice took on a persuasive tone "Think about my feelings. I really liked him."
Natalie stared, lost for words, her mouth agape.
And Rachel seized the opportunity to change the subject. "We need to find halls for the event. Come back to the office, I have a prepared list."
She turned to leave.
"We'll discuss this later," Rachel called over her shoulder, disappearing out the door.
Natalie slowly walked to the living room, her legs heavy with the weight of her thoughts. She released herself onto the couch, sinking into its softness.
Her mind ran wild, a mess of emotions and memories.
Then Rachel's words echoed in her mind. "You can't run from him."
But why was she running?
The question repeated itself, taunting her like a cruel joke.
That night replayed in her mind - the drinks, the laughter, the sex.
She remembered spilling her deepest secrets to Raymond in her drunken state.
And then, they had given in to their desires, their bodies entwined in a fleeting moment of passion.
A one-night stand, she had told herself.
***** TWO NIGHTS AGO *****
Natalie pushed through the crowded entrance, the thumping bass enveloping her like a physical force. The air inside was thick with cigarette smoke and the sweet tang of other, less recognizable substances. Disco lights pulsed and swirled, casting colorful patterns across the faces of the patrons. She had come solo to celebrate getting the contract, as Rachel was called by the hospital and Charlotte had to meet their savior– Mr. Sebastian.
"Oh well. I will celebrate for the both of them." she thought.
As she made her way to the bar, the press of bodies seemed to close in around her. A stool opened up, and she slid onto it, catching the bartender's eye.
"Hello, pretty lady!" he exclaimed, flashing a dazzling smile as he expertly mixed a cocktail shake. "What drink am I serving you tonight?"
Natalie's smile hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting to the rows of gleaming bottles behind him. She hesitated, unsure. This was her first time in a club, and she was clueless about what to order.
"Um... surprise me?" she muttered,her voice barely audible over the music.
The bartender chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Bold choice! I like it." He reached for a bottle, pouring a stream of amber liquid into a glass filled with ice.
"What's that?" Natalie asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
"House specialty," he replied with a wink. "You'll love it." He slid the glass across the bar, garnished with a twist of citrus.
Natalie's blue eyes sparkled like Azurite as she lifted the glass to her lips.
"The first one's always the best," the bartender said, nodding his head to the thumping beat.
Natalie downed the drink in one swift motion, the glass slamming empty onto the counter.
"Give me more!" she shouted over the music, her body swaying to the rhythm.
The bartender's eyebrows shot up. "Woah, slow down! The night's still young."
Natalie laughed, spinning around to face him. Her dark hair flew around her like a halo.
"I'm celebrating," she declared, "so it doesn't matter."
The bartender chuckled, shrugging. "Okay, if you insist."
****
At the upper part of the club, Raymond stood up from his group of friends,
"I'm coming, let's me get some drinks for us," he said over his shoulder, gesturing to his friends with a wave of his hand.
"You can just ask them to come!" one of his female friends called out, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Raymond's smile hesitated for a moment before he regained his composure. "Just give me a minute, yeah."
He quickly left the group, weaving through the crowded club towards the bar. Instead of heading outside as he'd claimed, he sat on an empty stool.
"Bruno, I need to charge my phone. I need to make a call," Raymond said to the bartender.
Bruno nodded, extending his phone. "You can use mine if it's urgent."
"Thanks man." Raymond took the phone, his fingers moving swiftly to dial.
Just as he was about to press call, a low, slurred voice spoke up beside him.
"You look handsome."
Raymond's gaze shifted, his eyes locking onto the speaker – a woman with piercing brown eyes and noticable freckles, her smile lopsided. Her words were laced with the unmistakable slur of someone well past a few drinks.
His eyes then met with the bartender's, a silent inquiry passing between them.
"She's drunk." Bruno raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a subtle smile.
Natalie slid her drink across the bar, her hand wavering slightly. "Join me," she said, her voice husky, "this drink tastes amazing."
Raymond took the glass, his expression cautious. "Okay..." He paused, "So, what's your name?"
Natalie's eyes sparkled. "Nat... Maggie. I've always wanted to use that name."
Her gaze danced around the room before focusing intently on Raymond. "Come closer," she whispered, her breath tickling his ear. "I want to tell you a secret."
Raymond hesitated, glancing at Bruno, before leaning in.
"I came here to meet a handsome man like you," Natalie's warm breath sent shivers down his spine, "and have fun."
Her finger pressed against her lips, a playful warning. "Shush... don't tell anyone."
Raymond pushed his chair back, the legs scraping against the floor. "You're drunk and cute... I am gonna go. Have fun," he said with a gentle smile.
Natalie's eyes widened, and she reached out, grasping his wrist. "Don't go," she pleaded, her voice trembling.
Raymond paused, looking down at her hand on his arm.
Natalie's face crumpled, and tears welled up in her eyes. "I need someone to talk to," she whispered.
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
Ekwonna_Irene
Ekwonna_Irene Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Cadeaux
-- Cadeau
reçu État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone