Chapter 7

SEVEN

Auden

The Lucky Horseshoe is buzzing tonight, the air thick with laughter and the hum of conversation. But despite the lively atmosphere, I can feel the night winding down. The initial excitement of girls' night out is starting to fade, replaced by the weariness that comes from a long week and one too many drinks. Lena, Arlowe, and I had planned for a fun, carefree evening, but it seems like every time we turn around, some guy is trying to hit on one of us. It's exhausting.

It's supposed to be just us tonight, but I can already see the cracks forming in our plans for a low-key evening.

"Hey, can I buy you a drink?" Another guy sidles up to Lena, and she gives him a polite but firm smile.

"No thanks," she says, her tone polite but final. "I'm good."

He lingers for a moment, as if hoping she'll change her mind, but eventually, he takes the hint and moves on. Lena sighs, turning back to me. "Why do they always think ‘no' means ‘ask again'?"

"Because they can't take a hint," I say with a wry smile. "It's like they think persistence is charming or something."

"Yeah, well, it's not," Lena mutters, taking a sip of her drink. "I just wanted a night out with my girls. Is that too much to ask?"

Before I can respond, I see Lena stiffen next to me. I can guess who she just spotted just by her body language and when I turn to see Holden heading our way, I'm not surprised. He's the only one to get that kind of reaction out of her.

He doesn't look happy and I wonder if he just saw that guy hitting on her.

"Lena," he says as he stops by our table.

She ignores him and I bite back a smile as a new guy leans against the table next to me. My smile drops and I side step away, trying to put some distance between me and him, hoping that he gets the hint.

He doesn't.

"Hey there," he says, giving me a sleazy smirk.

I give him a polite smile back then look to my friends for help. Arlowe is glaring at him, but Lena is too busy glaring at Holden to notice the newcomer.

"Can I buy you a drink?" He asks me, leaning closer.

"No."

"Oh come on. Don't be like that. Just one drink."

"No, I'm good," I insist.

"Don't be such a bitch, baby. Have a drink with me," he says, his hand reaching out to grab me and I jerk back, intending to yell at him to get lost, when someone beats me to it.

"No one calls Auden a bitch," Wade snarls as he twists the guy's arm behind his back. "Now apologize and get lost."

"Hey!" The jerk snaps and Wade twists his arm more. "Fine! I'm sorry!"

Wade locks eyes with me and I smile.

"Get lost. And learn to take no for an answer."

The guy glares at us as he turns and disappears into the crowd.

"Thanks," I tell him and he nods.

"Are you okay?" he asks, his eyes searching mine for any sign of distress.

I nod, offering him a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"No," I hear Lena snap and my attention moves from Wade to my friends.

"Lena," Holden tries and she steps back from him.

"Hey, guys," Lena says, turning to Arlowe and me. "I'm going to head out."

I exchange a glance with Arlowe, who raises an eyebrow. "You sure?" Arlowe asks. "We were just getting started."

Lena sighs, looking tired, but nods.

"Yeah, I'm sure. I'll catch up with you guys later, okay?"

We both nod, and Lena gives us a quick hug before turning to leave. Holden follows her out the door, looking like a lovesick puppy.

"Think they'll ever figure all of that out?" Arlowe asks as we watch them go.

"I don't know. I hope so."

"Hey, Wade! Nice to see you again," Arlowe says when she spots him towering over me.

"You too."

Another guy comes up to the table, his eyes locked on Arlowe and she winces.

"I think that I might call it a night too," she says apologetically and I nod.

"Yeah, we'll have to get together somewhere else next time."

She nods, leaning over and hugging me. I wave goodbye and smile when I spot Yates at the door, scanning the crowd. His whole face lights up and softens when he spots Arlowe and my heart kicks against my ribs.

I want that. I want someone who treats me like a queen and acts like I'm their whole world. I want someone who loves me.

Wade moves to stand next to me and I crane my neck to look up at him.

"You didn't tell me you were coming," I say, leaning against the table as I look up at him.

"I wasn't planning on it," he admits, handing me my drink. "But I finished my stuff early and figured I'd come by and see if you were still here."

"I'm glad you did," I say, and I mean it.

The night has suddenly taken a turn for the better, and I can't help but feel a little giddy at the thought of spending more time with him.

"I'm glad I caught you. It looks like your night out is wrapping up."

"Yeah," I say, a little disappointed that our time together is already coming to an end. "I should probably head out too."

"Can I walk you to your car?" he asks, his voice tentative, as if he's not sure how I'll respond.

I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me. "I'd like that."

I finish my drink and then we make our way outside. The night air is cool, a welcome contrast to the stuffiness of the bar, and we walk side by side through the parking lot towards my car.

The music is faded out here and I smile as I hum along to an old pop song. When we reach my car, I turn to him, suddenly feeling a little nervous. There's something about this moment that feels significant, like it's the beginning of something new, something I'm not sure I'm ready for, but I want all the same.

"Thanks for rescuing me back there," I say, my voice soft as I look up at him.

"You didn't need rescuing, Auden, but I'm glad I was there."

I take a step closer, feeling a sudden surge of bravery. Before I can second-guess myself, I lean up and press a quick kiss to his cheek. It's a small gesture, but it feels like a big step, and when I pull back, I can see the surprise in his eyes.

"Goodnight, Wade," I say, feeling my heart race as I unlock my car.

"Goodnight, Auden," he replies, his voice low and filled with something that makes my chest tighten.

I slide into my car and close the door, taking a moment to steady myself before starting the engine. As I pull out of the parking lot, I glance in the rearview mirror and see Wade standing there, watching me go. There's a small smile on his face, and I can't help but smile too.

Tonight didn't go exactly as planned, but maybe that's not such a bad thing. Maybe it's the unexpected moments that matter the most—the ones that make you feel alive, that make you realize there's more to life than just going through the motions.

As I drive home, I can't stop thinking about Wade, about the way he made me feel tonight. It's more than just gratitude—it's something deeper, something that makes me want to see where this could go. I don't know what the future holds, but I know one thing for sure: I'm looking forward to finding out.