Chapter 7: Unexpected Encounters
Peter pulled into the parking lot of a fancy looking building with a long line of anxious people wrapping around the block and a huge neon sign that read: 'The Night Owl'. "Wow, this place must be amazing to have such a long line." Laura stated as Peter opened her door and helped her out. "Yeah, it's a pretty hopping place. But the lines the least of our worries tonight babe." Peter held his arm up for her to take, making her blush a little. 'He is too cute. Such a gentleman.'
Peter led the way toward the front door, which was guarded by an extra large bouncer. Laura was a little guilty of cutting in front on all those people and could feel their jealous eyes boring into her skin. She was just about to ask Peter what he was doing when the bouncer unhooked the rope and ushered them in. "Welcome back Mr. Stone."
Laura was pleasantly surprised. Peter was only a junior and definitely not old enough to go to a night club. "How does he know you?" Peter smiles as he takes her coat and hands it with his to a person behind the counter. "My father owns the place. And I can get in anytime I want." Laura let out a low whistle. "Wow, he must be loaded...and really trust you." Peter laughed as they walked toward yet another big bouncer taking money and X-ing underage hands. "Actually, Dad still makes me get X-ed. He doesn't trust me that much." The bouncer nodded at Peter and Laura before X-ing both their hands with a sharpie. After that they finally got into the club. Heavy bass music was thumping from the speakers and everyone was dancing about in a half mosh, half break dancing manner. The building itself was really extravagant: glassy dance floor, lots of multi-colored lights, a huge bar, lots of seating, and a semi-hidden DJ booth.
"This place is amazing!" Laura said as she took in the scenery. Peter hugged her close and rested his chin on her shoulder. "Yeah, Dad has great taste. So, want to go get a drink?" Laura turned to him in confusion. "What? We can't here anyway...we're underage." She held up her hand bearing the black X. Peter smiled and kissed her hand. "Yeah, but that doesn't mean I don't know where to get some!" He laced his fingers in hers and led her toward the back of the club.
"Wow! This place looks great!" Cali shouted with excitement as Jay pulled up the brand new night club. "The Night Owl…cute name! Don't cha think so Jay?" Jay laughed at Cali's excitement. Everything seemed really exciting to her. Ko pulled in right as they were getting out. "Nice…this place should be awesome." Ko said with a huge grin. He looked back at the long line and laughed. "Thank God I know the bartender!" Everybody looked at him funny. "And that is gonna get us in because?" Jay questioned as they walked toward the door. Ko lead the group toward the back of the line, waiting till they were out of the bouncer's hearing range before answering in a low voice. "Because he's gonna get us in through the back entrance. He said to knock twice and hope that he's in the back." Everyone just stared at Ko. "Really? We're supposed to hope?" Ko grinned again as he lead the way to the back alley. "Well yeah. You didn't expect this illegal act to be flawless did you? Where's your sense of adventure!" Jay laughed and the girls fretted. Ko hushed them as the neared the Night Owl's back entrance. They could barely see the Staff Only sign hanging from the door. Ko motioned for them to hang back out of sight ass he knocked on the door twice. After about a minute and a half the door opened a crack and a boy with shaggy blonde hair who seemed around the same age and Jay and Ko peeked his head out. Jay couldn't hear what they were saying but he could see that Ko knew him. After a moment the boy swung the door wide open and Ko gave them the thumbs up.
"Told ya we'd be ok." Ko said, wrapping his arm around his lady's waist. Jay just smiled and shook his head, taking Cali's hand and starting inside. "You and your dumb luck Ko." They laughed and thanked the bartender friend as they snuck onto the dance floor.
Peter had taken Laura to a stock room of sorts behind the bar. Surprisingly there was a big white cooler that was filled to the brim with beer and imported liquor. Peter handed her a bottle of Sky vodka and grinned. "Welcome to the employee's secret stack of booze. My bouncer friend told me about it and keeps it a secret from my dad. He even drives me home if I'd had too much." Laura was amazed. "The bouncer would risk his neck just so you can drink?" Peter shrugged. "Yeah, it's easier than it sounds when your dad doesn't really care that much…he never checks up on me or question the staff. Hell, he only makes me X my hands just to appease my mom." Laura half-smiled and patted Peter's forearm. "I'm sorry Peter. I'm sure he still loves you and just wants the best for you." Peter smiled and kissed her. "Thanks babe, I think you're right." He grabbed another bottle of vodka from the cooler and clanked it against hers. "Here's to a wonderful next few hours. Cheers!"
Jay and Cali had been thoroughly enjoying themselves. Jay had a happy buzz going on and Cali was occasionally stealing sips of margarita from Ko's date Alexis. The four of them had danced, drank, and played pool for nearly 3 hours…and by that time everyone was getting frisky. Alexis was grinding against Ko in a style that reminded Jay of a pole dancer…which was funny to him because a, he's drunk, and b, she actually is a pole dancer. Cali had her arms wrapped around Jay's neck, occasionally sharing an intimate kiss with him. Once a slow song came on Alexis said she needed to 'powder her nose', grabbed Cali, and headed for the restrooms. Ko and Jay regrouped at the bar, satisfied smiles on their faces. "Dude, this was a great idea. Alexis is a freaking firecracker." Ko joked as he ordered a whiskey. Jay laughed. "You trying to get lucky tonight? Cause if not, you need to change your mind…she was practically riding you two seconds ago." That earned a high five from Ko. "Same goes for you Skippy. Cali is probably good and shit-faced by now. Alexis's margaritas were extra strength." The boys laughed and sipped on their drinks, waiting on the girls to return. While they were waiting, Jay casually scanned the crowd. About ten feet to his left he spotted someone he didn't expect to see tonight…Laura.
Jay nearly choked, startling Ko. "Hey, watch it there. You got to swallow remember?" Ko patted Jay's back till Jay quit coughing. "I fucking just saw Laura." Jay whispered to Ko despite himself. He located her again and searched her general area for Peter. He was nowhere around her. She was dancing with two other boys and looked like she was having a good time. "Why is she here by herself?" Jay wondered out loud. Ko sighed and pointed to the right of the bar. "Cause he's getting friendly with someone else." Jay followed Ko's lead and spotted Peter chatting with a pretty brunette girl at a very close distance. He was practically on top of her and his hand was gently stoking her arm. Jay's buzz was gone and his anger was rising. "That son of a b-" Jay cut himself off when Cali reappeared suddenly. "Hey! Why for you cussing?" Cali asked, slurring a little bit. Ko was right, she was way gone. Jay placed a hand on each of her shoulders and looked into her glassy eyes, hoping she would get his message. "Cali, we're gonna get out of here. Ko is gonna take you home because I have something important I need to do." He could feel Ko's stern gaze burning into him. He ignored it and continued. "I will talk to you tomorrow babe. Hope you won't be hung over tomorrow." Jay kissed her forehand and handed her off to Ko. He turned to Alexis and handed her his car keys. "Take Cali to my car and get her situated. I'll be out in a sec." Alexis nodded and kissed him briefly before taking Cali and heading out. Once they were out of sight Ko turned his attention back to Jay. "Don't. I know what you're thinking and it's stupid. Let her go Jay." Ko stated crossing his arms across his chest. Jay sighed, running his fingers through his dark hair. "I have to Ko. You would do the same thing for Leoda." Ko's jaw tensed, letting Jay know he'd struck a tender spot. "That's not the same Jay and you know it. Laura hates you remember? What makes you think she's going to believe you?" Jay thought about that for a moment. He knew Ko was right and his intervening might just make matters worse…but his heart wouldn't let his brain say otherwise. "I have to try Ko…" Ko sighed before placing a hand on Jay's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "I know you do…just be careful. She might tear you apart and I'm tired of picking up the pieces. I love you like a brother Jay but eventually you're going to get hurt so bad that not even I can heal you." Jay smiled and pulled Ko into a hug. "Thanks man, I promise that I'll stay protected. I should take a page outta your book of hardassness huh?" Ko laughed and punched Jay's arm. "Why not, couldn't hurt could it?"