“Let’s head to the restroom.” Norah supported Joanna, guiding her toward the bathroom with care.
Joanna’s alcohol tolerance was notably low, yet her enthusiasm for drinking was high. Without Norah’s supervision, she likely would’ve overindulged. Following a relieving session in the restroom, Joanna regained some clarity and clung to Norah, eager for more drinks.
“Okay, you’ve had enough to drink. Time to take a break and then head back,” Norah helped Joanna back to their spot, advising restraint.
Joanna, now a bit more clear-headed, pouted and said, “Yes, yes, I get it.”
Joanna appreciated Norah’s concern, though the desire to continue drinking was hard to ignore.
“Did I really see Mr. Hayes earlier? I didn’t imagine that, did I?” Joanna felt dizzy, her memories a bit fuzzy. “Did he come to invite you for something, Norah?”
With a light tap on Joanna’s head, Norah reassured her, “You’re not making it up, but the alcohol’s messing with your memory. Mr. Hayes did stop by, but he’s already left.”
Joanna, touching her forehead, accepted the explanation. “Oh, I must’ve been mistaken then.”
Down on the dance floor, Kathy was having a blast with Madeline. Everything was fantastic except for the rule against getting too cozy with guys, which Derek had issued. Madeline’s uninhibited vibe on the dance floor caught Kathy by surprise. Earlier, before Derek’s intervention, Kathy had observed Madeline almost glued to an unfamiliar man.
Kathy realized Madeline was a good-time girl and wondered when she could have a blast like this with Madeline again. She started making plans for it.
The three of them returned to their table for a breather. Derek’s expression was grave as he said, “Have you had enough fun? If so, let’s head home.”
Kathy pleaded, “Derek, can we stay a little longer? Rosy Secret’s performance isn’t over yet. I’d love to hear the end before we leave.”
Madeline, clinging to Derek’s arm, playfully persuaded him, “Derek, a little longer won’t hurt. We’re almost ready to leave anyway.”
Madeline nudged closer, whispering, “We don’t get out much. Might as well make the most of it.”
“Fine, one more hour.”
Joanna was captivated by the band’s performance. “Rosy Secret’s talent is undeniable. It’s clear why they’re a favorite among bars and clubs. Each of their original songs hits the mark.”
While not an expert, Joanna’s passion for music allowed her to appreciate the band’s compelling tunes and meaningful lyrics, leaving her eager for more.
Norah scoffed. “Oh? Well, yeah.”
Norah pondered what kind of reaction the band members would have when they spotted her later.
With a curious glance, Joanna asked, “Norah, are you acquainted with the band members?”
“Acquainted? Of course, why wouldn’t I be?”
Joanna, slightly drunk, asked boldly, “Could you introduce me to the guitarist then? I think he’s really good at playing the guitar, and his voice is so pleasant. Can I meet him? Of course, just friends, nothing beyond that.”
Norah knew Joanna’s sudden interest was sparked by the guitarist’s musical talent, despite her vow to avoid romantic entanglements.
“Rosy Secret has a strong online following. I haven’t followed them closely, but the guitarist’s singing caught my attention.” Dreamily propping her chin, Joanna fixated on the masked guitarist at the center stage, saying, “Do you think he’s good-looking?”
“Not particularly.”
“Best not to get your hopes up,” Norah casually warned, glancing at Joanna’s budding curiosity.
“Okay, okay. Norah, it seems like your standards for men are quite high, aren’t they?”
At that, Norah’s mind flashed through a few faces. In terms of looks, Sean and Kason were definitely striking, while Derek could be considered handsome by general standards. Sadly, Madeline’s return had tarnished Derek’s once appealing image in her eyes, rendering him utterly detestable.
“Norah, I’ve had a few drinks tonight, and I’m really keen on getting the guitarist’s details. Could you help me out?” Joanna’s face was flushed as she adorably latched onto Norah’s arm. “You can make it happen, can’t you?”
Norah offered a smile, though her eyes were cold. “Of course.”
Her agreement wasn’t just to fulfill Joanna’s wish. Norah had her own reasons for wanting to connect with the band.
Under Norah’s watchful eye, Joanna stuck to drinks with lower alcohol content, counting down the moments one by one.
After their final performance, Rosy Secret quickly exited the stage, leaving the audience wanting more.
Joanna got up, grabbed Norah’s hand, and started heading backstage. “Come on, Norah, we’re going to their hangout spot. A family friend of mine shared it with me when I frequented Glamour Club,” she said.
Not being very familiar with Glamour Club, Norah followed Joanna toward the band’s resting area.
“I’m sorry, but this area is off-limits to guests,” the security guard said, blocking their way.
“I’m from the Andrews family. Do you really want to stop me?” Joanna replied, her tone laced with entitlement. Facing the security guard’s obstruction, she added, “Do you think I can’t have you removed from your job?”
The guard remained professional. “I’m just doing my duty. Please, ladies, don’t make this difficult.”
Norah’s expression turned serious. “If we can’t enter, could you at least relay a message? Tell the lead of Rosy Secret, Starbear, that I’m waiting for him in the upstairs lounge.”
After delivering the message, Norah led Joanna away.
“Are we just going to leave like that?” Joanna asked, puzzled. “Do you think the security guard will actually relay your message? And will the guitarist come to meet us?”
“The band’s lead is the guitarist,” Norah replied. “Let’s see if he shows up.”
They headed to the upstairs lounge, where Norah and Joanna put on the masks provided by the club.
Joanna, confused by Norah’s actions, followed her lead without question. She trusted that whatever Norah had in mind wouldn’t cause her any harm. Still, she felt dizzy, knowing she’d had too many drinks. She softly leaned on Norah’s shoulder, squinting to ease her dizziness.
As they waited for the guitarist, Norah gave Joanna a brief massage to help sober her up.
Shortly after, a man wearing a mask entered the room. “Starbear?” He paused, surprised to find two masked women waiting.
“Emerson, you saw my message in the chat group, right?” Norah asked.
Emerson Moran’s expression tightened as he shut the door behind him. “Is that really you?”
Joanna watched quietly, curious about the unfolding scene.
In the room, vibrant neon lighting cast a glow on them, obscuring their facial expressions and adding to the already palpable tension.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.