The loud beat of the music could be heard from a block away. Emma picked up her pace and jogged toward the door, her breath coming out in puffs that could be seen in the cold air. When she saw her friends, she smiled and waved.
“Emma!” Mary-Margaret gave her a one-armed hug, while her other arm stayed wrapped around David.
They both smiled at Emma, and she wondered how long she would have to be the third wheel tonight. Taking a breath, she smiled again and gave David a hug. “How are you guys?”
David nodded toward the club. “Excited to be an adult for the night,” he said. “Neil’s been a pain in the ass,” Mary-Margaret lightly slapped his shoulder, “Sorry, a little angel, but dad needs a break.
Mary-Margaret rolled her eyes before shrugging her shoulders. “Maybe a little bit of a pain.”
Emma winced. “Still not sleeping well?”
They both shook their heads no. David clapped his hands together. “Well, are we ready to get wasted?” Another small slap, “I mean, drink responsibly?”
Emma laughed. “Absolutely.” The club was hot and crowded. Emma shed her jacket and draped it over her arm, rolling her eyes as David jokingly whistled. They made their way to a small booth, Mary-Margaret and David pressing close together on one side, as Emma laid down her jacket and took the other seat. They chatted with each other for a few minutes, ordering drinks and catching up on lives. Mary-Margaret’s job was going well (she was an elementary school teacher) and David had just picked up another construction contract. Emma tried not to share too much, knowing that her life was anything but interesting right now. As a law student, she didn’t do much besides study and sleep. Maybe next year, after she took the Bar, she would have something new to say. As the conversation died down, Mary-Margaret and David began to whisper to each other, disappearing into their own world. Emma sighed.
“I’m gonna go get another drink!” she yelled over the music. Neither one noticed as Emma left. She walked toward the bar and sat down, the beat of the music reverberating in her head. Holding up a finger, she signaled to the bartender and ordered straight bourbon. As much as she loved Mary-Margaret and David, she hadn’t wanted to come tonight. There was only so much time you could spend with a couple so clearly in love when you were utterly and completely single. And lonely. She took a sip of the liquor, feeling the burn of the alcohol slip down the back of her throat and provide her with the slight buzz she was looking for.
“Long night?” Despite the volume of the music, Emma heard the question clearly. She turned toward the voice, eyes widening as she took in the sight of the woman next to her: brunette, olive skin, deep red lips, and drop-dead gorgeous. Emma nodded and the woman rewarded her with a small smile. She ran a finger down Emma’s forearm and softly grasped her hand before pulling up. “Let me make it better.”
