Chapter 11 Surprise
Matthew leaned close to Claire’s ear; his
is voice barely audible over the pounding music of the nightclub.
“Come on Claire enjoy it! You used to do this every week!”
Claire glanced around, taking in the vibrant chaos of the club. The thumping beats, the swirling lights, the people lost in the rhythm of the music–it was all so unfamiliar yet strangely familiar after three years of staying away from the club scene.
As Matthew ordered shots of vodka, he teased Claire, questioning her ability to handle the alcohol percentage. Claire rolled her eyes playfully “Please, Matthew. I used to pour vodka in my coffee,” she quipped, accepting the glass
They clinked their glasses together and downed the contents in one go. Claire felt the burn of the alcohol, but it was a welcome sensation amidst the lively atmosphere.
With a grin, Claire shouted over the music, “So, what’s next?”
Matthew motioned toward the dance floor.
“Next step: have fun!” he shouted back.
Claire shook her head, feeling a bit self–conscious.
“I don’t know, Matthew. It’s been a while..
“Watch me…
Matthew sliding onto the dance floor, showing off his eccentric moves. Claire couldn’t help but laugh at his antics, her hesitation melting away,
As the song ended, Matthew struck a dramatic pose, prompting Claire to clap and cheer. “You’ve still got it, Matthew!” she exclaimed, still chuckling.
They decided to have another round of shots, and Claire raised her glass in a toast.
“To us!”
Suddenly, a familiar voice interrupted them.
“Claire?”
Claire turned, stunned to see Talia standing there.
They hugged tightly.
“Oh my God! 1 didn’t expect to see you today! Last night we just called” said Talia excitedly.
“I know. I guess the universe wanted us to see each other.”
“You look stunning, Claire.”
Claire waved her hand in dismissal.
“Thank you, but I just got out of work, and I think this is not a best outfit to go out
“Sometimes it is not the outfit, but the person who wears it.”
out clubbing.”
Matthew raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
*So, Talia, you’re Claire’s best friend?”
Claire nodded, smiling at the unexpected reunion.
“Yes, Matthew, Talia, meet my dear friend.”
Talia grinned, extending her hand to Matthew. “Nice to finally meet the legendary Matthew, Claire talks about.” Matthew chuckled, shaking Talia’s hand. “Likewise, Talia. Looks like tonight just got even more interesting.” shot for the three of them and they downed the content swiftly.
Mattheword hers
“Okay, we have to dance and let the alcohol do the work “Talla yelled to Claire over the loud, pumping music,
With Talia by her side, she found herself easing into the rhythm of the music, even dating to venture onto the dance floor.
The pulsating beat and perhaps a bit of alcohol had loosened Claire’s inhibitions. Talia leaned in close, shouting over the music, “Hey, Claire, how are you treling?”
Claire flashed a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with newfound confidence. “I’m doing okay, Talia Just taking it all in, you know!
Talla nodded, her own smile mirroring Claire’s “I’m glad about the unexpected reunion. It’s been a while since we have seen each
other.”
As they danced, their conversation flowed effortlessly from one topic to another,
As they made their way back to the bar, Matthew, Claire’s longtime friend, observed from a distance with a smile of relief.
She had been through so much and seeing her enjoying herself again brought him immense joy.
Talia and Claire head back to the bar after their dance session.
Matthew handing them their drinks. “Cheers to a great night,” he said, clinking his glass with theirs
Claire raised her glass, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Thanks, Matthew. I needed this.”
Matthew chuckled, a protective glint in his eyes as he looked at Claire, “Anytime, Claire. You know I’ve always got your back”
As the night progressed, Talia noticed a guy checking Claire out from across the room. She nudged Claire gently and tilted her head in the guy’s direction, signaling her observation.
Claire rolled her eyes playfully, shaking her head. “Oh please, Talia. I’m not here to find a date.”
Talia laughed, understanding Claire’s stance. “I know, I know. Just making sure you’re aware of your admirers. And for future
reference. ”
Talia winked at Claire teasingly which she shook her head in disbelief but still smile at the situation.
Claire sipped her drink, her gaze sweeping across the dance floor.
“You know, why don’t you two go and dance and get to lonow each other.”
Claire didn’t wait for them to reply as she pushed Matthew and Talia to the dance floor.
She giggled seeing how awkward they are especially with the slow song playing at the background,
It had been a long and challenging night for Alex as he made his way to his usual club. His mind was preoccupied with the troubles at his hotel in New York, which had demanded his attention.
Reluctantly, he had sent Christian to handle the urgent matters back in the Big Apple, knowing he couldn’t be in two places at once.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex)