JOAN'S POV
"Let's partttttyyyyyyy" echoed the MC who has been contracted to coordinate the party.
The buzzing of the music could be heard from the dimly lit lounge. Ladies, and gents, were rocking themselves on the dance floor, and I watched in amazement.
As I took in the scene, I saw both men and women laughing together, their faces radiant with joy, illuminated by the flashing lights of the disco ball.
Couples took shots, striking poses in various styles, carefree and lost in the moment. As the night wore on, some folks got really tipsy from drinking too much.
I had been invited to the party at a high-end hotel ballroom by Anita in order to ease my worries. I have been thinking of my mother's ailment.
She had been sick for a month now and needed to be operated on, to remove the kidney stones which had developed in her.
I accepted to tag along with my friend not without having a motive in mind.
Anita had been invited by her boyfriend Martins to the party hosted by his friend, the CEO of Brad & Brad Company Limited New York.
I could feel the vibrations of the music beneath my feet, and I saw myself swaying to the beat.
Overwhelmed with the energy, and vibes emitted by the audience that came to party, I was lost in the moment as the music kept booming.
"Girl…, it seems you are looking for someone". I asked Anita immediately I noticed her turning her head in no particular direction.
"I have been trying to reach my baby, but his line is not going through. I don't know if he is here already". She said impatiently.
"Oh I can see him, he is here already." She said giggling.
I followed her eyes to the direction where Martins was, and I saw a gorgeous man beside him.
Gorgeous is an understatement. Likeee…, man is so hot.
"Where in God's name is this young gentleman from." I asked no one in particular.
"Let's go meet my baby." Anita said to me, as we made our way through the crowds.
Everyone seems to be having a time of their lives, and I can't help but get caught up in the Infectious smile of the young man standing beside Martins.
He must have been created on a special day. He looks so perfect on his tuxedo. His teeth glittered like silver, and his hair curled beautifully.
I was so lost in my admiration for the young man that I didn't notice Martins' greetings.
"Hi Joan, It's good to see you. Martins said to me, as he held hands with Anita.
"Hello Martins, it's good to see you too." I responded, as I moved closer to shake hands with him.
"Brad, meet my friend. Her name is Joan, and a friend to Anita." Martins said as he introduced me to the young man.
"And Joan say hello to Bradford. He is a friend of mine, and the one hosting this party we are having now." Martins said beaming with smiles.
"I wondered why Martins was giving those suspicious smiles during the introduction." I thought to myself.
"Hope he doesn't have anything up his sleeve?" I wondered, because he does something silly most times.
"It's nice meeting you." Bradford and I said in unison. I caught him admiring me with my side-eye, which made me feel uneasy.
"You look good by the way." Bradford complimented with a smirk.
"You don't look bad yourself, and your name sounds cute." I said smiling sheepishly.
"Thank you. Besides you can call me Brad for short." He said looking down at my boobs.
"Alright then." I replied as I looked around hoping to see everyone settled so that I will start my adventure of soliciting for help.
I know it sounds weird asking someone you don't even know for money. But what can I do. I have to use this opportunity very well so that my mother would undergo surgery.
Seems everyone are still busy with one thing or the other. I made to step out, but I had to tell Anita so that she won't start looking for me.
"Anita, let me go get some fresh air, I will be back soon….." I said hesitantly.
"Why don't we get a seat, and have some drinks?" Brad interrupted, I rolled my eyes.
Who does he think he is to cut me off like that. Huhhhh….. I could see Anita motioning me to calm down. She knows me better than anyone else.
"Let's go then." Martins said, as he took the lead. We sat down, and Brad called the waiter to get our orders.
I prayed to see someone who could help me. These are sophisticated, and smelt of riches.
As the waiter arrived with our orders, we made a toast to the good life. I took a sip of the champagne, and it tasted so good.
I have not had that kind of wine before. It's my first time actually. I craved for more, but I had to control myself to avoid embarrassing myself.
Brad's eyes were all over me, and I couldn't help but pretend as though I didn't notice. Anita, and her boyfriend were smiling at each other.
As they sipped their wine, they intertwined their arms, a picture of affection. They fed each other bites of chicken in the rich sauce, their eyes locked in a loving gaze.
I felt a pang of jealousy, a twinge of longing for that kind of intimacy. I ate the chicken slowly, my mind racing with possibilities.
"I will be right back guys." I said, as I quickly stood up. I needed a cool place to calm my nerves.
While I was on my way to heaven knows where, I gently tapped a guy, and asked for directions.
"Excuse me, please where is the rest room?" I asked the guy.
He smiled politely and pointed down the hallway. "It's just around the corner, second door on your right."
I nodded in gratitude. "Thank you."
The guy flashed a welcoming smile, exuding an aura of calmness. He looked cool, demure, and mindful, and I admired how he composed himself while directing me.
His perfectly styled hair added to his undeniable sex appeal. He wore a crisp white button-up shirt and fitted jeans, which accentuated his physique.
As I walked away, I felt a bit more composed, ready to face whatever was making me anxious.
Following the guy's directions, I navigated through a crowded hallway filled with elites chatting and laughing.
The restrooms seemed to be located at the far end of a long, granite-lined corridor. As I walked, my feet grew tired, and I sensed I was being followed.
Glancing over my shoulder, I caught a glimpse of a person lingering in the crowd. They seemed to be watching me, their eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity.
I quickened my pace, my heart racing with anticipation. When I got to the door, I hurriedly opened it, and entered inside the restroom.