Afterglow ❃ l.m.j

• chapter two •

I looked off to the side to see the silhouette of a woman in the dim lights. Putting the voice to the body was my most satisfying puzzle yet.

My eyes slowly raked over her without shame. She looked so familiar but more than that, she looked hot as fuck.

I could feel the heat of the room kick up ten notches. I tilted my head with a nod.

"Yes, I am. What's your name?"

Her dark eyes bored through me with little to no clear emotion crossing her face. I wanted to say she at least looked interested in the conversation we were beginning to have, but it was hard to tell. Her arms were crossed around her chest as if hugging herself.

"I'm sorry, what?" The woman's arms loosened. "Sorry, it's kinda loud in here, I can't hear you."

The bartender behind me placed my drinks down. I turned to grab my amaretto sour, mouthing another thank you in his direction. Tucking it into my left hand, I sauntered forward to speak into her ear.

"I said yes, I am. What's your name?"

She nodded in recollection, leaning over to speak back. "Normani."

I took a sip of my drink, eying her as I did so. The bartender didn't put any whiskey, I could tell. But that's okay. Maybe it's god's way of telling me I don't need to be tipsy tonight. It still tasted good anyway.

"Normani?" I repeated. A remnant of a smile crossed her face. It was tight lipped but there nonetheless.

"Yes!"

I gave the brunette an ear to ear grin to match. Another sip of my drink. "Pretty name. What can I do for you?"

She seemed to lean back a little to give us space. The changes in distance didn't change how heavily her perfume snuck around me though, and I was willing to wear it like a coat. I could never nail down exactly what floral scents were but they always smelled so nice. And so far, everything about her was pulling me in from her voice, to her face, to her perfume.

"I just wanted to tell you you did amazing. I figured I'd take the chance while I had you standing here in case you haven't heard it tonight already."

My grin was now practically splitting my face in two. I could feel a warmth surging in my chest. I put my hand over my heart.

"Aw, thank you so much, babe, that's so sweet! I appreciate it, really."

My eyes traveled to her lips. Her smile was slowly growing wider, and this time she was showing teeth. It was really pretty. There was something about getting a genuine smile out of someone that always made my day.

"You're welcome." She nodded, looking away from me to the swell of people surrounding the room.

A new dancer was coming to grace the stage so some groups were slowly dissolving. I tried to push away the all too familiar scent of sweat in my nose as men maneuvered past us.

I slid my attention back to the bar. "Excuse me!" I called out, but he didn't seem to hear me. I waited another beat before yelling again. "Excuse me!"

It took a few awkward moments but I finally flagged down the bartender again. He smiled, leaning forward to ask what I was having this time.