1 | Cheapskate

Olivia’s POV

I looked at the time it was exactly eight forty-five. The new club opening is at nine-twenty, of course, I'm going, it's free for fucks sake.

"Olivia are you ready?" Ari's loud voice boomed from downstairs.

I walked downstairs in a spaghetti strap black dress that reached my mid-thighs. Tight enough to show all my curves. Going along with black heels.

Of course, I'm bringing my only channel bag. Emphasis on the ONLY. I added some pearls on my bare neck, and also added a pair of earrings. Now to really finish the look or to say tame my curls I took a simple hat and put it on my head. I know, it's ridiculous.

Who the hell wears a fucking beret hat to a tucking club?

The second I reached the last stepped — Ari came into view, her eyes racking my body.

"I gotta give it to you Liv. You look good for someone who is a Cheapskate thrifter." A beaming Ariel said.

"Thanks?" I said patting on my hat. I don't think it'll stay on for long though.

"I just hope that hat makes it through the night on your head."

"Right..." I let out a nervous chuckle.

We made our way out of our little apartment. I decided it was time to take Michie for a ride. Ahh, Michie my baby blue 1969 chevy Camaro. I worked my ass off for that car. It needs a lot of repairs but I'll make it through the night.

We arrived. There was already a long line. I parked the car as close to the club as I could. I and Ari got out I linked her hand in mine. Looking at the blue neon sign saying

'POISON'

personally, I think that's a weird club name. The irony if someone dies of poison in that club.

I made my way to go to the line. Ari quickly yanked me away making our way to the security. Of fucking course — she somehow knew the guard. Before she said could say anything a voice from the crowd cut her off.

"That's not fucking fair we were here before them!"

"Damn, that's tough," Ari yelled back at the voice, I held in my need for a laugh.

Ariel can be a funny asshole sometimes.

She leaned to the guard whispering some shit into his ears. He clearly liked what she was saying. He was beaming at her words. Ari smirked looking at the tall buff man, he shook his head at her before he signaled us to go in.

I walked in. It was beautiful. The aesthetic was very well thought of. It looked so modern, yet so club-like. The dance floor was full of people dancing the disco ball looked very vintage and expensive. The bar was a bit far away from the dance floor. Those were usually close to each other, and the bar looked breathtaking. Gosh! if a guy took me here for a first date I wouldn't mind. I could never afford to get in here. It screams money, but everything was free tonight. Even the VIP section was open.

I love opening nights.

"I'm gonna go dance now," Ari said as she lets of my arm.

I nodded. "I'll be at the VIP section if you need me." I have to be the sober friend tonight, but one drink's not gonna hurt.

Ari took the beret off my head, "that was a fashion crime Liv." She tucked it in her purse. I rolled my eyes at her as she swayed herself to the dance floor — smiling like a maniac.

I made my way to the VIP section — I'm planning to enjoy the free things in life while they last.

I took a seat next to a guy. He looked like he was in the wrong place. Wearing an expensive black Armani suit.

I chuckled as I shook my head. "Babe, this is the club, not a business meeting." Clubs always boosted my confidence to confront others.

Ari's afraid it's going to get me killed one day.

He turned to look at me I almost dropped my jaw open staring at this beautiful man. His brown eyes. You could get lost in those eyes. His shaggy black well-curled hair. I swear he had the perfect jawline. I couldn't pick if he was handsome, hot, or beautiful. Clearly, he was all of the above.

I think he noticed me checking him out.

Shit, I'm feeding his big boy ego.

He chuckled. "To me everything is business." He said as his eyes scanned my attire and look.

His pent-up sexual frustration must be high.

His eyes widened.

"Shit did I say that out loud?"

He shook his head in disbelief, yet he found it amusing.

I smiled at him. "Am I right or am I right?" I asked him as if I knew the answer.

He leaned closer towards me — Leveling himself to my ears. "Are you offering to be my release?"

I froze. I couldn't get any word out of my mouth.

"Yeah, I thought so. you just got a big ass mouth." He pulled away from my ears.

I realize how close he was. Too close.

He smirked. "How does your boyfriend handle you?"

I was taken aback by his questions, but I shrugged. "Don't have one. Don't want one."

He tilts his head out of curiosity. "Why not?"

My gaze bore into his. "They're all the same. It gets boring. Besides, it'd be a distraction. I'm finally on the right track with my career."

It's true if I got myself involved in a serious relationship right now that would be me sabotaging my future — relationships consume people, making it hard for them to function regularly.

I didn't want to be stuck like that.

He nodded.

I pulled the waiter over. Right, a waiter at a club. This place was really on another level. I started ordering my drink. "Can I get an olive martini please?"

The waiter looked over at me then shook his head. "You are obligated to go to the bar and pay, a ticket will be handed to you. Only then you shall call me over to place an order." I forced a smile at the waiter and nodded.

I sat back down. "What kind of asshole has a free opening night with no free drinks?" I murmur to myself.

I heard the familiar voice next to me. "This one."

"Shit," I murmured in self-realization, "this is your club?"

Now another reason was added on why I wouldn't come back here again.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "Last time I checked it was."

"Of course the drinks wouldn't be free," I said as I rolled my eyes.

I watch his brows furrowed. "And why is that?"

I lightly laugh pointing at him. "You mister, are a tease."

He let out a playful childish laugh. "Am not."

"Are too."

He called back the waiter. The waiter came looking slightly frightened. He orders vodka and an olive martini. The waiter's head was down throughout the entire interaction. He soon came back with the drinks. He handed me my martini.

"Thank you, but you didn't have to do that."

"I know. I simply wanted to." He smiled.

I took a sip and put the drink back down. He stared at me in disbelief. "Well for someone who was mad about a drink, are sure not enjoying it."

"Yeah, well it's my first day at work tomorrow. Don't wanna show up with a hangover."

I leaned onto him whispering. "I've never seen the boss, but I've heard he's a pain in the ass."

He chuckled. "Well good luck."

"What about you, what do you do?" I cringed before rephrasing my question, "you know, besides owning the club."

"I'm the CEO of Hud-"

Before he could say anything else, he was cut off by a loud voice moving toward us.

"VIVI! VIVI!" I snapped my head to a drunk Ari calling out my name. I stood tall on my feet rushing towards her — I quickly pulled her against, me balancing her.

"VIVI?" he questioned.

"Just one of my nicknames. Short for Olivia." I say reaching out my hand — my other hand was tightly wrapped around Ari.

His hands quickly meet mine giving it a firm shake.

"Alexander"