Chapter Six

Celeste’s POV

“Grace, I need you.” 

My voice trembled as I called my friend from the hospital parking lot.

She answered in a heartbeat. “Of course. Anything.” 

“Can you meet at The Barrel in an hour?”

“The bar downtown?”

I started my engine. “That’s the one.”

“I’ll see you there.”

“Thanks. You’re the best.”

My emotions were in turmoil. I didn’t want to be alone with them all night. I knew I could count on Grace.

“I know.” She teased.

I ended the call and drove to my hotel room and changed in a flash. The Barrel’s neon sign blinked as I arrived at the bar early.

Several pairs of hungry eyes followed me as I made my way to a booth. 

I wore an elegant black dress with an open neckline that revealed a hint of my collar bones. It never aroused Damien.

After feeling invisible for so long, the attention felt great. Beneath the sense of loss, excitement flickered.

I ordered a bottle of wine I knew Grace would like and poured myself a glass.

Dealing with Damien and Pauline at the hospital had mentally drained me. But it was Bonnie who crushed my soul.

I needed to decompress after the last couple of days I’ve had.

Grace slid into the booth across from me as I sipped the red wine.

“I came as quickly as I could. How’s Bonnie?”

Her eyes were full of concern. 

“It was awful, Grace. She’s weak and in so much pain.”

She clasped my hand on the table. 

“Bonnie will be okay.”

Her face beamed with surety. I couldn’t hold back my grief any longer. My heart was in agony.

“She still wants to stay with Damien, even after he and Vanessa landed her in hospital.”

Tears streamed down my face. 

“She said she wants them to get married. Grace, my daughter hates me.”

She sat beside me and rubbed circles on my back.

“Let it out.” She cooed.

I cried until my tears turned to hiccups. The pain in my chest subsided slightly, and I took a deep breath.

“Bonnie could never hate you.” Grace said once I calmed down, “She’s five and sometimes five-year-olds make poor decisions. She’ll come back to you.”

“I hope you’re right.”

She gave me a grin. “Aren’t I always?”

I felt incredibly grateful to know her. She was an absolute gem.

Grace dug tissues out of her purse and handed them to me.

“Thanks.” 

I cleaned my face.

“You look too sexy tonight to be crying in a corner, love.” She nodded at my drink. “Down it.”

Her tone left no room for argument and I swiftly obeyed. 

She pulled the cork and refilled my glass.

“Again.”

My eyes widened, but I downed the glass

“One more.”

“But Grace–” 

She glared at me and I decided it would be wise not to upset her. I gulped my wine and felt its warmth spread across my body.

“Good. Let’s go.” 

Grace stood up and took my hand. She dragged me away from our table.

“Where are we going?” I asked as the music got louder.

She led me to the dance floor, shoving her way to the centre. 

“Forget about everything,” Grace shouted in my ear. “Let loose, Celeste.”

The tempo quickened and I let myself get carried away by the music. I swayed my body to the beat. The wine worked its magic, and I felt myself relax.

Grace smiled and gestured around us. 

“All eyes are on you tonight.” 

To my surprise, she was right. I had attracted the attention of everyone dancing around us. 

It felt electrifying.

Dancing men edge closer. Grace winked suggestively and slipped away, watching me from the side.

Strong hands held my hips as I swung them to the music. I glanced over my shoulder to see a muscled man with striking blue eyes smiling down at me. He was hot.

And I was newly single. 

A hint of a smile touched my lips, and that was all the invitation the handsome stranger needed.

His hands roamed my body. He pressed in, and I could feel every hard inch of him as he grinded against me.

Another man with a devilish smile approached me. I pulled him closer, placing his hands on my waist. The friction I felt pressed between their bodies was amazing. 

Our hips moved in sync as we pulsed to the beat. 

I caught Grace’s eye. She was dancing with a cute guy who seemed obsessed with her. She mouthed, “Get it, girl!” and gave me an enthusiastic thumbs up.

Laughter bubbled out of me. I was finally letting go, and it was exhilarating.

The song changed. More eager men assertively shoved away my partners. I relished the sensations as we danced together.

Just as I was getting lost in bliss, someone grabbed my arm and yanked me away.

My eyes flew wide. 

Damien stood fuming down at me. His grip on my arm tightened as he bellowed over the music.

“What the fuck are you doing dancing with other men?”