Chapter 6: Joseph, The Boyfriend

It was only eight o'clock in the evening, and the place was already full of customers. How did I say that? Just in the parking lot, we already had a hard time finding a place for Hailey's car. Unlike before, this time there are not many parking options where we always park. They were all occupied.

"What's up today? Why does it look like there are so many people in here?" Out of the blue, I raised a question as I was curious about what was happening now while removing the seatbelt attached to my body.

Hailey shrugged her shoulders while her eyes were still fixed in front of us to find a parking lot. She's still busy looking for a parking space; her forehead is wrinkled as she scrutinizes the area.

"I am not sure about other reasons besides it being the weekend, Cathy."

The bar that Hailey and I went to was VIP. This one is our favorite. Most of those who come here are famous people who have a say in society. It is a hangout for those in the showbiz industry, such as actors and models. It is also frequented as a hideout by billionaires, businessmen, and the children of wealthy heirs to their companies, like Hailey. But now that there are many people crowded here, it looks like a normal bar now. A bar that the typical person always goes to.

"I don't think we have anywhere to sit here, Hailey," I announced as soon as we entered the entrance, slightly disappointed. It's already jam-packed at the door. "Shall we just move to another bar?"

Oh right, I'd still have the courage to suggest it to her, despite I know that she will not agree to it.

"No, let's stay here. Don't you want to experience a bar with many people once in a while?"

I knew it! This is her answer.

Hailey and I are used to coming to this club with very few customers, so maybe we were a little culture shocked for tonight.

"Are you sure—"

"Yeah, since I'm brokenhearted now, let's mingle with other people. And you know very well that those who come here are not normal people in society. What if our one true love is here right now? Isn't that exciting?" she even followed this litany with a loud chuckles.

My eyes automatically turned to her because of what she said. In my eyes, it was like she suddenly became a different person. I know she's a joker, but in a situation like this, she doesn't take it as a joke.

Broken-hearted, my foot!

She is the only one who makes a way for her to feel it. Not her boyfriend. She is now to blame.

"One true love?"

This time, I was the one who laughed. My friend looks so delirious after saying those.

"Maybe just you. Don't empathize with me. I am happy with my relationship, and it is intact."

Hailey automatically pouted her lips at what I said. I ignored her. Her bitterness is now obvious in her lousy eyes. I don't know if she's just bored with her love life, and just to create a fight with her long-time boyfriend, she did that.

"Alright, I apologize. I forgot for a moment that between us, you have an almost perfect love life." it was full of sarcasm but I did not mind it.

"What perfection are you talking about? We only know how to be content and listen to each other's grievances. Unlike you and Brent, I don't think a week goes by without having any issues in your relationship with him."

Hailey chose not to give me any comments. This is her normal attitude. I don't know if she just doesn't care or if she really doesn't want to talk about it at this time. It's been a while since we've been friends, but still, what's on her mind is hard for me to read.

"Let's sit there." Instead, she pointed out the empty seat near the bartender. "Let's try it. For fun!"

Usually, we always come here to occupy the VIP room. She doesn't like noisy and crowded places inside the bar. So, I don't know what Hailey ate to decide to sit there. It looks like her fight with Brent is getting worse this time. If that's not the case, Hailey won't act this way right now.

"It's fine with me. I'm used to places where being noisy is part of my life. But how about you, Hailey? Maybe you're not used to it? Can you handle it?" I asked her worriedly.

"It's fine with me too to have a different experience. As long as many handsome men meet my eyes, I'm sure everything will be okay with me. So, don't worry about me."

I just laughed. I can't believe hearing those sentences from my friend. She seems lost and broken. If I slap her in the face, will she be able to come back to her senses?

"Why do you look at me like that? Can you let me enjoy tonight? Just for tonight, Cathy. Allow me to breathe by doing the things I like."

"Fine. I didn't say anything. You can do whatever you want. I will not report you to Brent, even though he asked me to say something. Whatever happens tonight at this bar stays here."

Her grin widened.

"That's my best friend's mindset!"

I didn't speak anymore. Without hesitation, she dragged me to the place she pointed to earlier.

"Let's go, girl! Let's enjoy ourselves while the night is still young. I want to get drunk tonight!" she yelled while starting dancing, "Accompany me!"

"I'll just accompany you, but I won't go and get drunk with you. We might not be able to get home safely if I let you get drunk with me and give in to what you want to happen. Our safety depends on it."

"Don't be a killjoy, Joseph is on his way here, right? Let's party and get wasted just for tonight!"

"That's not sure yet; let's not count on him. He may change his mind."

I narrowed my eyes at her as if saying something. Something that she just laughed at, as she thinks I am just making fun of her now.

"That's not true. He loved you so much. He definitely can't stand you when you say we're drunk and there's no one to drive us home."

I didn't speak anymore. I just sat quietly. I don't want to think about it, but at this point, it looks like Hailey is abusing him. Joseph came from a business trip in the province and must have been tired. Even though he agreed to follow us to the bar earlier tonight, I don't want to expect him to come over. He is my boyfriend, and our first anniversary is just months away. By chance, maybe this is the start of a fight between us.