Heartbreak, Alcohol And Sex?

“Let’s break up.”

Noelle couldn’t believe the words she was hearing. No, she couldn’t bring herself to understand why her boyfriend of 3 long years, suddenly wanted to break up with her on the night of their anniversary, while they sat in a fancy restaurant, the food in front of them still untouched.

“What?” She croaked out, feeling like someone had just sucker punched her.

“We’re done, Noelle.” Jason replied, his expression as if he were stating a fact. “I’ve found someone better and we’re going to get married so I want to end this, tonight.”

“Someone better?” She repeated, feeling numb, yet a part of her was screaming for her to stand up and slap the bastard across the face.

Had he just referred to their three years long relationship filled with sacrifices from her side, as 'This'?

“I don’t understand what you're saying, Jay."

Jason leaned back with a sigh. He hesitated for a few seconds. “She’s richer,” He finally said.

Noelle blinked, trying to process what he had just told her. Her first instinct was to laugh at how ridiculous it was, but when she looked at his serious face, the realization slowly sank in.

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” She exclaimed, causing some of the other patrons to glance over at their table.

“Keep your voice down,” Jason snapped. “You’re making a scene.”

“And you’re breaking up with me because you’ve found someone wealthier?” She asked, still incredulous.

“I know it’s heard to accept, but we can still be friends. We can meet up-“

“Oh, fuck you!” Noelle snapped. She refused to hear any more bullshit and picked up her wine glass, tossing its contents onto Jason’s suit.

“Fuck! This is a five thousand dollar suit!” He shouted, jumping to his feet as he tried brushing the liquid off.

“And right here is three years of my life fucking wasted on you.” She spat, standing up. “Have fun with your new girlfriend.”

She turned and stormed out of the restaurant, ignoring the stares and whispers from the other patrons.

Once outside, she felt her phone vibrate with a text message, when she pulled it out and read, the pain in her chest seemed to intensify.

[Your mother’s health has deteriorated. We need funds to perform the surgery on her.]

And that was enough to do it.

The numbness and anger from before was starting to wear off and tears rapidly welled up in her eyes as the full reality of what had just happened hit her and how shitty her life was turning out, dawned on her.

Three years, she had sacrificed so much, worked countless jobs and lost dear friends, yet, she ended up getting dumped for what… someone wealthier?

And now she needed to deposit funds for her mother’s health? Where the hell was she meant to get over a million dollars to perform the heart-lung transplant?!

Tears rolled down her cheeks as the night that she once thought was going to turn out perfectly, was in fact, turning out to be a total mess, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth and an aching feeling in her chest; one that begged desperately to be soothed.

As the thought crossed her mind, the illuminated Neon colored sign board of a nightclub caught her attention, and she made a decision.

Tonight, she would forget everything.

She would drink, dance and do whatever else it took to get rid of this feeling.

Tomorrow could have her tears and regrets. Tomorrow, she would plan her next steps and face the harsh reality of being discarded like she was nothing.

But tonight? Tonight, she wanted to forget the crushing and bitter reality of her life, even if it was just for a fleeting moment.

Wiping her face with trembling fingers, Noelle squared her shoulders and inhaled deeply, drawing courage from her defiance. With her chin held high and a spark of determination igniting in her chest, she stepped forward, heels clicking on the pavement as she headed toward the nightclub’s glowing promise of escape.

The club's atmosphere was intoxicating, and Noelle was quick to get swept up in it and let loose the moment she stepped in, drinking glass after glass to drown the pain in her heart.

She was on her fifth glass and observing the clubbers who danced away without a care in the world, when her eyes caught that of a strange and a rather handsome looking one at that.

He was a few tables away, seated comfortably in one of the VIP boots, with his eyes fixed on her.

His gaze was intense, and it made Noelle’s breath catch in her throat. She held his stare, unable to look away even when she felt her cheeks heat up ever so slightly.

There was something about him that held her attention.

Perhaps it was because he eluded an air of mystery and nonchalant, that combined with his looks, had Noelle’s heart skipping a beat.

Suddenly, he held up his drink, a silent, yet subtle smirk dancing along the lines of his lips as he toasted.

Noelle hesitated for a moment before lifting her drink in response.

The man smiled, pleased by her response, but made no further effort to interact with her. Suddenly, her attention was stolen away when a hand grabbed her wrist.

“Hey baby, why are you here alone? Come dance with me.” A tipsy looking man grinned.

Noelle immediately shook her head, feeling annoyed and slightly uncomfortable.

“Sorry, not interested.” She said and tried to pull her arm away, but the guy’s grip tightened.

“Aww come on, don’t be like that.”

“I said, no. Let go of me!”

“What’s the matter, baby? You think you’re too good for me?”

“Excuse me, but I believe the lady is not interested.” A deep, velvety voice suddenly cut in, and the next thing Noelle knew, the guy’s grip was loosened and he was sent sprawling to the ground.

Noelle blinked, surprised. She looked up to see the man from earlier standing behind her, his expression stern and his eyes narrowed.

Up close, she could easily tell he was a few years older than her; ten years maybe?

“If you don’t want to get into trouble, then I suggest you leave and find someone else to bother.” He said, his tone firm and commanding.

The guy quickly scrambled to his feet, glaring at the man before storming off.

Once the little troublemaker was gone, the stranger fixed his attention on her. “Are you okay?” He asked.

She blinked a few times, still trying to process what was had just happened. “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you.” She said after a heart beat.

The man flashed her a smile, one that made her heart do a weird flip in her chest and cause heat to creep up the back of her neck.

“Glad to hear.” He replied, but instead of returning to his seat like Noelle anticipated, he pulled out the stool beside her. “May I?”

Noelle nodded, not knowing what else to say. As she watched him sink into the stool, her eyes travelled over his face, studying his features.

He was handsome, with a strong jawline and high cheekbones, his dark hair swept back neatly and his blue eyes bright.

But it was his lips that drew her attention. They were full and kissable, and Noelle, under the alcohol’s influence, she chose to believe, had the sudden urge to know what they would feel like against hers.

“It seems like you’re here all alone? No friends, no companion, what’s the story?”

Noelle blinked, pulling herself out of her thoughts before answering. “It’s been a shitty night.” She said. “Just came here to let lose.”

“Uh huh.” The man nodded with a subtle smile on his lips while his eyes racked over her form.

His gaze felt so penetrating, almost as if he were trying to read her like an open book.

Noelle couldn’t help but adjust uncomfortably in her seat, trying her best to ignore the shivers that went through her body and the obvious throb in between her legs.

This was obviously the handiwork of the alcohol; she convinced herself. Or perhaps because the man in front of her was undeniably hot.

Far more than Jason…

Her mood seem to sore at the remembrance of that bastard.

Thankfully, before her thoughts could spiral into it’s once depressive state, her handsome companion spoke up again.

“Mind me getting you another glass?” He offered, pointing at her now empty glass.

More alcohol to drown her shitty day; Noelle didn’t see any valid reason why she should reject the offer.

“Sure.”

As he waved over the bartender, Noelle couldn’t help but notice how graceful his movements were, despite his large size.

He moved with the confidence of someone who was used to getting what he wanted, and it was a confidence that Noelle found herself attracted to.

The bartender came over, and the man ordered two drinks.

Noelle watched in silence, wondering what she should do next.

She wasn’t looking for a hook-up, but the man’s presence was intoxicating, and it was obvious she felt some sort of sexual attraction towards him.

Perhaps…this was exactly what she needed, a one night stand, where she could simply let go and forget about her problems.

What other way to forget her pain than countering it with pleasure. And besides, when was the last time she got laid?

By the time the drinks had arrived, Noelle had made up her mind. She chugged down her shot in one go and turned to the man, who was watching her with a raised brow.

“Say, Mister,” she began. “If I’m not being too bold, would you be interested in having sex with me?”