Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
It’s a common thing in Emerald Isle for the houses that aren’t directly on the water. It’s four bedrooms, three bathrooms, with a full outside shower. The house is on stilts giving us the view from the rooftop. Mom hates our house. She didn’t want to live on “the island”, as the locals call Emerald Isle. She wanted to be on the other side of the high-rise bridge with space between the houses. To my mom, everyone and their brother can hear every conversation in our house because they are so close. I think that is a bit dramatic, but I have to admit, the neighbor’s house is really close.
It surprises me really that our moms aren’t the best of friends. I know my mom doesn’t like Thomas Reigns. She has never given specific reasons for the way she feels. She hasn’t hidden her feelings though either. It’s a regular argument between my parents that we live in Thomas Reigns’ house. In fact, that is mom’s biggest complaint. Thomas Reigns has all the power over my family. Since my dad is employed solely by him all of our income is because of Reigns. Our house is not a traditional mortgage. While I don’t actually know much about the house buying process, I know that my mom bitches loudly every month when my dad gives the check to Thomas for the house payment.
I know it’s their business, not mine, but when they argue so loud and often, I kind of can’t avoid the knowledge. Outside of my parents arguing, I really live a good life. There isn’t a thing in this life my dad doesn’t work to give me. My mom while she’s not what I expect a mom to be as far as involved or comforting for me, she doesn’t deny me anything either. We won’t be having any long talks or walks or much of that. They live their lives and I have mine. We are like two ships passing in the night some days and that’s okay with all of us.
Alas, this is our family dynamic and I’m grateful for the escape to Diem’s where things feel easy and normal. Tonight, being a holiday, we’re both donning new outfits we ordered online. I’m in an all-black jumpsuit with flared legs that is form fitting through my waist and top with only one shoulder. The accent to my look is my leopard-print pumps. Diem is wearing a little black dress with teal heels that draw the eyes to her lean, long, tan legs.
I have spent the last hour straightening my naturally wavy hair before adding in a few hot-pink extensions. Diem has this natural jet-black hair that has a coarse texture with volume that at times drives her nuts. She spends time at the salon regularly getting a blow out to make it faster for her to manage. Tonight, she’s opted for a tight bun adding a peacock feather sticking out of the top to bring out more of the teal from her shoes.
With one final coat of mascara, we are headed out to Booty’s full of excitement and anticipation for the night ahead.
I don’t know what it is about a nightclub that make everything else disappear. Walking in just like every other time, it’s dark with only neon lights illuminating areas. The music is already going, and the bar is filled up along with the pool tables. As soon as we enter, Diem and I both begin to sway with the sounds of the music as we go directly to the bar. Being local has it’s perks as the bartender sees us and comes over before we can even signal, we need a drink.
She is wearing booty shorts and a vest in all black. “What’s gonna be your poison tonight?” With every move she makes I worry her boobs might fall out of her top. Hopefully she’s taped them in place. I can respect her hustle. In the summer, I’m sure this get up earns her more tips than a tank top or t-shirt would.
“I’ll take a dirty martini and she’ll have a Cosmo,” I answer pointing to Diem beside me.
In moments the drinks are in front of us and we quickly down them as we take in the vibe for the night. This is the thing about the beach life, some nights it’s rock and roll, other nights it’s beach music swing, and tonight it’s club music with a deep bass. Everyone around us seems to be in a mood to mingle and celebrate. The energy is exciting and intoxicating all its own especially with the people on the dance floor wearing glow bracelets and necklaces drawing my eyes in as my body is ready to dance the night away.
Everywhere we turn there is another New Year’s decoration with hats, glasses, and bead necklaces laying around for anyone to wear. With all the movement, we stay put dancing near the bar or relaxing on bar stools as we take in a few more drinks.