Chapter 3 Chapter Three
Vanessa's Pov
The BMW slowed to a stop in front of a sleek building. Neon blue letters spelled out HOCKEY HOUSE, and the bass from inside thumped so hard I could feel it in my chest. I can't remember the last time I was here.
I stepped out of the car and tried to smooth my hair but it kept hitting me in the face. I should've taken mom's advice and cut it. Suddenly, I remembered when Danny kissed me and told me never to cut my hair.
“You nervous?” Bean asked as she hooked her arms with mine.
“I'm sweating bullets over here.” I said with a nervous laugh.
“You'll be fine. I promise. We're only here to get wild. Nothing else.” She led to the front door.
“Sure,” I smiled and crossed my fingers behind me. “Let's get wild.”
As we entered the living room, warm, golden light spilled over me, carrying the scent of whiskey and perfume. I hate it here already.
Before I could take it all in, Bean's voice cut through the music. “Who's ready to partyyyyy?
The guests erupted in whoops so loud I had to cover my ears.
As if that wasn't enough, Marco flew towards us and engulfed her in a hug. The couple shared a passionate kiss reminding me why I'm single.
When they pulled away for air, Bean wrapped her arms around my shoulder. “Hey, remember Nessa?”
“Elsa,” Marco grinned. “How could I forget?”
“It's Nessa.” I corrected him with a small smile. He did it on purpose.
“Who cares as long as it's you.” He took my hand and planted a kiss on my knuckles. “Welcome.”
Is he even supposed to do that?
Bean nudged me with a laugh. “He's like that with everyone. Come on, let's go meet the guys.”
“Oh no. I'm good.” I smiled.
“Noooo,” Marco smiled. “You have to.”
I pulled back my arm and forced a smile. “Umm. I'll just have a drink.”
Bean looked hurt for a moment before she masked it with a smile. “Sure. I'll come find you later.”
“Sure.”
Within minutes, Marco was dragging her towards the dance floor, spinning and laughing, her hair catching up the light like strands of gold.
I retreated to the makeshift bar with a sigh and slid onto a stool.
“Orange juice,” I told the bartender.
“Sorry. We only have alcohol.” He said.
“Oh, then I guess a glass of water?” I asked, hoping they'll have any liquid that isn't alcohol
“Sure.” he poured me a glass and slid it towards me.
I took small sips and watched the crowd sway to the music. I could never do that. Eww.
Somewhere to my left, the scent of sandalwood and spice drifted to my side and my chest tightened. I knew that scent. I knew it the same way I knew my own heartbeat.
He sat down beside me, slightly brushing his arm against mine. “Strawberry margarita, please.”
I turned and there he was — Danny Glover, looking effortlessly hot in a shirt and jeans.
My eyes went wild for a second before I looked away immediately. What the hell was he doing here? Then I remembered that he lives here.
“Nessa?” He called my name softly.
I exhaled and turned to look at him. “Hey, stranger.”
“Stranger,” he laughed. “Got it.”
“Here you go, man.” The bartender passed him his drink.
“Thanks, man.” Danny told him and took a small sip. His eyes fell on my glass of water and he turned to the bar tender. “Orange juice with ice.”
The bartender grinned. “That'll cost ya.”
“Oh no. You don't have to—”
Danny gave me a small wave and bought the drink.
“Here you go, ma'am.” The other guy passed me the glass with a drink and I nearly socked him in the eye. He lied to me!
“You don't go to parties otherwise you wouldn't know non-alcoholic drinks apart from water aren't free.” Danny explained.
I don't know what I'd do with that knowledge but I just nodded and mumbled a ‘thank you’.
Danny took a sip before turning to face me. “Here isn't your scene so I'm guessing Bean dragged you here?”
My brows furrowed. “You know Bean?” Bean wasn't my roommate until second year and I didn't get the chance to tell him about her because we broke up the same year.
“Yeah,” he nodded towards her on the dance floor. “Marco told us about her.”
By us, I'm guessing everyone in the Hockey House.
I heard a series of hooting and looked. Several hockey players were hooting at Dylan who was drinking alcohol from a funnel. I turned to my right and found a couple making out. My skin crawled.
“You look uncomfortable. Wanna go upstairs?” Danny offered his hand.
As tempting as that sounds, I want nothing to do with him anymore.
“No, thanks,” I swat his hand away and rose. “Um… let's never do this again.”
I grabbed my purse and practically ran into the kitchen. I remember it because I'd been to the Hockey House but that was only when they guys were out. At that time I didn't want to introduce myself to the team yet. I was terrified of them. Looking back I told myself I made an awesome decision.
I dropped my purse on the counter and caught my breath. That was close.
“Nessa,” a soft voice whispered behind me.
I cursed under my breath before turning to find Marco walking straight towards me.
“Marco?” I barely got a response because he pulled me into his embrace.
“Marco, let go!” I panicked. Warning bells went off in my head. Warming : you shouldn't be hugging your best friend's boyfriend. Well, he's the one hugging me.
“Marco!” I managed to push him away. “Stop!”
“Come on,” he sighed. “Do you hate me or something?”
I scoffed. “What?”
“You do because you hated me ever since Bean told you we were dating.” he pinched his face.
“I don't hate you,” I sighed. “I never have.”
“Then kiss me. I want to kiss you.” He took a step forward.
I took one back. “No. We can't. I won't do that to Bean. I'll forgive you because you're drunk.”
“Then if you won't kiss me, I will.” He grinned. But he'd barely touched me before a hand shot out and shoved him away from me.