C8 REVENGE

Noah was cool. He had dimples and baby-blue eyes. A gentle smile and a sweet voice. What was there not to like?

Yet, Bailey found herself so bored and on the verge of dozing off.

“I'm boring you, right?”

“Uh…no. You're very…um…entertaining and…” Bailey trailed off, looking so embarrassed. She couldn't deny that he was so boring.

“You don't need to force a conversation. I understand.”

Noah smiled at her genuinely. He never looked at her in a lewd manner but with nothing less of adoration.

“You know what? How about we reach a compromise?”

“Okay…”

“How about we get so drunk and lose ourselves on the dance floor? I mean, that's why we're here.” He smiled again and Bailey couldn't help but compare him to Carlos.

Carlos would never admit to something as simple as being boring. He wouldn't even think of a way out.

Bailey cursed as she remembered she wasn't supposed to be thinking about Carlos. She was here to get wasted and dance away the frustration she felt.

“Deal!”

“Hey,! Give me the strongest stuff here.” Bailey ordered the waiter, suddenly eager to party.

She would make Carlos regret his decision.

“Oh my! You drink with such vengeance. Are you angry?” Noah asked after he watched her down three shots at a go.

“Yeah. I…hate mmm…my husband.” Bailey slurred, reaching out for the next shot.

“Husband? You're married?” There was evident shock and hurt on Noah's face.

“Yeah. I think it's better to remain a spinster than to be with my husband.”

“You must hate that guy, you didn't even slur,” Noah noted, amused. He signaled to the bartender to cease the alcohol.

“Hate is a…a strong word. I despise him.” Bailey spat out as she stood up.

If this fine young man wouldn't let her have fun with the drinks, the least she could do was dance.

Just as she made her way down the bar steps, she slipped, and as expected, Noah reached out and caught her, hugging her tightly to his chest.

Moved by her drunk-induced courage, Bailey clung on to him, hugging him.

“Bailey. Isn't this inappropriate?”

“I don't care, Noah. My husband does worse.”

As she remembered the image of Vivian on his bed, it fueled her anger and courage. If Carlos could cheat, then she was free too.

“I’m attracted to you, Bailey. But you're married. I can't touch another man's wife.”

Bailey dragged him to the dance floor amidst his complaints. But on the dance floor, she met someone she didn't want to see. Miguel Fernandez.

“Bailey. You're…here.”

He looked angry and disgusted, but Bailey didn't care. This was a fight between her and Carlos.

“What are you doing here?”

“I'm doing exactly what you came to do.” Bailey snapped at him. She was bitter that even Miguel, Carlos' trusted friend, didn't stop him from cheating.

“Are you drunk? Jeez! And I thought I was the irresponsible one.” He muttered as he dragged her to a booth.

“What made you think I’m drunk? Let go!” Bailey whined as he sat her down.

“She's in safe hands now. Get lost!” Miguel growled at Noah, trying to intimidate him.

“Don't speak to him like that. Noah, please have a seat.”

“How stupid are you? You're going to be all over the news tomorrow and you're making the situation worse.

“What do you mean by ‘news’?”

“Do you think that there are no paparazzi or reporters here? They're everywhere! Especially clubs. So, get ready to see a picture of you snuggling a man that's not your husband.”

“He could be my father.” Bailey giggled, making Miguel sigh in exasperation.

“Your father? Pigs will fly before Edward Whitney shows something akin to an emotion.” Miguel said, scoffing.

He was waiting for Carlos to show up and despite how badly he yearned to join the party, he couldn't leave Bailey alone with Noah and the horny men around the hall, who had been eyeing her all along.

Bailey blinked up at Miguel, trying to process what he was saying.

"My father? Really?" she mumbled, still giggling.

Miguel shook his head, exasperated. "Bailey, you're going to regret this in the morning."

Before she could respond, Ava burst onto the scene, her wild curls bouncing with each step.

"What's going on here?" she demanded, hands on her hips.

“And, who are you?” Miguel asked, looking unimpressed.

“Ava. Bailey's best friend. Why's she here and not on the dance floor, rocking horny strangers?”

"Your friend here," Miguel gestured to Bailey, "is making a mess of things. She needs to go home."

“Miguel, why don’t you let her have some fun?" Ava shot back.

"Carlos is out there doing who-knows-what with who-knows-who. She deserves a night out."

Bailey perked up at the sound of Ava’s voice. "Ava! You're here!" she exclaimed, trying to stand up but wobbling on her feet.

Ava caught her just in time. "Whoa there, tiger. Let's get you some water."

Noah, who had been watching the exchange with a concerned expression, finally spoke up.

"Maybe we should all just calm down and talk this out."

"Talk it out?" Miguel scoffed. "She's drunk and about to make headlines. And why are you still here?"

"Well, maybe Carlos should’ve thought of that before he cheated."

Ava snapped. She turned to Bailey, who was now slumped in the booth.

“Girl, you don’t need to worry about anything. We’re here to have fun, right?"

Bailey nodded slowly. "Yeah, fun."

Miguel sighed. "Ava, you’re not helping. I will have to manhandle you if necessary."

"Who says I’m trying to help you?" Ava retorted.

"I’m here for my best friend. And if she wants to dance, she’s gonna dance."

With that, Ava helped Bailey to her feet and led her to the dance floor. Noah followed, looking uncertain, while Miguel trailed behind, muttering under his breath.

The music thumped loudly as they reached the center of the dance floor. Ava started to sway to the beat, encouraging Bailey to do the same. "Come on, Bails, just let loose!"

"Relax, Miguel!" Ava shouted over the music. "We’re just dancing. No need to look like an underfed guard dog"

"This is a bad idea," he replied, but even he couldn’t help tapping his foot to the beat.

As the night went on, Bailey began to feel a bit more sober. She glanced at Noah, who was still by her side and smiled. "Thanks for not taking advantage of me."

Noah grinned. "Never."

Just then, Ava twirled over to them, grabbing Bailey’s hand. "You’re doing great, Bails! See? Who needs Carlos?"

Bailey’s smile faltered. "I don’t know, Ava. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea."

"Nonsense!" Ava insisted. "You’re allowed to have fun. Carlos doesn’t get to control your life."

"But he’s still my husband," Bailey replied a hint of sadness in her voice.

"Yeah, a husband who cheats," Ava shot back. "You deserve better."

Miguel, who had been listening, finally stepped in.

"Look, Ava, we all know Carlos messed up. But getting drunk and making a scene isn’t going to help Bailey."

Ava glared at him. "And what’s your solution? Take her home so she can cry herself to sleep? She needs to let off some steam."

Before Miguel could respond, a commotion at the entrance of the club caught their attention. A tall figure was making his way through the crowd, and Bailey’s heart sank as she recognized him.

Carlos.