"Guys, this is my cousin"

Jack's house was crowded as I expected. His parents' dinner parties are always amazing, and this was no exception. It was taking place outside in the garden, the air filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation.

The garden was well-lit with beautiful lanterns hanging from the trees, decorated with cream flowers that complemented the green of the surrounding foliage.

The table was adorned with more of these stunning flowers, and a buffet of different foods was laid out.

I didn't even know when Sam left my side – the last I saw him was when we entered. I saw Jack's parents and they were very happy to see me.

"Hey, Ray! It's great to see you!" said Mrs. Robinson, her face breaking into a warm smile.

"It's great to see you too, Mrs. Robinson," I said as I hugged her tightly, feeling a surge of affection for her.

"And it's so good to have you here, Ray," said Mr. Robinson as he shook my hand firmly, his grip strong and reassuring.

"Please enjoy yourself. Make sure you try the chicken, it's amazing!" Jack's father added, his eyes twinkling.

"I sure will, sir," I responded, smiling at him as I left them to attend to other guests.

I looked around and found my friends at a corner discussing something – Jack, Phoebe, and sure, Sam was already there with them. I joined them and soon, dinner was served.

The food was superb – tender chicken with a savory marinade, creamy mashed potatoes, and crisp, steaming green beans.

We chatted and laughed for a while, the night was going great.

We finished dinner and in about an hour, we were all on our way to the club. Jack went alone as Kira will be meeting us there while Sam and Phoebe were with me.

We arrived at the club, the neon bulbs shining brightly in the dark with the name Perfect Night illuminated.

We all went in and the full dose of the club hit me – the heady scent of alcohol, sweat, and perfume, creating a heady mixture that made me dizzy.

It was a far cry from the fresh, clean scent of the outdoors.

The music was much louder inside – a pulsing mix of electronic dance beats and catchy pop hooks that made me want to move my feet. I could feel the bass vibrating through the floor and into my bones.

It took me about a minute for my eyes to adjust to the dimly lit room. The atmosphere of the club was electric, with people laughing and chatting and dancing like they didn't have a care in the world. It was a welcome respite from the stresses of everyday life.

The neon bulbs shone brightly in the dim room, casting a harsh light on the faces and clothes of the people around me.

Some looked garish and over-exposed, while others seemed to glow with an almost otherworldly beauty.

At one end of the room, some teens were making out. A particular couple caught my attention.

They were lost in their own little world, oblivious to everything around them. The girl had her arms wrapped tightly around the boy's neck, while he had one hand on her waist and the other tangled in her hair.

We headed for the counter and ordered drinks to cool off. I got mine, the drink was icy cold, the condensation from the glass dripping down my fingers. I took a long pull from the straw, feeling the refreshing liquid slake my thirst.

"Hey guys, over here." We turned and saw Kira waving. She was dressed in a short, sparkly dress that showed off her long legs. We stood and headed towards her.

I froze immediately when I saw someone else coming up behind her. My heartbeat picked up as I didn't expect to see her here.

'What is she doing here?' I asked myself, my gaze locked on the figure sauntering towards me.

Lily was a vision in black, her curves poured into a tight mini-skirt that barely covered the top of her thighs and a white tank top stretched taut across her chest, showcasing her ample curves. She seemed pretty ready for the club.

As she noticed me, she slowed her pace and snaked her hands around my upper body.

"Hmmm…. What do we have here?"

My legs were glued to the floor as she approached, the sultry atmosphere thick with tension. I closed my eyes, trying to get a hold of myself. When I opened them, I grabbed her hands away from my body.

Still holding onto her, I said, "This is not the time and place for this, Lily."

She freed herself from my grip and held her chest in pretense. "You are breaking my heart," she said with sarcasm dripping in her voice.

"Like I care," I said through gritted teeth, my expression stony as I walked away to join my friends who had left me to deal with Lily.

I sat down in one of the two empty chairs and swallowed a glass of alcohol in one gulp. I poured myself another glass and gulped it down too.

"What's up, man?" Jack said, nudging me by the arm.

"Is it because of Lily?" Sam asked.

"That girl gives me the creeps. I don't know how she manages to get on my nerves," I replied.

"Just relax. That's the essence of being here. To relax," Sam said, patting me on the shoulder.

"What about your cousin you told us about?" Phoebe asked Kira.

"She went to relieve herself. She will be here anytime from now," Kira answered.

We continued talking about school and other stuff until we were interrupted by someone. We all looked up and I saw her.

I saw her and my heart skipped a beat. She was stunning in a black mini gown that hugged her curves in all the right places. She had long, flowing hair that gave a kind of glow in the club's dim light, and her bright blue eyes sparkled with mischief.

Her skin was smooth and flawless, and her lips were full and pouty. I couldn't believe how beautiful she looked and a bit different from how we met earlier today.

Kira stood up as she said, "Guys, this is my cousin, Mia."

"Mia, these are my friends, Phoebe, Sam, and Ray. Jack here (pointing to Jack) is my boyfriend."

"Nice meeting you," She said as she shook hands with everyone. Her hands were small in mine, soft and warm.

She sat down in the chair next to me as that was the only chair unoccupied.