Florence followed his cousin, Xavier, go through the waves of bodies dancing, skin’s rubbing other’s skin. The scent of perfumes, cigars and menthol filled the air. Just like the bodies, the lights were dancing around in its various colors: red, blue, purple, and green. As he took more steps inside, a faint smoke welcomed his face and Florence held his breath for less than a minute.

Florence wasn’t fond of these kind of places but he wanted distractions most of the time. He just couldn’t stay inside his condo unit for only he was seeing her shadows around. It’s been months but he still reminisced. He couldn’t help it, although he really knew he wanted to stop but he just couldn’t.

Xavier looked back at him, checking him if he’s following. Florence nodded at Xavier. His cousin just flashed another grin again and pointed a corner at the club. Florence understood the gesture and took steps toward the direction while Xavier, on the other hand, went to the counter and talked to a bartender.

Florence sat down on a couch and waited. His eyes watched the crowd getting jam-packed as the minutes pass. The dj changed the music that made the crowd screamed in approval. Everyone must like this song.

The song was familiar to him, he could say it was a song by Sza or Doja Cat. He couldn’t tell since both of the singers were good at making music. He started nodding at the beat, synching and enjoying the upbeat music as he waited.

“In the dark right now, feeling lost but I like it. . .” The lyrics of the song hit him lowkey, but Florence ignored it and kept on nodding.

Minutes passed, Xavier came to their table. He was saying something but Florence couldn’t hear him due to the club’s loud and upbeat music.

“What?” he asked his cousin.

Xavier bended slightly to hover his mouth over Florence’s right ear. “I said, I have to check my friends on the other side in this clube for a moment. I’ll just let them know I arrived already.”

Florence nodded. “Sure, go ahead.”

Xavier tapped his shoulder and left instantly. Florence sank on the couch, making himself comfortable without diminishing the chill poise he maintained a minute ago.

He was there alone, until a woman stood in front of him. He looked up and saw a charming smile from her face.

“Hi!” she greeted, almost screaming at him for him to hear.

“Hi,” he answered, thinking that she might not hear him. He didn’t give effort to volume his voice up.

“Are you alone?” she asked as she bended slightly so he could hear her even more.

He shook his head. “Ah, no. I’m with my cousin.”

“I see,” she replied. “Let’s go to the dance floor, shall we?”

Florence showed a hesitant smile. “Oh, no thanks. I am actually not going to stay here for too long.”

“What?” she asked and moved closer to him.

Florence has no choice but to repeat it. “I am not going to stay here for too long.” This time, he raised his voice.

“Ah. . .” She started nodding. “I see,” the woman muttered. Florence looked at her eyes and realized how drunk she is.

“Damn,” he whispered. “Miss, you must have a seat. You’re too drunk!”

She hiccuped. “No, no! I am okay, mister. Don’t worry about me, I used to do this!” She said and pointed something on her hand. That was the time Florence found a bottle of red wine on her hand.

He shook his head as he watched the woman walk away groggily this time. She seemed to be okay a while ago, he thought grimly.

Out of nowhere, a familiar figure caught his eyes that eventually widen when realization hit him. It was a swift movement and the lights were moving. He couldn’t believe what he just saw. His eyes might be tripping but he knew. He couldn’t be wrong.

IT'S KELA!

Instantly, he got up on his feet and followed the woman who was heading to the comfort room. He took doubled steps at a time just to reach her and by the time he could extend his arms to touch her, she stepped into the hallway of the comfort room.

“Kela!” he called out instead of stepping in the hallway. “Hey! Hey!”

The woman stopped and glanced over her shoulder. She frowned at him, not recognizing him at all.

Florence felt like he’s been splashed with cold iced water when he found out he was wrong.

The unknown woman raised a brow at him. “I am sorry? Are you talking to me, Sir?” she asked politely.

Florence gulped an imaginary lump on his throat. “Sorry, I thought you’re a friend of mine. I am sorry to bother.”

The woman waved her hand goodbye, telling him no worries in gestures, and proceeded to the doors. Florence felt a prick inside his chest and savored the torment of being so stupid.

He still has the hope inside him that she’d be here around the corner, coming back to see him again. He wanted to punch himself for being naïve and head-over-heels in love with Kela. Why does his intuition keep on telling him she’d be here? Why does this feeling keep him out from signing the contract because he knew she’d be here?

She’s not coming back, he reminded himself. For heaven’s sake, he’s getting married. He signed the contract already. That’s all he needed to focus on.

Shoulders almost drawn too low, he looked down as he strode back to his table but before he could reach the spot, a body bumped into him.

“OH MY FRIGGIN’ GOSH!” she shrieked on his ear. “My dress! Damn, what did you do to my dress?”

Florence frowned and glanced at her. “Excuse me? I think you’re the one who bumped on me, Miss.”

From staring at her chest, her eyes looked up at him, glaring with annoyance that eventually turned into anger. “WHAT!”

Florence froze. This woman. . .

“Don’t you know that this dress cost a thousand dollar! You couldn’t afford it, and now it’s all ruined!” she cried out like a school kid losing her only toy. “I smelled like tequila now, it’s all your fault!”

She’s really drunk, Florence thought and looked around. No one seemed to notice her screaming because of the loud music. He glanced back at her and watched her intently.

“You must pay for this, moron!” She snapped a finger at him. “You must pay for this, I am telling you!” Then instantly, she ran to the direction of the comfort room.

He followed her by his eyes until he heard Xavier’s laughter from his back. Florence took a deep breath before facing his cousin who kept on laughing at him.

“Too bad,” Xavier muttered and laughed again. “I think your future wife hates you already, couz’.”

He's right. That woman was Stacy Lopez.