Chapter 148
Chapter 148:
Soon, the energy in the bar picked up. The server returned, leading a group of handsome men — each one tall, well-built, and striking. Two wore open leather jackets that left little to the imagination. Kailey pressed her palms to her cheeks, half-convinced she was caught in a dream. “Felicity, are you seriously going through with this p>
“What do you expect me to do instead?” With a dramatic roll of her eyes, Felicity rose from her seat. “Come on, Kailey, you only live once! What’s there to be afraid of?” She turned and pointed at the group. “You, and you! Take good care of my friend tonight. Don’t worry about the cost — I’ll cover everything p>
The two men Felicity had singled out settled at their table while the rest reluctantly drifted away. Young, wealthy customers like these didn’t appear every night, and both women were striking enough that most of the men wouldn’t have complained even without payment.
Kailey’s cheeks glowed, warmed by the drinks she had already had. Turning to the man beside her, she managed a polite smile. “Hi p>
He laughed, clearly charmed by her shyness. “Hi p>
Before the conversation could go any further, Felicity plopped down between them and started pouring drinks. “Enough small talk! Let’s have some real fun! Drink up, everyone p>
With two more people joining in, the games multiplied quickly. Dice games were the crowd’s favorite. Kailey, feeling a little lightheaded, played round after round without ever quite grasping the rules.
As the night wore on, the bar filled up and the atmosphere grew more electric. Lights flashed in every color, sending a whirl of energy through the crowded room. “I can’t keep up…” Kailey shook her head, feeling dizzy, and slumped forward against the table. “I need a bathroom break p>
The man beside her instantly offered his arm. “Let me help you, babe p>
𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘯
Already calling her “babe” after only a few minutes together? Kailey stifled a laugh and waved him off. “No need. I can walk just fine p>
She took a steadying breath, snatched her phone from the table, and slipped away toward the restroom. The thumping music faded as she left the main area behind. The hallway near the restroom felt noticeably quieter compared to the busy floor.
Kailey cast a quick glance behind her to make sure she wasn’t being followed, then gradually slowed her pace. She pulled her cardigan a little closer and stepped through the doorway. Along the way she passed a few couples lost in their own world, blinking in faint surprise before reminding herself — in a bar, that sort of thing was hardly unusual. She quickened her step and slipped quietly into the restroom.
Felicity must have been carrying a lot lately. Now that she was finally free from her family’s constant supervision, it was as if she had broken loose entirely.
After rinsing her hands, Kailey leaned against the sink and studied her reflection. Her face, so familiar, was flushed with color, and her eyes looked dazed and unfocused. The image felt strange, almost like looking at someone she didn’t quite recognize. She tilted her head, and the reflection mirrored her. She gave her cheek two light taps, and it copied her exactly.
“Why does she look so much like me?” she whispered.