I bounce on my feet, body swaying side to side, and sigh. Cathy doesn’t notice. She’s got her arms above her head, hips sashaying in time with the music, eyes drooping from adrenaline and alcohol. I have no idea where Ellie and Julia have buggered off to, but I wish they’d come back. If they’ve gone home and left me here, I’ll kill them. Some guy sidles up behind me, puts his hands on my hips and pulls me against him. Reason five billion and seven why I hate clubbing. I peel his hands off me, glaring at him over my shoulder. He just smiles back, not getting the message. Great. Just what I need. I tell him where to go, shouting to be heard over the pounding music, and he holds his hands up in surrender, stumbling back a step. ‘Whoa, chill out,’ he slurs, but walks away. I grab Cathy’s arm to get her attention, and her eyes snap open, taking a few seconds to focus on me. ‘I’m going outside. I need some air.’ ‘Okay. I’ll be at the bar. Come find me there. Do you want me to get you another drink?’ Another drink would make this more bearable, but I’m not in the mood for it.
