Page 18 of Ruby’s Outback Love

“Yes, Sarah. She’s four years older than me and a Chemist, as in a pharmaceutical chemist.”

“How is your study going?” Renée was studying Economics and loving it, God only knew why. I couldn’t imagine anything more boring.

“Good. My grades are in the top one percent so I’m pretty happy. It’s easy to get good grades when you’re doing something you love.”

“I agree.” I adored nursing and the results of my first exams a week or so earlier had been excellent.

Our meals were placed on the table in front of us and we ate in silence for a few moments before chatting about whatever was doing the rounds on the gossip channels at Uni. The risotto was excellent and I made a silent promise to myself to come back again.

***

After a couple of hours spent enjoying dinner – good food, wine and conversation, we paid the bill and piled back into the car. Renée drove the short distance to a local club. Finding a parking space close to the venue proved to be tricky, thanks to its popularity. Thankfully, the tiny vehicle was perfectly sized to squeeze into a small gap between two larger vehicles.

The walk back to the club was a couple of hundred metres, quite a challenge for me in heels. My friends were obviously much more practiced at wearing the unsteady, crippling fashion statement and slowed down so I wouldn’t be left behind.

We reached the club and encountered a man on the door who was built like a small building. He was of Islander appearance, muscles bulged beneath the short sleeves of his black button up shirt and his arms were decorated with tattoos. He stood well over one hundred and ninety centimetres tall, or so I estimated. Anyone who voluntarily tangled with this man must have a death wish.

We paid the cover charge and headed inside. Janeen led us down a flight of red carpeted steps. Dance music blared from speakers as we descended into a dimly lit room. Huge chandeliers hung overhead, their lighting soft, creating a romantic atmosphere despite the head thumping noise.

My friends explained there were a couple of different areas, but this one had a large dance floor and a resident DJ. Benchtop surfaces and small tables were dark, polished wood. The seating – brown leather chairs while the carpet was red.

We pounced on an empty table near the dance floor, but far enough away from the DJ so we had a small chance of hearing each other when we spoke.

While Janeen and I took a seat, Renée headed to the bar to purchase our first round of drinks. Apart from a little wine with dinner, none of us drank alcohol. We could all watch out for one another.

Renée returned to the table with three large glasses of cola, set them down and dropped into a chair. While we sipped at the cold, fizzy liquid, we watched club patrons enjoying a dance. The song was a slow ballad, couples held each other close and swayed in time. Groups of girls swung their hips as they chatted, I had no idea how they could hear what they were saying.

“Heads up.”

Renée and I jerked our heads up and followed Janeen’s line of sight. A tall, very handsome man headed our way. Two equally tall and handsome men followed a step or two behind. The first man headed straight for Renée and thrust out his hand.

“I’m Callum. Dance?”

“Oh, honey. I’d love to but you’re not my type.”

“What are you saying, we only just met?” The expression on his face was quizzical.

“Honey, even if I’d known you for months, you would still not be my type. You have parts I’m not interested in.”

I watched his face as the penny dropped and he visibly relaxed.

“You don’t have the parts I’m interested in, but these two wanted to ask the other ladies to dance and refused to leave you sitting alone. As I haven’t locked my radar onto anyone as yet, I got roped into asking you. Not that I mind too much now.”

“I’m not a threat to you,” Renée laughed. “I have no one on my radar as yet either.”

“As I’m not to you. So, dance?”

Our friend stood, slipped her hand into Callum’s and allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor.

“Well, now that’s straightened out….” Another man stepped closer to me and offered his hand. “I’m Joel, please say you would like to dance.”

“I’m Ruby and how could I refuse?” I smiled, stood and slid my hand into his.

The other man, Tim, asked Janeen for a dance and they followed us onto the floor.

Music blasted our ears, my head vibrated with the noise and there was no point in attempting to converse.

For the following twenty minutes, Joel and I danced, smiled at each other, had quick words between songs where we managed to grab a few snippets about each other’s life and held each other when the music slowed.