Page 31 of The Virgin Romance Novelist Chronicles
“You just had a bad reaction, no big deal.”
“It’s a big deal when all I want to do is spread my legs and act like a damn ape scratching his balls on a hot day.”
“Do apes do that?” she asked with a quizzical eyebrow.
“In my head they do. Okay, got to go.” I leaned over and gave Delaney a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll text you later.”
“Have fun.” She waved at me and then clapped her hands together.
The subway ride over to the club was nerve-racking, especially since I looked so out of place. Then again, it was New York City, so what actually constituted normal? I loved every ounce of the city that was an eclectic melting pot of weirdoes—everyone was so different to the next person—and I was proud to be one of them.
Jenny said Atticus wanted to pick me up at my apartment, but I thought that was silly since we would have to take the subway to the club anyway. Plus, I wasn’t quite ready to be alone with him, especially since I’d never met the guy, so riding by myself made more sense. I thought it was awfully considerate; Jenny and Delaney had other thoughts.
Once I got off the subway and walked the couple blocks to the club, all my nerves vanished as excitement blossomed when a gathering of people, dressed up just like me, were collected together, anticipation in their bouncing feet to get out on the dance floor came into view.
Jenny, Drew, and Atticus were all standing on the sidewalk talking when I walked up to them.
“Hi, guys.”
“Rosie, you made it.” Jenny gave me a big hug while I chanced a glimpse at Atticus.
He fit in perfectly by wearing cuffed grey tweed pants, shoes that matched his pants, and a white shirt with red suspenders and a red bow tie. His hair was slicked to the side and his brown eyes looked warm and inviting.
“Rosie, meet Atticus,” Jenny said. She looked adorable in her knee-length, brown dress and white gloves.
“Atticus, it’s great to finally meet you,” I said while holding out my hand.
“Likewise. Jenny has told me so much about you.”
“Well, I hope I live up to what she’s said,” I answered shyly.
“You do.” He smiled kindly at me.
Oh he was sweet.
I could hear the silent squee in Jenny’s mind as she looped her hand around Drew’s arm and walked into the club, leaving Atticus and me to follow closely behind. He offered his arm to me like a gentlemen, and I took it, letting him guide me inside.
The club was covered in plush red and gold colors with intricate details that instantly brought me back to the era of swing. Old-school New York décor flanked every corner of the room, adding feelings of nostalgia to the ambiance. An impressive chandelier graced the ceiling of the dance floor where couples were swinging already and showing off some impressive moves. I couldn’t be more excited.
“You look beautiful by the way,” Atticus said into my ear as we followed Jenny and Drew to a table. “I’m sorry I didn’t say it right away. I’m kind of rusty when it comes to this dating thing.”
“That’s okay. I am too, and you look very handsome.”
“Thank you.” He smiled at me and pulled me in a little closer. I was already starting to like Atticus. He was soft spoken and sweet . . . right up my alley.
“Will this be all right?” Jenny asked about the booth they started to sit in.
“Looks good to me,” I said. I sat next to her, and Atticus took the seat to my right.
His arm wrapped around behind me on the cushioned bench seat as he looked out at the dance floor, surveying the ambiance and band.
“Wow, there are some amazing dancers out there tonight.”
“Do you come here often?” I asked, silently agreeing with him.
“I try to. It’s been tough lately. My dad’s been in the hospital with cancer, so I haven’t had much time to go out.”
“Oh no, I’m so sorry.”
