Finding Home: A Club Dark Novel Read online

  “Good evening, Miss. Welcome to Cortia. Will you be visiting for a while?” I think I might really like it here; the people already seem friendly.

  “Oh, yes sir. I’ll be moving in,” I say excitedly as I exit the car.

  “Well, in that case, welcome home. They should be expecting you inside. We’ll make sure your belongings make it up,” he says with a gentle smile on his face, effectively settling some of the nerves pooling in my stomach.

  “Thank you, sir.” He nods and gets in the car.

  As I make my way to the building, I’m stunned by its eloquent beauty. It’s all sleek silvers and glass as far as the eye can see. Walking inside, I see it has a very modern look and feel to it. The lobby has the most inviting lounge I’ve ever seen. Set in the center of the room is a group of comfy black and gray bucket chairs with wooden end pieces adorned with long silver lamps. Just past the seating area is the main reception. This area is an L-shaped counter that stands up to my shoulders. It appears to be granite and gray in color and free of decorations. Behind the counter is a young woman with red hair cut in a cute little pixie-like style. Beside her, I assume is the hotel security, although the guy looks like he’s eaten one too many donuts.

  Smiling to myself, I head over to pixie. “May I help you?” she asks, looking down at me.

  “Hi, I’m Lacey Carter, I’m going to be co-renting an apartment with Amber…” I’m a bit nervous still, and I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I really hope they were expecting me or this could be awkward.

  “Ah, yes. We have been expecting you, Ms. Carter,” she says while cutting me off. Which is all the same to me since I don’t even know Amber’s last name. “Here’s your key. Ms. Morris informed us that she was called into work, so Mr. Bailey, our security guard on duty for the day, will be showing you to your apartment.” Ms. Morris? Oh, right. That must be Amber. Glad to have her last name now, and thrilled I get to actually explore the place on my own.

  Mr. Bailey leads me over to the elevators, and we climb inside. He sticks a keycard into the panel and punches in the numbers three and two. Oh no! That can’t be good. “This will be your keycard. It must be used to access any floor above 30. Those are our more private floors with only two apartments per level. There’s a penthouse on the top floor which you will not be able to access.” As he says all of this, I just stare at him completely dazed. Not only is this not some grungy apartment like I was expecting, but it has a penthouse and keycards and elevator men. My internal rambling stops as he continues on with his speech. “However, there is a state of the art gym, as well as a heated indoor pool on the ground level. You may come down whenever you like for a tour,” he says as I’m still silently going insane. Private floor…Penthouse…just who are these people and did I read the ad wrong? Maybe Amber forgot to put a zero in the price somewhere?

  “Well here we are,” he says just as the elevator opens up to a very plain foyer. There’s not even a single picture on the wall, with a door to the left and the right. Above the doors read 32A and 32B. “32B is yours. Mrs. Alder is in 32A. She’s an elder lady and usually keeps to herself. Your key should work from here. This is your keycard so you may access the elevators. Ms. Morris should be home soon enough to show you the ropes. So if I can be of no further assistance, I have work I need to finish up.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Bailey, I think I can manage from here.” He gives me a tight smile and begins to head back toward the elevators.

  I’m just getting ready to slide my card into the door when I hear him call out, “Oh, Ms. Carter, you should know, we have security on watch 24 hours a day. Each floor, room, and elevator are equipped with a panic button should you ever feel the need of using it. Enjoy your evening,” he says, and I watch as he steps back into the elevator before opening the door to my new home. I let his words wash over me, suddenly feeling an overwhelming amount of joy at the fact that this place has an excellent security system in place.

  Stepping inside, I’m once again amazed and a bit intimidated by what I see. This place is massive, bigger than any apartment than I’ve ever been in let alone lived. I first walk into a grand, open kitchen-what I would call a chef’s kitchen. There’s an island made up of the same black and gray granite that was out in the lobby. In the center of the island is a beautiful stainless steel double sink. Each looks like you could put an entire dishwasher full of dishes inside of them. Just behind the island is a wall, and along that wall stretches a long counter made up from the same black and gray counter tops as the island. In the center of the counter sits a stove that’ll make any chef’s dreams come true. It’s all stainless steel with a smooth flat surface. The cabinets are solid black which blends perfectly with the gray and granite in the room. Everything has that “No touch” feel to it. I can see myself spending endless hours cooking up a feast in here.

  To the left of the kitchen appears to be a doorway, looking inside, I notice a large buffet style table with eight chairs. Does she entertain a lot? Going further into the apartment, the kitchen opens up to what to what I would take as the living room. This room is just as large and just as impressive as the kitchen. In the center is a huge cubed shape, leather backed couch with big fluffy black cushions. In the center, at the opening, is a black oversized ottoman. I’m started to notice the dark vibe around here, and oddly, I like it. And the carpet? One look and I’m instantly a child again, rushing to slip my shoes off to sink my feet into the plushest carpet I’ve ever felt. After pulling my shoes off, I turn back toward the couch to see that it’s facing floor to ceiling windows with the curtains pulled back. How I missed that before is beyond me because the view is breathtaking! Gone is my fear of heights as I feel myself gliding toward the windows. The sun has already started to set, yet it feels like the city is just starting to wake up.

  What catches my attention most is the beautiful Space Needle. I have dreamt of seeing it in person my entire life, never did imagine that I’d be living in a place where I was able to stare out my window anytime I’d like just to get a glimpse of it. This place is overwhelming and so much more than I ever expected. I can feel my pulse start to rise as the panic starts to set in. What have I done? Who in their right mind would just drop everything and up and move twelve hours away without even knowing who they are moving in with? Without doing a background search or even stalking their Facebook page to make sure they aren’t crazy? Oh, that’s right. Someone who’s had their heart ripped to shreds by the one person they thought they loved and could trust completely.

  So here I am. Like a fool, running from my problems. But it beats the hell out of wallowing in them. Before I can dwell too much on it, I hear the sound of a key in the door moments before it opens up to a beautiful woman about six-feet tall— most of that length coming from her legs. Her skin is just the right shade of tan, and it’s clearly all natural. She has long black hair that is currently styled in large curls flowing down her back. It’s her clothes that grab my attention, though. She has on the shortest pair of shorts that I think I’ve ever seen, and a black midriff top that reads Club Dark across the chest. She’s gorgeous, but she looks completely out of place in a swanky building like this. She is nothing at all what I was expecting. She walks toward me with a blank stare splayed across her face; apparently, I wasn’t what she was expecting either.

  I’m just about to grab my things and walk out when she finally speaks, “You must be Lacey!” She says this like a statement not like a question.

  “I am. Are you Amber?” I ask raising my eyebrow in question.

  “The one and only,” she says as she walks into the kitchen, clicking her heels across the tile floor. I watch as she walks over to the fridge and pulls out what looks to be a bottle of wine. “Would you like some?” she asks politely.

  “No thanks,” I answer in a low voice, walking a little closer to her.

  “So, I take it you’ve had a look around? Have you found the place to your liking?”

  Now I’m looking at her like sh
e’s crazy because honestly, she would have to be if she thought I wouldn’t love this place. “Are you kidding? This place is breathtaking. I’m honestly not even sure I can afford it,” I tell her, wanting to be completely honest.

  “Well, I kinda assumed you would be coming here without a job. We can work on that later. First, let’s get you settled in.” She doesn’t even seem concerned that I have no source of income. Weird! “Have you found your room yet?” she asks after a moment.

  “No, actually I haven’t been here long. I was really just admiring the view.” I point my fingers toward the window like she doesn’t already know the view she has is stunning.

  “You looked pretty lost when I walked in,” she says with a smile on her face.

  “It’s just all a little overwhelming.” No way am I about to tell her the real reason for being out of it.

  “I’m sure you’d like to get settled in, it’s probably been a pretty long trip. I’ll show you to your room and order us some take-out; once you’ve unpacked maybe we can get to know each other a bit,” she suggests and I nod.

  “I’d like that.” And it’s the truth I would like that.

  She walks down a hallway that I didn’t even notice before. I assume I am to follow her so that’s exactly what I do. The hallway is pretty bare, apart from a couple of paintings on the wall. There isn’t anything that stands out as she leads the way to what will be my room, nothing unique or personal. The hall opens up to a small room that only holds a spiral staircase. It’s probably one of the weirdest things I’ve ever seen, and I hesitate as I follow her through. Stepping off of the stairs, I’m floored at what I see. The room is wide open, floor to ceiling windows cover one side of the room, and there are two doors on the opposite side. “Your room is this way.” She walks to the left of the stairs.

  For some unknown reason, my nerves have really started to set in. I have no idea why, it’s just a room for heaven's sake. Walking thru the door, I stop and stare in awe. I can tell that pulling me out of here is going to be hard. The room itself is simple. It’s large but very basic. What I’m more focused on is the huge four poster bed sitting dead center in the room. On top of it lies a plush cream comforter with matching throw pillows. I have an extreme urge to run across the room and throw myself onto the bed.

  “I’ll give you some time. I’ll be right downstairs. There’s a bathroom right through that door over there. Take your time,” Amber says and walks out the door.

  I’m a bit shocked when I notice that my luggage is already sitting next to the bed. I didn’t hear anyone come to the door. I don’t spend much time worrying about it, but do make a mental note to ask Amber if they have access to some kind of maintenance elevator or something. But at this moment, I’m too eager to take a nice, hot shower. I grab a few things out of my suitcase and walk into the bathroom. I am rendered speechless. This bathroom would rival any other master I have seen, including those in magazines. Whoever designed these apartments spared no expense when it came to luxury. Along the left side of the room is a counter that runs wall to wall with his and hers sinks on either side and a large vanity with a bench in the middle. On the opposite side, in the corner, is a walk-in shower with a tan and ivory tile backsplash. To the right of the shower is a large jetted garden tub, and I decide against the shower after all. No, I’ll definitely be taking a nice long soak now.

  Stepping into the tub, the temperature is set just right, and I finally start to feel my body relax. It’s been a very long day and my body is stiff from the drive and the stress. And all I can think of now, is where do I go from here? I have no job, no family, and no friends. I’m in a place where I know absolutely no one. This should bring me relief, but all I feel is depression. Where did I go wrong? Aaron was my life, my everything. We shared so many first together. He was my first love. He took my virginity, and with it, my heart. I’m not sure my life will ever be the same again. I just hope I made the right decision coming here.

  Chapter 3

  Coming back downstairs, I find Amber lounging on the couch. I’m relieved when I notice that she’s at least put on something a little less revealing.

  “Enjoy your shower?” she asks with a sweet smile on her face.

  “Actually, I couldn’t resist the tub, it was calling to me,” I say with a slight laugh and take a seat across from her.

  “So? What’s your story? Where are you from?”

  Not ready to go into the sappy story of my life, all I say is, “I don’t really have a story. I’m just looking for a fresh start. I’m from a little town in Montana.”

  “Oh yea? You’re a ways from home, sweetie! Why were you looking for an apartment way out here? You’re not a criminal running from the police are you?”

  Wow! Is this girl gonna take a breath? I have no way of explaining why I drove over 700 miles to relocate. And she doesn’t strike me as the type to give up until she’s satisfied with the answer. So I guess the truth it is.

  “Where do I even begin? Long story short, I caught my fiancé of three years having sex with my childhood best friend.”

  “Ahh, so you are running?” she says with a smirk on her face. Her tone suggests that she has no sympathy, and I’m not quite sure if it’s a mask she uses to hide her true feelings, or if she’s just that cold-hearted.

  “I guess I kind of am, but I’m really just looking for a fresh start. Seattle seemed like the perfect fit.”

  “And why is that?” She actually seems interested in the answer.

  “Well, where I’m from, you can’t spit off your front porch without someone having an opinion about it. So you can imagine the kind of gossip that was stirred up once the town learned of Aaron’s betrayal. I needed somewhere far enough away that I can forget everything that happened and with enough people that I can get lost and not be tracked down.” That was easier to explain than I thought, and it actually feels good to confide in someone.

  “Do you expect this guy to track you down?” She raises an eyebrow at me like maybe she’s worried or something.

  “Who Aaron? No, I don’t expect him to come after me. He hasn’t even called and it’s been two days!” Ugh! I hate the sadness in my voice. It makes me feel weak knowing that my heart is aching over that douchebag. This is exactly the reason I didn’t want to talk about this. I can already see the pity starting to form across her face.

  “Enough about me,” I say, attempting to get the spotlight off of me. “What’s your story? How’d you come across such a nice place?” Oh no, that totally came across judgmental. I feel my cheeks heat up as I prepare for her to be pissed. Instead, she only smiles.

  “I grew up around here. My parents actually own the building.” I think she can tell what I’m thinking because before I can say anything she continues, “But don’t take that as I get to live here for free. My rent is discounted, yes, but I still have to pay. My parents are not ones for freeloaders.” That explains why she can afford this place.

  “So, where do you work? When I first arrived, they said you had been called in?” She’s still wearing that smile. What’s with this girl?

  “I’m a bartender at a club.” She shrugs.

  “Oh really? Like a dance club?” That might be cool.

  “Something like that,” is all she offers. Hmm, ok then, that was cryptic. “You can come as my guest if you like. I can give you a tour and maybe you can make some new friends.” A distraction is just what I need right now.

  “I’d actually like that very much, thank you.” I give her a genuine smile as I get up and head toward my room. “It’s been a long day, so I think I’m going to go to bed,” I tell her, starting to feel the effects of the last forty-eight hours taking their toll on me.

  “See you in the morning,” she says while turning her back to me as she stretches out on the couch again with a book.

  “Good night,” I mutter and make my way upstairs.

  Getting rest doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen tonight. I lay in bed tossing and tur
ning, wishing I could get my brain to shut down long enough to have a little peace. Bits and pieces of mine and Aaron’s relationship take center stage in my head. I always thought that we had a pretty great relationship, but I guess that was just my opinion. We never really had any arguments, unless it was over something stupid like what pizza topping we wanted or what way the toilet paper roll should go. I guess that’s why it’s still so hard for me and why it leaves me with so much confusion. Before I realize what’s happening, I cry myself to sleep.

  I wake up a little confused and disoriented. Where am I? Whose bed am I in? It takes a few minutes for everything to start coming back to me. I’m no longer in Mon-tana. I’m in Seattle, Washington. I’m in my new apartment and this is my bed. To-day marks day one of my new start and my new life. I will get over the heartache I will get over Aaron and Allison and their betrayal. I'm a strong, confident lady. And this will not bring me down.

  ***

  I feel excitement and nerves building at the thought of tonight. Getting ready, I’m honestly not sure what I’m supposed to wear. The only info Amber has given me is that it’s an exclusive members-only club, and I have the sense that it’s not a dance club. Walking into my closet, I glance around at my non-existent clothes and suddenly, I don’t want to go. I have nothing to wear. I’m fairly certain that jeans and a t-shirt are not going to get me by.

  “I have a closet full of clothes you are welcome to come shopping in!” I almost jump out of my skin from the sudden intrusion named Amber.

  “That’s okay. I’m sure I can find something in here,” I say while flipping through the measly pile of clothes I have.

  “Suit yourself, but there is a dress code.”

  Great! Of course, there is a dress code. “And that would be?” I question since she just left me hanging.

  “Nothing held in that shabby little closet of yours!” she says as she exits my room. Well shit.