Chapter 30

• The entrance to the trendy club downtown is quite the spectacle, complete with criss-crossing searchlights, velvet ropes, and a red carpet ready for stars to walk for media photo opportunities. The entrance is complete with a backdrop displaying Merit Rum, the new product being launched. They park in predetermined spots for Haddie and her fellow PRX employees at the trendy, upscale hotel that owns and is somehow or another physically connected to the club. Haddie flashes her credentials, which allows them to whisk past the hoopla, and within moments they are inside the populated club, the dull throb of the music pulsing through Annabelle's body.
• It has been years since she’s been in a club like this, and it takes her a while to acclimate to the dim lighting and loud music and not feel intimidated. Haddie realizes her nerves are kicking in, and her confidence is waning despite her sexed-up appearance. Within moments, Haddie has pushed them through the throng of people to the bar. With disregard to the numerous bottles of Merit lining the slick countertop, Haddie orders them each two shots of tequila.
• “One for luck,“ she grins at Annabelle.