31. A ticking clock

ERICA

The moment we entered I saw why it was named red velvet. The whole place had only one colour as its theme, and even the waitresses with trays in their hands wore red skirts and tops. My eyes went from one place to another, taking everything in. There was a raised dance floor where a crowd was swaying to the beats of music, compared to them I looked the odd one out with the dress I was wearing as with each step I took it trailed behind me, dragging on the floor like I was on a red carpet. And everyone was wearing black while the staff was in red uniforms, the only bright splash of colour seemed to be me as I walked beside Antonio.

People started to notice us as we passed, a man in a black suit interrupted us and looked at Antonio as he asked, “Should I clear the VIP section for you, sir?”

I looked at where he pointed and saw that there was another level with couches and a small dance floor with four poles where the women in skimpy lingerie were dancing. Antonio was telling the ma