Chapter 13- Under the Influence

                                    

                                          
Stephanie's POV 
I know Mateo and I have dated for four years but I'm not rushing anything...who I'm I kidding. I bit my lip nervously as we parked the car at the club. I looked into the building. Neon lights flashed everywhere and there was a lot of crowd,some already drunk. I saw Nichole coming out and looking round. 
"Oh! She's come out" I got out the car,waving towards her direction. She finally caught the motion and she ran towards me. "Hi! Happy birthday!" I greeted. She hugged me tightly and leaned back,examining my face. 
"Thank you. It's been so long! You look so beautiful. I love your dress!" Her eyes darted behind me and her brows raised a bright smile spreading across her face. "Your brother?" She asked. I turned and locked I and Mateo's arms. 
"No,my boyfriend" Her smile dropped. 
"Oh! Really,hi. I'm Nichole" Mateo stretched his hand to take hers. I noticed Nichole smiling and giving googly eyes at Mateo but I shrugged the feeling off. 
"I'll leave you two to have your girl time,I'll be where you can see me,baby" He leaned down and kissed my lips before smiling awkwardly at Nichole and walking away. 
"So where's Chris? She said she got here early" Nichole's eyes lingered on on Mateo. I poked her shoulders. 
"Oh!" She laughed awkwardly. I smiled awkwardly as well. She locked my arms with hers. "Let me take you to the VIP lounge" 
"VIP?" She nodded. The place smelled sweaty and was so crowded. We pushed through a few people and soon got to the door that read VIP. Two bouncers stood at the door. Once they saw Nichole,they stepped aside and opened the door. "Wow" It was much better than out there. But then,Mateo wouldn't be able to see me. Someone rushed towards me,I squinted my eyes to see it was Christina. 
"Hey!" She threw her arms around me tightly. "Girl! You look amazing!"
"I know right,I told her so" Nichole nudged me. I smiled at both of them.
"You both look gorgeous as well,stop flattering me" I laughed shortly and looked around the VIP lounge. Everyone was dressed so eloquently and it was less noisy and jazz music blasted from the speakers. A waiter passed by and Nichole stopped him,taking glasses of champagne off and handing them to I and Chris. 
"Cheers to another year" I said and clicked glasses with them. The champagne was strong and bitter-sweet against my tongue. 
"Woah" Chris chuckled. 
"Um,I have to meet someone outside,I'll be with you girls in a minute" Nichole smiled and turned walking away. 
"So-" Chris said as we walked to a sofa and sat. "When's the marriage?" I chocked on my champagne. "Oh shit" She quickly got me a napkin as she hit my back and I coughed violently. 
"What? What marriage,Chris?" I wiped my mouth. She stared at me. 
"Oh,I thought maybe you're engaged"
"No we're not,Chris. We still have time and I don't wanna rush things" I bit my lip,avoiding her stare. 
"Really?" I nodded. "Really,really" 
"Ugh,I just want to be married to him as soon as possible so I would know I'm his,legally and he's mine...but I don't think he's ready for marriage yet"
"Show some signs you want him to propose to you"
"How?" She sat up. 
"Send him pics of the kind of rings you like and couple spots suitable for proposals" She shrugged then she lifted her hand to my face. I saw a Ruby jewelry ring on her index finger. My hands flew to my mouth. "I'm engaged!"