.22 walmart ad reject (courtney)

                                    

                                          
The music pounded across the room as the Luis Fonsi song transitioned to a Britney Spears classic. "Womanizer" began to wafted through the speakers. The smell of sweat from the various dancers on the floor faded in and out. As the percussion dropped, the fuchsia lighting flashed into a bright green color.
                          
Damien began nodding along to the beat, swinging his hips and shoulders along. His smile remained bright as he mouthed along the lyrics. The carefree attitude he held inspired Courtney to continue enjoying herself. 
                          
Courtney's shoulders popped along to the beat, singing the lyrics back to her best friend. Her movements quickly turned into body rolls and spins, advancing her movements as her confidence increased. This was what happy felt like.
                          
"Look, there they are!" Damien yelled over the bridge. He waved enthusiastically to two figures near the doorway.
                          
Tried and true, Shayne and Kimmy stood near the entrance, scanning the room for signs of them. Courtney gulped nervously. Kimmy's sleek black leather pants and lace body suit caused her to look like a stunning femme fatale. Next to her, Shayne's tight white shirt and gray tapered slacks made her insides tighten. The form-hugging outfit choice left Courtney speechless.
                          
She really wished she wore something nicer. 
                          
Both of their eyes landed on the pair in the dance floor, grinning immediately. The two pushed past the scattered crowds, making their way to the center of the room.
                          
"You made it!" Damien shouted over the music. His broad arms quickly wrapped around Kimmy's waist, hugging her enthusiastically. The joy from his face radiated onto her expression.
                          
"I'm so glad I came," Kimmy replied. She then briefly embraced Courtney, adding, "And so happy you're here, too. These two are much easier to look after with a partner."
                          
Courtney laughed politely, turning her focus to Shayne. The way he looked tonight... she knew she was in trouble. He radiated attraction, and all she could do was stare helplessly back at him. How was it possible that she was actually dating some that hot? Didn't that defy the laws of physics or something?
                          
Jeez, she needed to pull it together.
                          
"Hey, stranger," she teased. Without a word, his thick biceps enclosed her hips, hugging her tightly.
                          
"You have no idea what you're doing to me," he whispered into her hair. "You are so stunning."
                          
The room was dark, and she hoped the minimal lighting would mask her blush. All that aside, the teenaged girl inside her squealed at his words. Suddenly, the insecurity about her appearance seemed like a mere blip in the night.
                          
A twinkle appeared in his eye as he pulled away from the hug. His familiar teasing smirk sent butterflies straight to her stomach. "So, I think it's about time I introduce you to my real significant other."
                          
"Oh?" she asked. Her brow arched in confusion, not understanding where his joke was heading.
                          
Kimmy rolled her eyes affectionately, punching Shayne's arm lightly for good measure. "He's talking about Cody, our favorite bartender."
                          
"God, you're such an idiot," Damien laughed. "C'mon, Court. It's time for your real Trifecta induction."
                          
Before she could register, Shayne secured her hand in his. Through the crowded dance floor they weaved in and out of groups. Kimmy and Damien followed close behind. 
                          
Air hummed with the vibrations of the next song. The group arrived to the far end of the bar. Two seats remained empty, and Kimmy pulled Courtney to sit down beside her. The black marble countertop shone amongst the neon flashing lights. A wall of liquors was backlit, illuminating each bottle beautifully.