The night air crackled with anticipation outside The Velvet Lounge. Inside, the atmosphere was pure, unadulterated celebration. My tiara, a gaudy, glitter-bombed proclamation of my impending nuptials, practically vibrated with the bass of the music. It was my bachelorette party, the last gasp of singlehood before I officially tied the knot with Ace.
My girls, a motley crew of coworkers and friends, were crammed into a plush booth that felt far too small for our energy. Nicolai, my best friend and fellow stripper – though I was trying to phase that part of my life out – was already halfway through his second electric blue cocktail, gesturing wildly as he recounted a particularly disastrous date. His blonde hair, a sun-kissed halo around his tanned face, bounced with every exaggerated movement.
"Girl, you will not believe," he shrieked, his voice barely audible over the pulsing music. "He ordered the escargots! On a first date! Who does that? It's slimy, it's weird, and it gets stuck in your teeth."
I erupted in laughter, clutching my stomach. "Oh my god, Nicoli. That's awful." I took a sip of my own drink, a sugary concoction that tasted suspiciously like melted candy. "But you should've known better than to let him order for you!"
Across the table, Jessica, a quiet accountant who somehow got swept up in our chaotic world, giggled nervously. "I usually just order a salad on first dates," she confessed, fiddling with her straw.
"Salad? Honey, that's boring!" Nicoli declared, dramatically fanning himself. "You gotta go for the unexpected. Order the biggest, messiest thing on the menu. Show them you're not afraid to get your hands dirty."
The stage, a whirlwind of flashing lights and toned bodies, beckoned from across the room. Dancers, glistening with sweat and confidence, writhed on poles, their movements captivating and undeniably alluring. A wave of nostalgia washed over me. I loved this place, this wild, unapologetic haven where I had found a sense of belonging and a way to survive. But my future was with Ace, and that meant leaving this life behind.
My friends, sensing my wistfulness, began to chant my name, urging me to join the dancers. "Hailey! Hailey! Hailey!"
"Oh, no, no, no," I protested, blushing furiously. "I can't. It's my bachelorette party, not my last performance. I need to save some energy for Ace."
"Saving energy?" Nicoli scoffed, playfully shoving me. "Girl, please. You're Hailey Soul! You could dance all night and still have energy to spare. Come on, just one song!"
They were relentless, a chorus of playful demands and teasing encouragements. Finally, I caved, fueled by the sugary cocktail and the irresistible pull of the music. "Okay, okay, just one song," I conceded, grabbing Nicoli's hand. "But someone keep an eye on me! I don't want to do anything I'll regret."
We plunged into the throng of dancers, the music washing over us like a tidal wave. The bass vibrated through my body, loosening the tension in my muscles and igniting a spark of the old Hailey within me. I moved instinctively, my body remembering the routines I had performed countless times.
Nicoli, a natural performer, took center stage, twirling and sashaying with effortless grace. He pulled me along, encouraging me to let loose and embrace the moment. I closed my eyes, letting the music guide me, and for a brief, exhilarating moment, I was no longer a future wife, but Hailey Soul, the dancer, the free spirit, the woman who could conquer the world with a flick of her wrist and a seductive smile.
The song ended too soon, leaving me breathless and flushed. My friends cheered, their faces beaming with approval. Even Jessica, the shy accountant, was clapping enthusiastically.
"See? I told you you still had it!" Nicoli exclaimed, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. "You haven't lost your magic, Hailey."
As we made our way back to the booth, I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirrored wall. My tiara was slightly askew, my makeup was smudged, and my hair was a mess. But in my eyes, I saw a spark of something vibrant and alive.
This was my last night of freedom, my last chance to embrace the wildness that still lingered within me. And while I was committed to Ace and excited for our future together, I knew that I couldn't completely erase the woman I used to be. She was a part of me, a reminder of the strength and resilience I had found within myself.
Back at the booth, the cocktails continued to flow, the laughter grew louder, and the music pulsed even harder. We danced, we sang, we reminisced about old times, and we dreamed about the future. It was a perfect bachelorette party, a celebration of friendship, freedom, and the exciting journey that lay ahead. And as I danced the night away with my girls, I knew that I was ready to say "I do" to Ace, but I was also ready to embrace the wild, unpredictable adventure that life had in store for me.