As the taxi pulled up outside the club, the flashing neon lights and booming bass throbbed in the air. Grabbing my purse, I switched off my phone, a deliberate action to shut out the outside world and its complications.
Via, already buzzing with excitement, grabbed my hand and practically dragged me towards the entrance. The bouncer, a man built like a brick wall, barely glanced at us before gesturing for us to enter.
The air inside was thick with the scent of sweat, perfume, and drinks. The music vibrated through the floorboards and Via, ever the social butterfly, spotted a group of friends by the bar and weaved her way through the crowd of dancing bodies.
"Hey everyone!" she announced, her voice barely audible over the noise. "This is my friend, Evie."
A chorus of greetings followed, a mix of friendly smiles and curious glances. For a moment, I felt a flicker of self-consciousness, but Via's infectious enthusiasm quickly swept it away.