Chapter 17

Robert could only smile bitterly and take a taxi to Elephant Bar. Marilyn, meanwhile, parked outside. At the door, a beautiful blonde woman in an avant-garde dress waved enthusiastically. “Marilyn, Marilyn!”

A rare smile touched Marilyn's lips. “Linda, you’re frantic!”

“Oh, how could I not be? How many times have you refused my invitations for drinks, using school as an excuse? Come on! There are bound to be plenty of handsome guys inside tonight.” Linda grabbed Marilyn’s arm and pulled her into the bar, chattering excitedly and laughing loudly.

Half an hour later, Robert arrived. It was his second visit to the bar, and he felt far less awkward than before. He reported his arrival, and someone led him inside.

Dynamic music filled the air, and the crowd swayed to the rhythm. A waiter guided Robert to Naomi’s table. She sat slightly off-center, looking strikingly attractive in a short skirt that showcased her long legs and a simple black tank top that revealed a toned midriff. Her confident demeanor commanded attention.

With her short hair, she possessed a sexy, spirited, and even slightly androgynous style. Light makeup highlighted her delicate features, creating a playful yet charming effect. Robert felt a genuine sense of pleasant surprise when he saw her.

Several men and women occupied Naomi’s booth.

“Hey, you’re here!” Naomi exclaimed joyfully, her face lighting up. She rushed to him, taking his arm in a gesture of intimacy.

Robert noticed two men eyeing him with unkind expressions.

“Naomi, you’re good! He’s quite good-looking,” one commented.

“When did you start dating someone so secretly?” another chimed in.

Two stylish women continued to scrutinize Robert, their initial compliment tinged with disdain. His clothes were clearly inexpensive.

“This is my friend, Robert,” Naomi announced playfully, linking arms with him.

Robert assessed the situation. Three men and three women sat at the table, paired off except for Naomi and a man who seemed distinctly displeased. He understood immediately: Naomi’s invitation had marked him as a target. Remembering the waiter's earlier attitude toward Naomi, Robert guessed she hadn't revealed her family's ownership of Elephant Bar and chose to play along.

“Dude, you’re late. Have a few drinks to make amends,” the disgruntled man—around twenty-five or twenty-six, and clearly the one footing the bill—declared from the center of the booth.

Robert complied, readily accepting and downing three glasses of wine.

“Come on, man. Let’s play,” the other two men rose, eager to ply Robert with drinks. Their intentions were obvious: to get him drunk so the man in the center could make a move on Naomi.