Carson pulled into a parking spot at a dimly lit warehouse all smiles. The game had been great. We’d shared a suite with a few of his colleagues and their wives. I didn’t know much about football, but I enjoyed the atmosphere. It was a great time, one of the most unique first dates I’d ever been on. It had gone so well that he asked if I wanted to join him for the official team after party. Despite the little life growing inside of me, I agreed. I wasn’t ready to go home. Going home meant facing my reality, and I wanted to avoid that for as long as possible. Besides, the Warhawks had won the Super Bowl, and everyone was pumped. Who knew the next time an opportunity like this would come along?

“I’ll get your door,” Carson said as he exited his vehicle and rounded the car to let me out. He was a little standoffish during the game but a gentleman.

“Thank you.”

I took hold of his hand and walked toward the entrance of the building. I immediately noticed how quiet it seemed. Nobody was gathered out front. The only sign of an event here was the crowded parking lot and security posted in front of the entrance.

“I’m glad you could accompany me tonight, Phileigh,” Carson said as we approached the door. “My boys were ragging on me about not having a date. You saved my ass.”

“Thanks for extending the invite.”

Knowing he invited me because he needed a date made me feel better about my motives for coming. At least we were using each other.

“Name?” one of the bouncers asked as we approached the entrance. Carson nodded at the bouncers before flashing his ID.

“Carson Thomson plus one.”

The bouncers scanned the list in front of them before removing the rope and escorting us inside. We walked along a dimly lit hallway before arriving at a large black door.

“Have you been to one of these before?” I questioned.

My heart was in my stomach. Attending the Super Bowl was one thing but attending the afterparty was another. The players would be here, maybe even some celebrities. This was a huge deal for a little, small-time barber like me.

“Yeah. We’re lucky this one is a celebration. The losing ones aren’t very enjoyable,” he replied, pushing the door open and ushering me inside.

My eyeballs grew in size when we stepped into the building. A sea of lime green, blue, and white flooded my eyes. Beautifully decorated, oversized banners hung from the chandeliered ceilings. My eyes roamed the crowd. Everyone was buzzing with excitement and joy. Laughter erupted from every direction as I sauntered behind Carson.

“This is nice,” I whispered as we walked through the crowd.