Chapter Seventeen #2
I bit back a smile when I spied Fisher on the dance floor, kind of shocked at how well he could move. A passive-aggressive flicker in my brain told me to go and dance with him to see how committed Zack was to staying away. But I also didn’t want anyone to die today, so I thought better of it.
“Well?” a voice asked beside me
“Well, what?” I responded, turning abruptly to see who had walked up.
“Are you going to join me for the traditional lab partner dance?” Luke was standing there looking far too confident in a dark suit and a deep purple dress shirt. It shouldn’t have worked, but his green eyes stood out against everything else.
I cleared my throat, realizing I’d probably been sizing him up for a beat too long. “That’s not a thing.”
“Sure it is. Walk with me,” he said more seriously. I followed him, curious about what he needed.
“What’s up?” I asked once we were on the dance floor.
“Right to the point then?” he asked just as the last song bled into another, this one slower. He put his hands on my waist and tugged me closer .
“Are we really dancing?”
I tried to put space between us even though he’d left a respectable distance anyway. I knew in the back of my mind that this wouldn’t be a scene Zack would like, and I cringed inwardly.
“Trying to, V.”
“Okay then. Spit it out.” I placed my hands on his shoulders.
“Are you going to this stupid lake party tonight? Like staying there?”
“Oh my god. How is that your business? You have a serious boundary problem, Luke.” I started to drop my hands, but he caught them.
“Can you just listen to me when I tell you not to go? Because if you go, then I have to go. And I feel like things are gonna get awkward.”
“None of that makes sense. You’ve never cared what parties I went to before. And shouldn’t you be more concerned about Kim? She is your date.”
“She’s currently in the bathroom, and she’s my friend. She’ll be going back to her dorm after the dance. But I guess I’ll see you at Vader’s,” he sighed.
“Whatever.” I started to leave but turned back. “How do you know him anyway?”
“Well, he is the captain of the basketball team, but I know him from forever ago. His dad and my uncle were friends; we used to play rec ball together. He’s cool. The same can’t be said for the company he keeps,” he added somberly.
I rolled my eyes and walked away, headed back toward where I saw Zack go earlier. He was waiting with a drink for me when I got to the table.
“What did Miller want?” his voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.
“Honestly? I’m not sure. Something about lab partners.”
“I don’t get the hype about that guy. Vader loves him, thinks he walks on water. Whatever. You’re sure you don’t want me to add anything fun to your drink?” he asked again.
I pressed my lips together. “Very sure.”
“Okay, princess. Just asking.”
I let it drop at that, determined to have fun because this dress deserved to see the dance floor.
I spent most of the night dancing with Liv, Kim, and other cheerleaders, while Zack showed up for the slow songs, making me think Luke’s dance had more of an impact than he let on.
As the night unwound, I felt more comfortable in his arms and more secure in my decision.
Near the end of the evening, I sat out a couple songs with my friends—my feet hurt, and I needed water. When Zack saw me and sauntered over, he eyed me like it was the first time he’d seen me tonight.
“Are you ready to get outta here?”
“Yeah,” I agreed quickly, swallowing the anxiety that just made itself known. “Just let me find my shoes.”
My heart was trying to jump through my throat.
Oh my god, oh my god. Can I seriously do this?
Every thought I’d ever had seemed irrelevant to my current situation.
Why isn’t Courtney here?!
Kim would just blush if I tried to talk to her about sex, and Liv would annoy me with her flippant comments. I stopped abruptly and leaned against the table to collect myself.
You are not this girl.
A few deep breaths later, I made my way back to Zack, who was now jacket-less and wearing his amused expression.
“You alright?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“You looked overwhelmed in your quest for shoes.”
“Just fine,” I lied. “Let’s go.” He draped his jacket over my shoulders and took my hand. I felt better for a moment, though the lie I’d told my parents still gnawed at me .
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Zack asked, looking confused as his tires drifted toward the center line.
“Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Because you’re spending the night with me for the first time?” That grin was still plastered on his face, and I couldn’t understand how he was so nonchalant.
“Well, there’s that.” I felt exposed when he looked at me like he knew exactly what I was thinking. He almost missed the turnoff for the lake and turned sharply.
“Jesus, Zack,” I complained, grabbing the handle above me.
“Sorry, I was distracted by your stressed expression. Calm down. Everything is fine.”
“Okay,” I agreed without commitment, just ready to be there already. We pulled into the drive, and I tried to take his advice and let out a deep breath.
Ready or not. Here we go.