Ansel’s hold on my hand tightens when I stumble a bit in my heels, but having Lachlan at my back is messing with my head.
Before we reach the doors, I look back. My eyes connect with his where he stands in the center of the lobby watching. The tortured look on his face rips my stomach to shreds. I yearn to run back, to jump in his arms, but I can’t.
I have to go.
The limo drops Ansel, Sasha, and her date, Brett, off at the hotel.
The lobby is filled with students decked out in their finest.
“This way, guys,” Sasha guides, pointing in the direction we need to go for the ballroom. Her pale blue dress swishes around her legs. In the front is a high slit, and it’s off the shoulders at the top. Silver strappy heels are wrapped around her ankles and she didn’t bother with any sort of jewelry. She chose to leave her hair down in its natural curl, and I’m glad because her hair is gorgeous. I think she looks like Cinderella and I know Brett has been checking her out appreciatively.
As soon as we enter the ballroom, my jaw drops. The lights are dimmed and twinkle lights hang from the ceiling in hues of white, gold, and purple. Tables off to the side are covered in black tablecloths. There’s an area cleared for dancing, a buffet with food and drinks, and a DJ station set up.
“Let’s dance!” Sasha cries, grabbing Brett’s hand and dragging him onto the dance floor. He doesn’t protest and they get lost in the crowd.
Ansel swings his body in front of mine and bows slightly with a crooked grin, holding his hand out to me. “What does the lady say? Can I have this dance?”
I slide my hand into his. “Lead the way.”
Ansel flashes me a crooked smile and I let him pull me into the fray.
My body glistens with sweat when we finally leave the dance floor. I follow Ansel to the refreshments table, surprised by the happy giggle that keeps coming out of my lips.
I wasn’t sure I would have fun tonight, but I’m having a blast. It feels good to be out with my friends.
Ansel passes me a cup filled with crisp ice water. I down it while he pours his own and then I refill mine.
Grabbing a plate with snacks, we find a table to sit at for a breather.
I take a bite of finger food, watching Sasha and Brett still tearing up the dance floor. I can’t help but find myself smiling.
When I glance at Ansel, he’s watching me with a grin.
“What?”
His smile grows. “You … you look happy.”
“I am happy.” For the first time in a very long time I can say that with full confidence. I’ve come a hell of a long way since school started.
Sasha comes running over to us and grabs my hand. “Get back out here.”
Brett drops into one of the empty seats. “I need a break.”
I let Sasha drag me back out, the two of us dancing together, laughing, living. God, I’m living again.
I feel Ansel’s eyes on me. I shoot a smile in his direction, trying to fend off Sasha’s wandering hands as she tries to put on a show for the whole senior class.
After a few dances with her, I make my way back to the table, gulping down a fresh water Ansel was kind enough to get for me.
“This is the best night ever,” Sasha proclaims, finally taking a seat. Brett pulls out a flask from his pocket and holds it out to her. She takes a swig, wincing in the process. “What the hell is that?”
He shrugs, looking into the flask. “I don’t know, I mixed a bunch of shit together so my parents hopefully wouldn’t notice.”
Sasha sticks her tongue out. “That’s nasty. Keep it to yourself.” Flipping her hair over her shoulder, she asks, “When are we going to the after party?”
“I don’t see why we can’t go now. We’ve been here two hours,” Ansel replies. “Should I call for the car?”
Sasha looks for any protest from Brett or me and receives none.