I followed Grace outside. She instantly began moving her hips, and about ten guys focused on her. Three came up, one right after another, and asked her to dance, but she turned each one down.
“You weren’t kidding when you said you’ve given up on men.”
She shook her head. “Nope. I’m done. D.O.N.E.”
Then, “Turn Down for What” by DJ Snake and Lil Jon started playing, and Grace really started dancing.
“Will you dance with me?” someone asked while I was watching Grace dance.
I didn’t even bother to look at the person. I shook my head and turned it a bit as I shouted, “No, thanks.”
“I can’t believe you won’t even dance with the birthday boy.”
Then, I recognized Blake’s voice. I spun around to see him standing there, wearing a silly birthday hat.
I smiled and shook my head. “It’s your birthday? This is your party?” I let out a laugh.
“Yes, ma’am. It’s my birthday, and I have to warn you. I’m feeling a bit tipsy.”
Grace walked up and looked at Blake. “Hey, it’s the hot guy from our tour!”
I instantly felt my cheeks warming up.
Blake looked at her and then at me. “Hot guy, huh?”
Grace laughed. “Yeah. You got a name?”
“Grace, this is Blake Turner. Blake, this is my best friend and roommate, Grace Johnson.”
Grace stared at me.
“I ran into him at the café the other day.”
She smiled and looked back at Blake. “Happy birthday, birthday boy!”
Blake smiled big and pointed to Grace. “Dance with me?”
Grace laughed. “Sure. Why the hell not?”
I watched as Blake grabbed Grace’s hand and pulled her to where everyone was dancing. “Wiggle” by Jason Derulo began playing, and I watched as Grace and Blake danced close to each other. He was moving his hands all over Grace’s body, and for some reason, it was starting to irritate me. Grace turned and pushed her ass into Blake. As they moved together, he said something into her ear, and she began laughing.
I looked away and pulled out my phone. Nothing from Will.
Looking back out, Grace was facing Blake. They weren’t as close as they had been before, but talk about dirty dancing. I’d never in my life been jealous of Grace—with the exception of this very moment. I shook my head. I decided I was just missing Will, and I was mad and upset that I didn’t get to see him.
I glanced around at everyone dancing, and my father’s voice popped in my head.
Have fun, Alex. Just enjoy being young and experiencing new things.
I downed my beer and walked back inside for another one. I ran into Chrissie, who was in my calculus class, and I hadn’t even known it until this last week. We talked for a bit while I finished my second beer. Then, Chrissie got us three Fireball shots each. I was starting to feel pretty good. I asked for another beer and decided I should go check on Grace.
She’s probably making out with Blake.
For some reason, that thought made my stomach upset.
I stepped outside and took in a deep breath. I looked around and saw Grace talking to a girl and two guys, and neither guy was Blake.
“Stupid Love” by Jason Derulo started playing.