through smoke machines as we entered the loud and crowded gym.
Christopher led me to the dance floor, and soon our small group was moving
to the beat of the music. It felt like I was in a dream. Christopher spun me around. When I stumbled from the height of my heels, he caught me.
“You’re a lightweight.” He laughed and pulled me close to him. A sudden urge to kiss him filled me, and soon we were making out.
Thomas bumped into us and laughed, “Get a room, you two.”
A rush of heat filled me. It felt as if my body was on fire from the inside out.
I swatted at him and fanned myself. “It is too hot in here. I need air.”
“Are you okay, Cat?” Thomas grabbed my hand.
“Just need water,” I said. Pulling away from him, I forced my way out of the
crowd.
“I’ll take care of her. She probably needs something to eat. She picked at her
dinner,” I heard Christopher say.
It felt like I was in a tunnel. There were lights and faces everywhere. I found
myself at the refreshment table, where I immediately picked up a heavily frosted
cupcake and began to devour it. I remembered thinking that heat and alcohol didn’t mix.
“You have a bit on your cheek,” Christopher laughed. He wiped my face before kissing me. “Mmm…vanilla, my favorite.”
When we returned to the dance floor, meeting up with Thomas and Bea
again, I felt the heat from my best friend’s anger.
“She never drinks. How much have you given her?” Thomas grilled
Christopher.
“She had the same as you and one sip of champagne. I am having a fantastic evening, and you don’t need to be a bitch about it,” I hissed.
Thomas’ face fell, and I immediately regretted my harsh words. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I began to flood his cheek with kisses.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered in his ear. “I am having the best night ever. Please,
let me enjoy it.”
He squeezed me tight and kissed me on the lips. Turning to Christopher, he
said, “Make sure you take care of her. This girl deserves to be treated like a
queen.”
Christopher shook Thomas’ hand and patted him on the back. “I get it.
You’re like a big brother. I’ll look after her, and no more booze,” he promised.
As the evening shut down, couples danced to the final slow song. The night
had gone by too fast. I didn’t want to leave Christopher’s arms.
“I have never met anyone like you, Caitlyn.” Christopher cupped my face in
his hands and then kissed me gently.
Our magic moment was broken when the main lights were turned on, and the
custodians began their clean-up.
Reluctantly, we returned to the limo. Everyone looked a little worse for wear but content. Bea kept checking her cell phone, visually upset.
“What’s going on, Bea?” Thomas asked.
“My parents are freaking out and want me to come straight home. I’m sorry.
Can you drop me off first?” Bea bit her lip nervously.
