“Well, this night just took a turn,” Elizabeth says.
“Nope. Not going to let that happen, princess. This night is about you and we will make damn sure that it’s a night to remember,” Jayson promises, wrapping his arms around her and nibbling her neck until she giggles. I guess that’s one way to keep her distracted. “Come on. I want first dance with my sexy-as-fuck girlfriend.” Careful of her dress, he lifts her up and carries her into the hotel ballroom.
“Elizabeth is never alone tonight,” I say to Julien.
I have a bad feeling that Maria will try and pull something and I will not let that happen. Her bringing Marshall here as her prom date escalates that probability.
“Not for a second,” Julien confirms.
The hotel ballroom is decorated with different replicas of tourist attractions from around the world. A lit up twenty-foot Eifel Tower stands at one wall, London’s Tower Bridge at another. Mini skyscrapers that represent the New York City skyline span across the third wall. A water wall is set up in the middle of the ballroom that says Niagara Falls next to it. Photographers are stationed at each one ready to take photographs.
“Babe, you guys did such a great job,” Davis says loudly to Celeste so she can hear him over the thumping bass of the music.
“You did this?”
“Not just me, but yeah. I’m on the prom committee along with Beth.”
“Nice!” Julien shouts.
Beth laughs. “You would never believe what Samantha wanted to do – a cowboy theme with mechanical bull.”
Celeste rolls her eyes, “She wants anything she can ride, if you know what I mean.”
“Celeste!”
“You know I’m right.”
Elizabeth and Jayson leave the dance floor and she rushes over to me and pulls my arms. “Your turn big guy. Want to dance?” she asks me.
Jayson tilts his head in a small nod at me, so I know it’s ok with him. “I’ll go grab us something to drink. Come on brother. I can use the extra hands.”
Dancing isn’t my thing, but I’ll suck it up and look like a fool for Elizabeth for one night. She links her pinky with mine and walks us into the middle of the dance floor. As soon as she turns around and I take her into my arms, the lights dim and the DJ plays “Helium” by Sia.
“Ryder?” she inflects, her voice trembling slightly.
And just like that, everything around us stills and falls away. In her heels, Elizabeth and I are almost eye to eye. As the lyrics of the song begin, something shifts between us, some intangible distant storm unfurls wanting to sweep us away in its chaotic, churning energy. Her eyes hold a luminous glaze when she looks into my darker ones. Like opposite magnetic poles, our bodies pull together, inch by slow inch. I bring our linked hand up to press against my heart. She places her other hand flat against my chest as my free hand curves around her hip to hold her in place.
Her sweet breath puffs against the side of my face when she rests her cheek against mine and sighs. My eyelids close of their own accord, every cell in my body electrified and pulsing, reveling in the feel of her in my arms. This moment. This girl. This is everything.
“Do you feel it, Ryder?” her words a warm flutter against my already heated body. My fingers grip her waist harder.
“I do.”
She shakes her head in confusion. “Will it always be like this?”
I don’t know how to answer her. Because for me, the answer is yes. Yes, to the invisible power that always seems to inevitably bring us colliding back to one another. Yes, to the love we have for one another but never act on. Yes, to the overwhelming emotions that punch me in the gut every time I see her or hear her voice. Yes to it all.
The music fades and Julien taps me on the shoulder. “My turn.” I reluctantly release Elizabeth and leave her with Julien. Jayson hands me a bottle of water when I reach him.
“She having a good time so far?”
“Yeah, man.” I look around to see where Maria and Marshall are. I spot them at the Eifel Tower with Jacinda, Samantha, and their dates.
“Do you mind if I steal Liz later for a bit? Julien’s ok with it.” Jay says to me.
Do I want to know? I mean, we are in a hotel, so of course my mind goes to the obvious conclusion that he’s reserved a room just for the two of them.
Jayson sees the look on my face. “Fuck no, man. Not what you’re thinking. Also, none of your damn business even if it was. Besides, I don’t do clichéd.”
