I listen to the lyrics, but the song isn’t clicking. I find myself smiling again anyway, feeling some second-hand embarrassment for this guy. He, however, doesn’t seem to give a shit.
He’s being silly, walking toward me slowly, head down a bit, eyes locked on me, as he continues to sing.
Wrapping my arms around myself, feeling a bit exposed, I try to make myself smaller, but I don’t move, curious to know what the hell he’s doing.
A laugh bubbles up, and I resist the urge to look around and see if the attention is all on us.
He stops in front of me, continuing to sing. I smile, shaking my head, laughing more.
Then he belts out the chorus of the song, and I recognize the song as one my mom listens toIf It Makes You Happyby Sheryl Crow.
My brows jump, and more laughter spills free as Cooper gives it his all. He’s singing at the top of his lungs, arms moving around, head swinging.
When the chorus is done, the song slows down a bit, and he just keeps on going, singing and swaying his body. It’s not really a song you can dance to, but Cooper doesn’t get the memo.
I stand there, unable to stop shaking my head. But the smile finds my face, and I can’t seem to get it to go away.
The chorus comes on again, and he’s just as passionate as before. He’s not bad at signing, but he’s also not good. Definitely can’t hit the high notes to save his life, that’s for sure.
There’s a part when it’s only instrumental, and Cooper closes his eyes, letting his body sway to the music before opening them and grabbing me.
I go with a grunt, shock taking over my face. He grabs my hands, laces them with mine, and starts moving us around. There’s no rhyme or rhythm. I can’t help it. I’m laughing now, my face hurting from smiling.
Cooper’s eyes close again, that boy next door smile takes over his face as we sway to the music.
I’ve never done anything like this before. I don’t even know what the hell we’re doing, but I don’t hate it. I actually kind of love it.
What is wrong with me?
The lyrics come back on, and he returns to singing. He doesn’t let go of me, though, screaming the lyrics in my face, and I’m full-on belly laughing now.
The song starts to fade, but Cooper keeps going for another line or two.
He opens up his eyes and gives me a blinding smile. The whole room breaks out in cheers.
“What did you think?” He wiggles his brows. “Should I make a career out of this?”
“Absolutely not.” I snort. “Keep your day job.”
He pouts. “You’re mean.” He boops me on the nose.
“And you’re drunk.”
“Maybe just a little.” He squints, bringing his thumb and finger up to show me just how much.
“More like this.” I remove his hand from mine and take both of his, holding them out a good foot apart.
“I wanna daaaaaance,” Val cheers, running over to the jukebox. A second later, “Man I Feel Like A Woman” by Shania Twain starts to play.
Cooper’s eyes light up with glee before shifting to something more mischievous. “Let’s go, girls,” he says, holding his hand out.
“Nope.” I laugh. “Not happening.”
He starts to dance, keeping eye contact, singing this song too. This time, Val and Lexie join him, followed by Ellie and Chase.
The group of them dance around, singing, laughing, having the time of their lives.
I stand back and watch, enjoying the pure happiness oozing off them.
