“Very good. Now, what are you going to do tonight?” Ruby asks.
“I am going to not be sturdy and down-to-earth,” I say, clenching my fists. “I am going to lose my head!”
“And you’re not doing it to prove anything to him,” Ruby says firmly. “Who are you doing it for?”
“I’m doing it to prove it to myself,” I reply, beaming at her.
“That’s my girl.” Ruby grins.
“Wow.” Leo looks from her to me and back to her again. “I’m not sure how tonight is going to go, but I’m excited to find out.”
“Me too, Leo,” I say, feeling a fresh sense of determination as the horror of Matthew’s conversation starts to lift. “Me too.”
Okay, this is fun. The dance floor is fun. I like this song and I can sway along very happily here next to Ruby and Leo and Cali and…
Wait, what is Ruby doing? Ohno.She’s creating a dance circle. Why does she love a dance circle? Aw, that’s quite sweet. Dominic and Cali in the middle. Look how adorable they are!
Oh, nice, they’re encouraging Ruby and Leo to swap in. Cali knows how much Ruby loves it there. Any minute now, she’ll do her classic slut drop and… wait… there it is. The slut drop. Makes me laugh hysterically every time. Absolutely brilliant.
Why is she waving at me? Yes, you’re very good at the slut drop, Ruby.
She’s still waving at me.
Oh no.
No. No.No.
Being in the middle of a dance circle is actually quite fun.
But only for five seconds or so.
Interestingly, dancing back to the edge, doing a weird neck bop, feels more awkward.
Ah, there he is. I’ve been looking for him. Subtly, of course. But keeping an eye out.
“Excuse me!” I tap him on the shoulder.
The hot French waiter turns around and smiles at me. “Can I help you?”
“Please could we order some drinks? Or should I go to the bar?”
“I can get them for you. By the way, you were very good at dancing.”
Ohgod.
“Not really,” I laugh nervously.
“You were. You looked great up there.” He smiles at me.
Whoa. That is one hell of a smile.
“Are you a model?” I ask before I can stop myself.
Argh.That isso embarrassing.What am I thinking asking that question?! I sound like an absolute—
“Yes, I model swimwear.” He grins, tilting his head at me. “What can I get you to drink?”
His name is Gabriel.
