When we reach the tub filled with canned drinks, Collin grabs us each a grape soda.
“I haven’t had this since I was—”
“Thirteen,” Collin answers.“When you laughed so hard, it came out your nose.I was hoping you were over the trauma.”
I laugh.“Yes.I think I’ve recovered.What was so funny?”I try to remember but can only recall the embarrassment and the burning sensation of soda spraying out my nose and all over the pizza we were eating.Followed by the disgusted look from the boys and their uncontrollable laughter.
“I must’ve done something,” Collin gloats, like it’s the only possibility.
“I actually think it was Jonathan that made me laugh that time.It caught me off guard,” I say, trying hard to remember.
“What?He doesn’t make you laugh?”He asks this like he’s questioning our relationship.
“Does he makeyoulaugh?”I counter.
Collin considers it.“We laugh.But… now that I think about it, he does have this undertone of melancholy about him at all times, doesn’t he?”
“Not melancholy,” I challenge.“He’s just… more mature than you.”
Collin sticks his tongue out at me.
“Point made,” I say with a roll of my eyes.“But hedoesmake me smile.”A dreamy grin breaks out on my face, just from thinking about the way his mouth quirks when he teases me or that intense look in his eyes when we kiss.
“Oh, don’t get all mushy on me.”He flicks icy water at me from the tub.“No starry eyes allowed tonight.”
“Isn’t that the theme of homecoming?”In a dreamy voice, I say, “Stars in Your Eyes.”I flick water back at him.
“Look who’s trying to be funny now.”Collin looks past me.“Is that Jonathan?”
I spin around so fast; I nearly topple over.Collin slips an ice cube down the back of my dress.
I squeal, stretching the fabric in a fidget of hands and wiggling hips to get it out.The melting cube sends an icy stream down my spine.Collin laughs hard.“Thatwas funny.”
“Oh, you’ve asked for it,” I threaten without a hint of seriousness.
Before I can retaliate, he has me by the hand.“I love this song!”I falter after him, trying not to spill grape soda all over the other dancers, who are just as excited when the beat drops.
Collin doesn’t release my hand while we each grip our sodas in the other.He’s determined to incorporate them into our dance, raising his can up in a toasting gesture, singing along to the legit lyrics with everyone else.He swings our arms dramatically, occasionally spinning us both simultaneously.There is no elegance to this dance.It’s just chaotic movement and twirls.But I can’t stop laughing.
When the song transitions into a slow song, most of the dance floor clears, and some of the couples who’ve been sitting at the tables come onto the floor, including Oren and Danika.
“J-man!”Collin hollers in excitement.
I cross my arms and glare at him.Not falling for that again.
“Can I have this dance?”
My heart trips over itself.I slowly turn to find Jonathan standing with his hands tucked into the front pockets of his jeans, wearing a white button-down with the sleeves rolled up.The side of his mouth quirks in a tentative smile.I continue to stare in disbelief.
“You’re here!”Collin exclaims, slapping Jonathan’s hand and then clutching it.“I warmed her up for you.She’s all yours.”He takes the soda from me.“Give me that.You can’t be trusted.”
I gawk at him.He winks at me.
I turn back to Jonathan.“Hi.”I don’t know what else to say.I’m still in shock.
“Looks like you two were dominating the dance floor,” Jonathan says, smiling down at me.But it’s a strange smile, almost sad.
“He’s a lunatic,” I say with a shake of my head.“I’m glad you’re here to rescue me.I’m exhausted.”
