Page 58 of Strange Love

The gymnasium falls into a hush as the lights dim, all eyes trained on the stage. I squint through the darkness, making out the distinct silhouettes of five figures emerging onto the stage, standing in a perfect line. The crowd erupts into deafening cheers and applause, their energy pulsating through every corner of the room, filling the air with excitement. No one knows what will happen, but we all sense it will be unforgettable.

As the noise dies down again, a palpable tension settles over the audience, holding them in its grip as the first music notes fill the air. The lights slowly come up, revealing Corey, Taz, Garrison, Landry, and McKay in all their glory. They stand tall and confident, exuding an undeniable aura of coolness and charisma. My heart races as I clasp my hands together in nervous anticipation.

The familiar beat and whistles of “Hanging Tough” fill the space, blending seamlessly with the excited shouts and screams of the crowd. I knew it! The five hockey players launch into action with synchronized arm waves, flawlessly replicating the iconic choreography from the music video. To my surprise, they aren’t half bad at dancing, either. Even Landry, who stands out for his size among the group, moves fluidly to the rhythm.

Laughter and cheers cascade through the audience as the boys perfectly lip-sync their performance. Taz steals the show as Donnie Wahlberg, strutting confidently in a black leather jacket and ripped jeans. Even Sascha can’t help but smile as he takes center stage.

And, of course, Corey easily embodies Jordan Knight, donning a stylish black button-down shirt, matching vest, and fedora, just like in my teenage fantasies.

I cover my face with my hands, torn between embarrassment and amusement at their unexpected choice of performance, but deep down, my heart swells with affection for these boys who would go to such lengths to put a smile on everyone’s face.

The final notes of their performance begin to fade, and the audience can’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. Suddenly, the energy picks up again as the guys run off stage, only to return seconds later wearing nothing but jeans, white t-shirts, and dog tags.

The lights dim, and a makeshift volleyball net is swiftly set up by some nimble theater students in the center of the stage. Then it happens - the iconic song “Playing With the Boys” by Kenny Loggins starts playing, and the guys strip off their shirts with exaggerated zeal and begin mimicking every move from the infamous volleyball scene in Top Gun. The crowd erupts into a frenzy, especially the girls, who can’t contain their excitement. When did they find time to oil their chests between scenes?

It’s quite a sight; I can’t blame anyone for drooling. Every one of these hockey players is packed with lean muscle. Amidst the chaos, one person stands out, at least to me— Corey. His always-present confidence, natural beauty, and charisma draw all eyes towards him on stage.

He’s impossible to ignore with his perfect olive skin tone and build. As he dives for the ball and effortlessly pretends to serve it over his head, I can’t help but admire his chiseled square shoulders and toned abs. He’s a natural athlete with no problem with the limelight. He’s destined for stardom. There is zero doubt.

When we think we’ve seen it all, all performers but Taz exit the stage as the stage crew peons deftly unfold a large black tarp and set it parachuting down into place across the floor. Taz strides confidently to the center of the stage carrying a worn wooden chair to the center of the tarp. What in the world could they possibly be doing now?

With a mischievous grin, Taz sets up a tall ladder behind the chair and positions a bucket at the top. The opening chords of “What a Feeling” by Irene Cara fill the air, setting the scene for what’s to come.

Corey strides out, still wearing only a pair of worn 501s, and lounges in the chair, his eyes closed as he lets the music wash over him. Meanwhile, Taz ascends the ladder with precision and grace, holding onto the bucket of water like a trophy. Just when everyone thinks they’ve seen it all, Taz tips the bucket over, sending a cascade of water down onto Corey’s body.

The crowd erupts into cheers and laughter as Corey shakes off the shock. The other guys join them onstage to take their bows and revel in their accolades. They earned it. It was a phenomenal performance.

Beside me, all of the girls are shrieking at the top of their lungs while Kerri and Sascha grin with delight. The sound echoes off the walls and reverberates through my body, a cacophony of excitement and joy. As the cheering dies, Corey steps forward, his voice booming through the microphone and capturing everyone’s attention. His gaze locks onto mine, a mischievous glint in his eye.

“That was for you, Ivy Girl,” he says, his words rolling off his tongue like honey. “You’ve got the right stuff!”

I roll my eyes at his cornball reference and feel my face going three shades of scarlet as Sascha and Kerri pull me to my feet. Suddenly, I am a part of the talent show.

“Kiss her!” Kerri yells from my side, holding me up, not allowing me to sit and disappear into the sea of acid-wash jeans jumping excitedly around me.

Even Sascha gets caught in the tubular whirlwind of the moment. “Kiss her!”

Then the chant begins. I look around the auditorium at all the teen faces yelling, “Kiss her! Kiss her!”

Daylight streams in as I see Stacey and Amber leave hastily out one of the heavy push doors, but I was buoyed by the sight of Jennifer and Whitney, two of the less venomous Vipers, joining the chant, their fists pumping.

I shake my head at the overwhelming sensation of being the sudden feature attraction. I look back at the stage. Corey shrugs and then, without further hesitation, leaps directly off the stage, Patrick Swayze style, and trots up the aisle to where I stand.

“What do you think?” He grins, his face inches from mine as he leans down to be heard over the din of his adoring audience.

“You are mental!” I laugh, still embarrassed, as the chanting continues.

“Are you calling me crazy?” Corey asks with mock offense.

“That is exactly what I am calling you!” I affirm.

“Well then, Ivy Girl, I’m crazy for you.”

I know the crowd is yelling for HIM to kiss me, but I’m calling the shots right now. I stand on my tip toes and throw my arms around his neck to bring his lips to mine. He obliges by lifting me in his beautiful, oil and water-soaked embrace, and he kisses me deeply. We no longer hear the chanting. Instead, a volley of cheers erupts around us, but it is altogether possible that it is only me hearing my soul whooping in celebration.

Chapter 34

“Urgent”