The feeling of being complete unsure is quite frightening. Would I be overstepping the line if I kept trying to pursue a conversation about her? What if I said something so stupid that she categorized me into the 'weirdo' section of people in her life? This shouldn't even be considered hard for me, I've dealt with quite a few women in the past few years. Although I wasn't as sure of myself when it came to the ladies as some people I know.
As the hands on the clock continued to tick away time, I found myself commenting on little things just to hear her voice. She'd look at me and reply with as few words as possible before her eyes started to calculate the other people in the club again. When midnight came, a yawn escaped her lips. I could tell she was arguing with herself, probably wondering if she should stay and wait for Nick or leave him in the care of a totally drunk Harry. On a random impulse, I spoke up. "If you wanna head home, I can make sure Nick gets to his own home safely."
"It's fine." Her words came out quickly, not hesitating for a second.
"Seriously, Joelle, I've already been appointed Harry's babysitter. I can handle Nick as well. You're tired, go home." I tried to say it nicely, not trying to force her into leaving. I wanted her to stay - I wanted to have a deep conversation with her - but she definitely looked like she needed sleep. "I promise you can trust me with him."
"It's not that I don't trust you," Joelle deflected. She looked at me again and I bit my lip to keep from smiling at the eye contact. "He's my friend and I can't just leave him."
My lips won the battle and I smiled at her loyalty. It was hard to find a girl who wouldn't ditch their friends: even if the exact same friend had ditched her. After a few seconds passed, I located Nick and Harry in the crowd. Just by watching them dance and interact with those around them (the club hadn't lacked in people from the second I stepped in) I could say with confidence that it'd be at least another few hours before they were ready to crash. "How about you tell him? That way he knows and you can still get home at a somewhat reasonable time."
"Are you trying to get rid of me?" Joelle's voice was light, no sign of actual annoyance from my suggestion. She never actually gave me a chance to reply, though, instead her eyes met mine in an electrifying stare. "I think I will, actually. Thank you, Zayn. I'll go tell him now."
Immediately I offered to go with her and, after only a second of thought, she shrugged. Together we fought our way through the crowd and I found myself trying to protect her from everyone around us. Had I known her longer than a few hours, I'd have guided her with my hand on her back. But I knew that after only one night, she'd probably be uncomfortable. Instead I kept my distance but still only a few steps behind her.
"Nick!" She called out, trying to catch the attention of the radio personality.
He immediately turned to her with a grin that took up the entire bottom half of his face. "Jo! Are you going to dance with me?"
She laughed and shook her head. "I think I'm gonna head out. See you!"
"Oh," his face fell momentarily until a yell of excitement started to echo behind him. His face lit up once again and leaned forward to leave an awkward, sloppy kiss on Joelle's cheek before starting to cheer as well. He probably had no idea what he was yelling about, but he was having fun. Harry was doing the exact same thing a few feet away from me. He hadn't even noticed me yet.
"Thank you. Nice to meet you." Joelle had to lean in close for me to hear her words, her breath hit my cheek so lightly it was barely there, and I nodded.
"Take care."
The night went on after she left, the club not even noticing her absence. I, however, felt the change of atmosphere after she left. The silence that took place when she was gone plagued my mind, the only thing I could was think about her. The couches where we had been sitting had filled up, so instead of taking refuge there, I found a chair at the very end of the bar. I waved off the bartender when he offered me more drinks, instead I watched the room from where I sat.
For the first time in a while, I was glad that I listened to Harry.
Chapter Two
Start from the beginning
