Chapter 6
"Yeah! Go, go, go Amber! You go girl! Shake what your mama gave you!" Taylor and I were out on the dance floor, moving to Usher's "Scream." Or at least trying to. Taylor had me laughing so hard, my side hurt, and it was making it hard for me to actually dance without hurting myself. Taylor wasn't kidding when she said "break some hearts." All eyes were on us and I felt embarrased from all the attention. But every time I tried to break away to rest on a metal chair, Taylor would only pull me closer to the center, underneath the disco ball, and throw her arms up in the air.
"Come on Amber, you can do better than that!" I turned to my right and bumped hips with Gustavo, who decided to join our little party. "No, I'm serious. What happened to all those moves you learned in dance class?"
"Dance class?" Taylor asked.
Gustavo nodded along to the sound of the beat. "Are you kidding? She was the best dancer in the class! Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Hip-Hop, you name it, Amber can dance it."
"That was a long time ago, Gustavo. It's been ages since I've gone to dance class," I said.
"Doesn't mean you're still not the best dancer I've ever met!" Gustavo exclaimed.
"Come on, show us some moves! Please?" Taylor pleaded with me Just then, a nice techno song blasted through the speakers and I closed my eyes. Before I knew it, a series of hip-hop moves pulsed through my body. My feet moved in familiar steps and my hands fluttered out before me. I was popping and locking and I didn't realize it until I heard Taylor whoop. I opened my eyes and motioned for her to follow along. I pretended to dust my shoulders and wipe the front of my dress, stepping for ward and back, forward and back again. I made circular motions with my hands, nodding my head and grinning at Taylor, bumping my shoulder against hers. She put her hands on my hips and pretended to slow dance to me, completely ignoring the music, and made funny faces at me.
We stopped goofing off and continued to dance. Gustavo yelled something to us but the music was too loud to hear. Then he pointed to the stage and turned to look. The boys were starting to set up their instruments. I spotted Damien on the right tuning his guitar, a big grin on his face. He caught me looking, and his grin widened. He stopped tuning his guitar and clapped a little. Taylor nudged my shoulder and raised an eyebrow at me. I looked at her confused. "What?" I mouthed at her.
She gave me a knowing look and nodded at the stage. "No." I shook my head. She wiggled her eyebrows at me and puckered her lips. "Taylor!" She laughed and looped an arm around my shoulder. Just then the music stopped and Sammy stepped up to the microphone. "What's up New York!"
The entire room erupted into cheers and whistles, making my ears pop. Sammy grinned and raised his hand. "Alright, kids. Settle down. From all the excitement in the room, I'm guessing you've all paid your trip to the bar . . . " This was met by an uproar of cheers. " . . . It's addicting, I know. Everyone laughed. "For those of you who may not know who I am, which is hard to believe, really, the name's Sammy. Anyway, allow me to introduce the band."
Sammy introduced the whole group, starting with Chris. When he got to Jesse, all the girls went wild screaming his name. Surprisingly, he took it all in like a pro, but I did see him smirk at Damien and pat himself on the back. "And last but not least, Blackjack's very own lead guitarist, Damien!" The crowd up roared. Jesse's fan girls screamed louder than they did for Jesse, earning a frown from Jesse that quickly turned into a shrug. Damien, however, paid no attention to the girls. All his attention seemed to be focused on the crowd. "What's he looking at?" I shouted to Taylor.
She looked at me and laughed. "You, silly! He's looking at you!"
I looked at her confused. "Huh? Why is he looking at me?"
"You're so cute. He wants to see your reaction."
"My reaction?"
"Yeah. Just look at him and smile."
"Why? I asked.
"Trust me," Taylor said with so much confidence that I felt no choice but to obey her command. I turned to find that Damien was staring right at me, a serious look at his face. I smiled at him and gave a little, shy wave before looking down. When I looked back up, Damien was smiling back and gave me a little wave, too.
Jesse did a count off and the room exploded. The crowd was on their feet, jumping and singing along with Sammy. I have to admit that they are really good. Taylor and I cheered along with the crowd when Damien's guitar solo came. It was electrifying watching Damien play. His hands flew so fast I didn't think it was possible. When the song finished, Gustavo put his fingers in his mouth and whistled so loud I covered my ears.
"Thank you, everybody!" Sammy made a piece sign and high-fived the other members. Taylor turned to me and grinned. "Hey Amber."
"Hey Taylor."
"Damien's on his way over here," Taylor winked at me.
"Yeah. So?" I said.
She didn't say anything. She only smiled and directed her gaze over my shoulder. "Hey, make some noise for the Blackjacks! You were on fire, as much as I hate to say it."
I didn't have to turn around to know he was right there behind me, but I did anyway. "Wow, thanks for that heartfelt attempt at a compliment, Taylor," Damien said.
"Any time, D," Taylor returned the gesture. I laughed and smiled at all the guys. "You all were absolutely amazing."
The boys smiled and gave their thanks. Jesse sidled up next to me and ran a hand through his blonde hair. "So, Amber, care to join me on the dance floor?"
"Well---" I started to say.
"What the hell are you doing here?!"
Oh, please no. Not here. Not now. Please. I cringed before slowly turning around and coming face-to-face with a red-faced Courtney Oakley. I was too stunned to speak. Taylor put herself between me and Courtney. "I think the real question is what the hell are you doing here? Last time I checked, don't most clubs have a no vermin policy? How did you manage to sneak your way in?"
Courtney's face only got redder. "You little---" She lunged for Taylor's hair but Jesse got there faster and held her back. "Alright, C. No need to make a scene. We can all be friends."
"Not with that bitch," Courtney spat out. Then she glared at me. "And definitely not with that one either."
Tears stung my eyes. No one's ever called me a bitch. Mainly because I never gave them a reason to. Now I've dragged Taylor into Courtney's hate circle, too.
"Courtney, you're out of control," Alex said.
"Oh, so now you're defending her too? Great, first Damien, now you, Alex?" Courtney exclaimed in disbelief.
"Alex's right, C. You are out of control. What did Amber ever do to you?" Jesse asked.
Courtney didn't answer. Instead she stared daggers at me. If looks could kill, I would be dead right now. Then, with a flip of her hair, she walked away.
I stood glued to my spot, shoulders stiff. I was having so much fun before Courtney showed up. Now I feel like all the life has been sucked out of me. The warmth of someone's hand on my shoulder startled me out of my thoughts. I looked up to see Damien give me a reassuring smile. I sighed.
"Why does she hate me so much?" I mumbled quietly. Although it was loud enough for Damien to hear. He looked ready to say something then Gustavo popped up out of nowhere and grasped my upper arm.
"Amber! You're parents are here!" Gustavo said.
I breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, some familiar (and friendly) faces. "Where?"
Gustavo pointed towards the entrance and I elbowed through the crowd in a heartbeat. Within seconds, I stood flushed in front of my mother and father. "Mama! Papa!"
I marveled at the sight of my parents attire. Papa wore an expensive looking dress shirt in a deep shade of blue and simple black dress pants. Mama was dressed ready for the red carpet in a silver halter top with silver heels and diamond earrings. I couldn't help but giggle.
"Mama, Papa. Did you both come from a dinner party?" I asked.
Mama smoothed my hair and pulled me in for a hug. "Yes, my sweet. We did. Why do you ask?"
I smiled and shook my head. "No reason, Mama. You just looked dressed for one, is all."
"Did you have fun tonight, Amber?" Papa asked.
I looked at him and cocked my head. "Actually, I did have fun." Until Courtney showed up, that is. "Wait, did you come to pick me up?"
"Well, it is getting late----" Mama started to say.
"But Mama, Papa! You should stay a little. The party is so much fun!" I said. "Besides, I don't want to leave just yet."
Mama looked like she was about to say something when Gustavo jumped in. "Evette. Mustafa. You came. How was the dinner party?"
Papa looked at Gustavo. "The dinner party went well. I trust that everything went well here as well?"
Gustavo patted Papa on the back and nodded his head. "Of course, everything went very well here. You can trust me, sir. I'm sure Amber has already told you how much fun she had tonight."
I bobbed my head. "Yes, I really did."
Mama gave me a gentle smile and put her hands on my shoulders. "I'm glad that you did but it's late and by the time we get home it will be midnight."
I sighed and hung my head in defeat. "You're right. But can I at least say goodbye to my friends?"
Mama looked surprised but quickly tried to cover it up. She didn't do such a good job. "Your friends?"
I smiled and laughed a little. Although it wasn't a happy smile or laugh. "Yes, Mama. I actually made friends. I know it's shocking."
She quickly shook her head. "Amber, I didn't mean it like that----"
I cut her off. "It's okay. I'll just go say goodbye to them." I turned on my heel and started to make my way over to the Blackjacks and Taylor. I hadn't gotten far before I heard Mama say something to Papa in Arabic. "She made friends, Mustafa."
I didn't even bother to wait for Papa's reply. I only walked faster to where everyone stood waiting.
"Is everything okay?"Taylor asked.
I tried to give them a reassuring smile but it didn't come out so well. "Yeah. My parents are here and they want to take me home. I just wanted to say good-night."
"What? You're leaving already?" Taylor asked.
"But the night is so young!" Jesse interjected.
I laughed. "I had a lot of fun, though. Thank you guys for such an amazing night."
"Don't say it like it's the last time we'll ever see you," Damien said. "Tomorrow's school, remember?" I looked at him. "Yeah you're right." I didn't really know what else to say. All I know is that his eyes are a gorgeous green. With little flecks of gold thrown in the mix. Beautiful . . . gosh, what is wrong with me? I squeezed my eyes shut and pinched my cheeks.
" . . .Uh, Amber? Are you okay?"
I opened my eyes and nodded. "Yeah, just trying to keep myself awake."
Taylor nodded. "Well, then I guess you better get going. Sweet dreams, my dear. Be sure to get a good night rest." She pulled me in for a hug. All the boys bid their goodnight and wished me safe travels.
"Night, Amber," Damien said. "See you at school tomorrow."
I looked at him and nodded. I could still feel Damien's eyes on me, all across the room, even as I made my way towards my parents.
Hey everyone! I know, I know. Please forgive me. I know it's been forever since I last updated but I'm finally back. I don't know when I'll be able to update again but I hope soon. I don't want to leave you guys hanging. Thanks so much to everyone for your support! Vote. Fan. Comment. Let me know what you think. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. <3