We dance for hours. The four of us are completely consumed by the music and the rhythm. We do group dances and circle dances and before long we are tossed in the center of a dance-off ring. Then we're on the concrete platform, dancing right next to the music. Then we take more tequila shots. And I realize Brooks kinda tastes like one. They remind me of the summer –of the Sandbar –of the first night we hooked up.
Only when the crowd thins out and the music starts to wind down do we turn our backs on the floor. When we exit the warehouse, the sky is still a hazy indigo but patches of orange have appeared on the horizon.
I stumble over my heels on the way back to Star Resort. I finally kick them off and hold them when Brooks threatens to throw me over his shoulder before I break an ankle.
"Thats wasss amazing! What a fucking party!" I exclaim, still slightly buzzed as I slip out of my heels in the lobby. The air condition feels like ice against my skin.
"The launch party was a success. I'm sure my father will be pleased." Brooks says, bitterness on point.
"I don't mean the launch," I say giggling, stumbling into him. "I mean the club DUH!"
He stands in the doorway watching me, smiling at my drunkenness. I feel overconfident thanks to my many drink friends. I take a step toward him.
God I wanna jump him.
Brody and Lauren wandered off somewhere. We ride the elevator alone. We enjoy the silence. I still wanna jump him.
"We need to talk." He shifts next to me on the balcony.
Here it is. I'm ready.
He's going to try again. I'm going to accept this time. Whatever a relationship with Brooks will look like, it will be better than not having anything at all.
"Probably a good idea." I nod.
"I have something I want to tell you," Brooks begins. I can't help but get excited. Butterflies are a thing. Will he refuse to touch me –to continue whatever this is unless I commit to him? Is he suddenly so old-fashioned?
I can't wait for the look on his face when I tell him I want him too.
All of him.
"So do I." I say, moving into him again. I'm so close I can smell him "You first."
"I met someone," he blurts out.