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We people-watched for a while—me trying not to notice Henry and the revolving door of girls around him—until a popular dance song came on and Emil began singing and swaying his hips.
Justin and Leah joined in, but I felt totally self-conscious as Emil reached out to me and prodded me to do the same. “I don’t think so.”
He laughed. “But you’re here on a dance scholarship. Come on, let’s show them how it’s done.”
It was true that I loved to dance any chance I got, so I just went for it, pushing my insecurities aside. As soon as I started swaying my hips, I got lost in the music, but I could feel Henry’s eyes on me. We practiced all sorts of moves, laughing and talking over each other. Soon enough we had an audience, people in the room moving closer to watch.
Even Jessilyn was standing on the perimeter, and Justin got brave enough to ask her to join us. We danced to the next song too, but suddenly I felt hot and clammy, and the room started spinning.
“I need to cool off,” I said and moved to the wall, but that still didn’t help. Fuck. Was it the gummy I ate?
Feeling overwhelmed, I made my way out the door. As soon as the cool air hit my face, I felt so much better. I didn’t want to go back in there. Too many people, too little oxygen. I texted Emil that I was heading home.
14
HENRY
“Be right back,”I said, concerned, as I watched Lark go out the door. The girl talking to me stopped midsentence as I skirted by her. Fine by me. I was only half listening and waiting for an opportunity to seek Lark out again once he left the dance floor.
In fact, I was distracted all night watching Lark’s every move since he first stepped foot inside the clubhouse.
I’d been thrilled that he’d attended the game but didn’t see him anywhere afterward, so I hadn’t expected him to show up here. But maybe I should’ve since he was with Emil and two other friends.
But when Lark looked a bit green as he pushed through the door, I couldn’t help going after him. Was he drunk? I’d just had my first shot of the night, but I had no idea if he even drank alcohol. He seemed uninhibited dancing with his friends, but if I had those moves, I’d feel pretty good about myself too.
When I stepped outside and spotted Lark walking across the parking lot, I jogged to catch up. “Are you okay?”
His eyebrows rose to his hairline when he saw me. “Yeah, I just feel strange. I took an edible earlier, so maybe that’s why.”
“The fresh air will do you good. Mind if I walk with you?”
He shrugged. “You sure you don’t need to get back to your admirers?”
“What admirers?”
He motioned with his hand. “The endless supply of girls wanting your attention.”
“I…sorry. Sometimes I feel like I need to…” Play the part. “I didn’t want to be rude.”
“No need to apologize. You don’t owe me anything,” he replied, barely looking at me. “I just didn’t want to interrupt a hookup or whatever.”
“A hookup? Hell no. I told you…”
“Actually, you never admitted anything. And besides, maybe you’re bi or pan.”
I stopped short and stared at him. He was right. I had never admitted anything because I was too scared. Right then, I wanted nothing more than to spend time with him, get to know him as an adult. I tugged on his arm. “Come on.”
“Where are we going?” Lark asked but followed easily as I walked toward the center of campus.
“I’ll show you.” I was taking a chance leading him to my most private place on campus, but I had a feeling he would appreciate it—or at least understand it.
When we neared the bell tower, I looked in all directions to make sure nobody was around. I stuck my finger through the tight enclosure to pop the latch, a little trick I’d learned. It was never truly locked.
His eyebrows knitted together when I opened the door to the narrow staircase.
“Um, this isn’t helping,” Lark said, taking a step back.
“Just…trust me?”
