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30
As their time to take the stage edged closer, the ball of nerves in Jen’s stomach grew. Sitting wasn’t helping the matter: she needed more than conversation to divert her mind.
‘Will we have a dance?’ she asked Holly.
‘Sure, but we’re agreed; nothing too strenuous, yeah?’ Holly replied with a smirk.
Jen led the way, finding them a quiet corner away from the booze-fuelled revellers in the centre of the dance floor.
She’d never been a huge fan of dancing while sober, but it was better than fighting the urge to jiggle her knee every two seconds.
‘I can’t remember the last time I danced in public,’ Jen shout-whispered.
‘Me neither.’
The duo lingered, neither really knowing what do to. It only took the hint of a smile to play on Jen’s lips for them both to erupt with the giggles.
Someone above was watching out for them and a slow song came on the speakers.
Jen caught Holly’s gaze and closed the gap between them, placing her hands on Holly’s hips as she rested her head on Jen’s shoulder. Just like that, everything was natural again.
They swayed in time with the music, captured in the moment.
She’d half-expected Holly to leave last night but she’d stayed. Yes, the chilli was aptly named, and the atmosphere in the room had been like ice as they ate. But she’d stayed and the evening had defrosted to become relatively normal. If Jen ignored the wedge between them, anyway.
How dare Alison come back and demand anything of her?
It had to be now, didn’t it? Right when Jen was finally slotting her life back together. Couldn’t have been last August, or never at all?
She kissed Holly’s cheek, desperately wanting to tell Holly that she loved her again. She couldn’t say it without Holly reciprocating first. She gulped the words down. Much like double-texting, there was an etiquette to follow, lest she look loopy.
Still, it was freeing to have put herself out there and not get what her brain had been programmed to expect. Maybe she could get used to this whole sharing-how-you-feel carry on. There was no pressure with Holly. Everything would come in time; there was no rush.
Holly pulled back, locking eyes with Jen. For a brief moment she worried she could read her mind again. Although on this occasion it wouldn’t be bad thing.
She kissed Jen on the lips, Holly’s arms now draped over her shoulders.
‘Do you think we’d be here if Annie hadn’t set us up?’ Holly asked, her eyes in a dream.
Jen considered it. ‘I’d hope so. You work next door so we’d have to meet at some point.’
‘I met you after being in the shop about ten minutes. Although I don’t think I’d be dying for an introduction if it wasn’t for the Lovefest event.’ Holly bit her lip, suppressing a smile.
‘I dunno, I think I could have brought you round with my devilish charm.’
‘Oh, really?’ Holly replied, pulling a face of playful indignation.
‘Maybe you’d need a little intense till training, and I could offer my services.’
Holly cocked her head to the side. ‘I could see that happening.’
Jen raised her chin, fighting the grin that was pulling at her lips. What she really wanted to do was snog Holly like her life depended on it, but she was very aware her parents were likely watching.
The sooner this evening was over the better.
The song switched to another upbeat tune and her dance moves failed Jen once more. ‘Will we get some fresh air before our big moment?’
‘Sounds perfect,’ Holly replied, planting another kiss on Jen’s cheek.
