Page 41 of Bumping into You

“Don’t worry about it,” says Gwen. “Though, I hope he sounds like a goose when he sings,” she adds with complete sincerity.

There’s a moment of stunned silence, then we all burst into laughter, getting a few looks from the people around us. I guess we are about to see for ourselves.

Tammy is grinning at the crowd like she’s Miss America. Bradley is the complete and utter opposite. Glancing briefly in the direction of our little group, he looks as if this is the last place on earth he wants to be. When the music begins, Bradley and Tammy sing “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee.

Tammy immediately gets into it, bopping and leaning into Bradley at each of her lines. Tammy, bless her heart, is giving it her all.

I cringe a little at their performance. It’s a little much, butsomehow endearing. Bradley, unfortunately for Gwen, seems to have a decent tone. Though his demeanor onstage definitely does not come off as endearing. The man looks like he has stage fright.

I almost feel bad for the bloke. He clearly doesn’t want to be up there, and it’s clear he only is because Tammy is having the time of her life.

As they finish their song, Bradley practically runs off the stage, followed by a smiling Tammy. There is a smattering of applause from the crowd and a whistle from Vivian, who, bless her, is so supportive of her friend.

Two more singers and another group go before it’s Gwen and my turn to sing. I signal to her with a tilt of my head.

“Go get them, Sully!” cheers Greg.

“Woohoo, didn’t think we’d get you up there,” says Trent. “We haven’t heard you since college, Sul!”

I wave them off, chuckling. It really has been too long; this is going to be thecraic.

Eyeing me with trepidation, Gwen takes the mic and follows me onto the stage. The DJ announces our song, and at that, Gwen’s eyebrows almost go into her hairline. Surprise at my choice colors her face.

“You got this,” I mouth to her as the music intro starts. I just have to hope she’ll start singing at her part as I belt out my best John Travolta version of “You’re the One that I Want” fromGrease. Never one to do things halfway, I get into the moves, channeling my inner Danny Zuko.

Gwen is laughing, surprised at my performance. And bless her, she doesn’t miss a beat. Clearly aGreasefan herself, she immediately embodies the not-so-sweet-anymore Sandy. Even going so far as to push me back with her foot on my chest.

A radiant sparkle in her eyes, a buoyant energy enveloping her, she becomes this fearless, sexy version of herself, and it’s like I’mgetting to see the real Gwen. Dancing around the stage, we are so in sync. It’s like we’ve practiced before. By the end of the song, we are laughing, dancing, and having the time of our lives. I give her a hug after spinning her around as the song ends. The crowd is going crazy. Our friends whoop and holler for us too. Taking Gwen’s hand in mine, my fingers tingling at her touch, I lead her in an over-the-top bow onstage.

As we make our way off the stage, I notice Bradley and Tammy leaving the karaoke bar. Looks like Bradley might not have enjoyed the performance as much as everyone else.

“Okay,” says Holly, “that was seriously the best thing I’ve seen all day!”

“Totally agree,” adds Margot.

“Did you all practice that?” asks Greg, eyeing me curiously, a smile on his face.

“Nope,” says Gwen. “And Niall, you didn’t tell me you could sing or dance. That was so much fun!”

Trent clasps me on the shoulder. “It was fun to watch too. Just like the old days.”

“Sure was grand,” I say, grinning at them all. Being up there with Gwen, dancing and having fun, that . . . that is exactly what I want with her, for us.

Chapter 19

Gwen

I wake up to the late morning light coming in from my balcony. There’s something to be said about seeing the ocean when you first open your eyes. You just don’t get that same view in the landlocked state of Tennessee. Nothing bad on Tennessee. It has some gorgeous views, but the ocean is exactly what I’ve needed lately.

After making a ridiculously strong cup of coffee, I sit back in my bed with my legs curled up in my blankets as I sip, watching as the waves roll across the water. Finally, I get up, stretch, and throw on my running shorts and sports bra. I find the running track, wanting to get a long run in today. Nothing better than running with a nice breeze from the ship and the ocean view all around the boat.

My brain is so full of conflicting thoughts and emotions that I need a good hard run to clear it and figure out . . . well, everything. The wedding in a few days, Tammy and Bradley on the cruise, trying to have fun and not only work on this cruise, and Niall, literally everything about Niall. . . .

Turning at the bow of the ship, I follow the path back down toward the aft, my feet pounding out the familiar rhythm, a cadence that is both invigorating as much as it is calming.

I didn’t realize until I was singing karaoke last night how much I missed feeling like myself. As much as I hate to admit it, with Niall, I feel like the old me again. Full of life and a feeling of giddiness. And it feels good. Really good. He brings out a side ofme that’s been missing.

He’s been so kind to me. And to top it off, he has a history with the guys that makes it feel like he’s been a part of our group for years. I mean, I guess he has with Greg and Trent, but he fits in so easily with all of us. And when I get out of my own head, I find that I can have fun and enjoy his company too.

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