Page 77 of Hypothetical Heart
And by the time we get called onto the dance floor, we’re both shaking with anxiety.
“It’s all going to be fine,” I say, squeezing Winnie’s hand.
The next five minutes of us on the dance floor goes by in a blur. I grab her hand, she grabs mine, and they stay interlocked the entire time we’re dancing. She moves one way, and I follow. We do our best to stay as synchronized as possible.
Every time I almost slip up, I hear Winnie’s voice in my head:Slow your mind down. Think about the step before you make it.
And every time we get some type of applause from the audience, both our expressions grow. This is way more exhilarating than I’d ever thought it’d be.
We make it to the end of the dance without either of us royally fucking up, and right as I wrap my arm around her—ready to go in for the big dip—Winnie whispers in my ear, “We did it.”
And right as we hit our ending pose, the one where all of her weight is hanging in my arms as I keep her from hitting the floor, our lips seal together for the sake of the crowd’s pleasure, and all I can do is smile.
Smile against her lips, for all the times we slaved over this dance—for every ounce of ourselves we put into this. I smile because I know this won’t be the last time I hold my girl like this.
The crowd erupts, and I hear a familiar hollering from the corner of the room. Winnie and I stand straight, laughing under our breath at the same time because we both know exactly who it is.
No clue how the four of them got into this event, but I’m happy they are here nonetheless.
Winnie squeals as she runs toward her best friends, the grasp of my hand tugging her back. I didn’t even realize I was still holding onto her, so I let go, knowing that Genevieve and Eloise are there to catch her.
“That was beautiful, man.” Jameson smacks me on the shoulder.
“Yeah, a real tear-jerker,” Luke says, smiling.
I punch each of them in the arm. “You’re both full of shit.”
“Hey, we might be fucking with you, but I think your mom shed a few tears.” Jameson smiles.
My brow furrows. “My mom’s here?”
Luke points across the room toward one of the high-top tables near the bar, where both of my parents sit. The surrounding tables also house Luke’s parents, Winnie’s dad, and Eloise’s mom.
“It’s weird seeing all of our parents dressed up like this, isn’t it?” I look toward Luke, and he nods in agreement. The only time I can remember them looking this fancy were on the nights when all of us got left with a babysitter at one of our houses. They don’t do that much anymore.
“Boys!” Genevieve calls, her boyfriend’s head snapping toward her faster than Luke’s or mine.
“Whipped,” Luke whistles under his breath, which makes me laugh.
Even though we make fun of Jameson for being in love, we follow him over to the girls.
“Logan, that was impressive!” Eloise smiles.
I shake my head, waving her off as I pretend to be embarrassed.
Winnie leans into me. “Do you know when they are announcing the scores?” she whispers.
My arm automatically finds its way around her waist without me even having to think about it. “I’m not sure. Madame Bacri knows if you want to ask her.”
Winnie shakes her head. “No, no, that’s okay. It doesn’t even matter if we win. People have already donated.” She’s more worried about spending time with our friends since our job here at the gala is done.
“You’re right,” I confirm, my thumb mindlessly rubbing circles on her hip. “But it would be nice to win.”
She smiles, her head leaning back to land on my shoulder. Right now, I feel like I’m in some type of alternate universe, one that’s starting to feel real. Less than ten minutes ago, Winnie and I kissed on the dance floor, and now she’s resting her head against my shoulder like it’s something more.
My heart races, caught between disbelief and hope. Her closeness is intoxicating, a silent promise that this moment is more than just a fleeting connection. I breathe in the faint scent of her perfume, grounding me in the reality of our shared space. I gently brush a strand of hair away from her face, my touch lingering.
“Does this mean anything to you?” I whisper, my lips brushing the shell of her ear. The warmth of her breath against my skin sends a shiver down my spine, the kind that ignites both desire and vulnerability.
