Alec grabbed me around the waist. “Want to dance, beautiful?”
“You know it.”
He led me to the center of the floor, never taking his eyes off me. We grooved to a few popular disco songs. He knew how to move. Why was I not surprised?
“Always and Forever” eased out of the speakers, and he pulled me into his arms for a slow dance. For a second, it reminded me of last year’s dismal junior high event where the same song was our theme. No one asked me to dance, including Manny Rodriguez, the object of my desire. I shoved those thoughts away and concentrated on being in Alec’s protective arms. His breath brushed my cheek as I rested my head against his broad chest.
We swayed to the music for a few glorious minutes. Alec shifted and I met his gaze. His lips kissed mine, tenderly at first, then with more intensity. I held on to him tightly, and he pulled me in closer. We paused, my body tingling from head to toe. He kissed me again, and I could have stayed there forever.
The song ended, but I didn’t want to let go.
“Need a breather?” Alec asked.
I shook my head no.
“C’mon, let’s get some air.” He tugged on my hand.
“Where are we going?”
“Parking lot.” He smiled. “Just for a few minutes, and then we’ll come back.”
I followed, wondering why we left the dance floor and each other’s arms.
Three couples traipsed out to Alec’s car, including the bitchy girl. He opened his trunk, pulled out two bottles and tossed one to his friend, Jim, who unscrewed the top and took a long swig. The liquid sloshed as the bottle made the rounds. Cheap wine. Gross. I caught Alec’s eye just as he lit up a joint, leaning casually against his car. My eyes didn’t give anything away, but my heart sank. I didn’t want to get high or alter my perception. I wanted to be back inside dancing with my date, kissing in the dark corners and feeling every second with the clarity of sobriety.
“You party, right, Anna?” asked Alec.
The blonde girl smirked. “Let me show her how it’s done.”
“Spare me.” I grabbed the joint from Alec’s fingers, thwarting her opportunity to make me look like a fool.
I took a hit, held the smoke inside my lungs and slowly exhaled. I passed the doobie, now circulating with the two bottles of wine. When a bottle found its way to me, I wiped the top with my palm and took a long drink. I swallowed the unpleasant liquid, and shuddered. Hella gross. Alec put his arm around my shoulders while he and his friends bantered. I took my turn in each rotation, the effects quickly emerging. I wanted to go back to the dance. This whole parking lot scene bored and irritated me, especially blondie shooting daggers at me with her overly made-up eyes.
Alec grabbed my hand. “Ready to head back?”
I nodded.
As soon as we stepped inside the cafeteria, Katy ran over. “There you are!”
“Hi!”
She eyed me. “You are, aren’t you?”
I smiled, contrite. “We partied a little.”
“I can tell. Your eyes are red.”
“Damn.”
“I hate to interrupt.” Alec said.
“No you don’t.” Katy gave him a good-natured swat.
“But I want to dance with my date.”
Back on the floor grooving to the music, the weed took full effect. My arms and legs moved sluggishly, as if underwater. I couldn’t think straight. I longed to relish every moment with Alec and this night, and my buzz threatened to ruin everything.
Despite my lethargy, I put on a happy face. Alec’s energy remained unchanged. He was having the time of his life, completely unaffected by the drugs. Within an hour, I thought I would collapse.
Alec eyed me. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. Just a bit dizzy.”
He laughed. “Let me see if I can help.” He pulled me close and kissed me again. I slumped in his arms, unable to hold myself up.
“Seriously, what’s going on?” The worry in his voice was palpable.
“I think I’m going to pass out.”
Alec grinned. “I always knew I’d have that effect on you.”
I grabbed his arm. “No, really. I don’t feel so well.”
He scooped me up and carried me outside, back to the parking lot. I inhaled the fresh air, praying it would clear the cobwebs. Alec leaned me against his car while he reclined the passenger seat, then he helped me get settled before sliding in on the driver’s side.
“Thanks,” I whispered, thankful he behaved so well mannered.
“Just relax for a while and see if it helps.”
Woozy and disoriented, I shrugged off my embarrassment and closed my eyes. Alec yelled a few sarcastic remarks out the window at friends, and the term “smart alec” came to mind, amusing me.
I stayed in a bizarre limbo, struggling for normalcy.
Light kisses grazed my face, first forehead, next cheeks, then lips. Alec picked up my left arm, kissing my hand and working his way up to my shoulder. Nice. Suddenly, his hands touched my breast on the outside of my dress, and I startled upright.
“What?” he asked.
“Um…I’m not sure I’m ready for that.”
A puzzled expression crossed his face, but his self-assured nonchalance quickly returned. “Trust me. Relax.”
I cautiously reclined once again. What did he mean—trust me, I won’t touch you like that or trust me, you want me to?
His fingers caressed my arms and legs through the satiny material of my dress. I tried to unwind, closing my eyes and willing myself to believe him. When his lips found mine again, I kissed him weakly.
He held my hand, murmuring, “Do you know what you do to me?”
I smiled in my dream-like state.
He moved my hand, pressing it to his bulging crotch.
“Alec!” I bolted upright again.
“What?”
“What are
