So I'm a Double Threat (Double Threat Series) (12 page)

Yeah right.

––––––––

I
t’s Saturday. I wake up to Ne-Yo singing to me. Well, he isn’t really singing to me. It’s my ringtone. Steph is calling me.

“Hey, we’re all gonna meet at my house at seven thirty. I already called Eric to let him know, so you just need to get here, okay?” Steph sounds out of breath, but still loud as hell.

“Oh. Okay.” I’m still groggy. “Is everything okay? You sound like you’re breathing heavy.”

“Yeah, I just ran a mile. I wanna sweat off as much as I can before I have to squeeze my big bootie into that dress.”

We both chuckle.

“How you doing, Meg? Do you feel better today?” It’s just like Steph to be concerned.

“Totally. I’m not gonna let Ben ruin my night. Eric’s hot and he’s a freakin’ awesome kisser, so I’m gonna have some fun with him, and get my freak on with my girls. So you better be ready. Don’t worry about me, okay,” I tell her, giving myself a pep talk.

“That’s my girl,” Steph squeals. “Hey, check with your mom about what time you have to be home. We might go to Denny’s or something after the dance.”

“Oh, okay. I think she’ll be cool with whatever.”

“See ya at seven thirty.”

“Okay. Bye.”

I roll out of bed and spend the rest of the day with my mother going through the whole beautification process. We go for a mani-pedi at one of those cheap salons—you know, the ones where the ladies speak Vietnamese to each other while they clip your toes. Then, we go to the mall where a male hair stylist gives me an updo. Seriously, a dude is doing my hair for homecoming.

When we get to Steph’s house, my mom goes in and hangs out with all the parents. They’re all there, gushing over us and dying to take pictures. We all look fabulous. The guys look nice in their black suits. I wonder how long they’ll last at the dance in their jackets and ties. The girls look just as I had pictured—pretty much the same as we did in the dressing room at the mall, but with a lot more makeup, and better hair. Keesh, Steph, and I opted for more practical dresses—beautiful, but inexpensive. None of us were willing to spend our parents’ mortgage or car payments on an expensive dress we’d only wear once. Amy, on the other hand, got her dress from some fancy mall in L.A. . She was adamant about making sure no one else would be wearing the same dress as her. I’m sure she looks stunning. She and Alex aren’t going with us so I’ll have to wait and check her out at the dance.

My dress is all black, strapless, and flares out from just below my boobs. The lady in the store called it an empire-waist dress—it’s supposed to be a good style for girls my size. The fit is actually flattering once I strap on my heels. They make my legs look a tad longer. I can use all the help I can get. Eric’s suit is all black as well. He looks handsome with his hair all gelled and spiked. He smells good, too. I’ve never noticed he wears cologne.

After several camera flashes and a plethora of poses, we all pile in the Suburban for the dance. I feel like a celebrity being hounded by the paparazzi with all the pictures being taken. I take comfort in knowing we don’t have to work the dance after all. Mr. Mitchell called us this afternoon to let us know all the decorations were finished and we could just come to the dance when it started. I was relieved at the time, but maybe I could’ve used the distraction.

The music is already bumpin’ when we get here. We only arrive about forty-five minutes late. Lydia said it sucked to be the first ones there so we took our time. We all stop at the check-in table to hand over our tickets. We get the friendly frisk from security, and take pictures,
again
. The last pic we take is a group picture, just the freshmen till Amy spots us and jumps in the picture with Alex. Whatever.

Eric holds my hand and leads me onto the dance floor. Just as we make our way to the center, along with the rest of our friends, the music changes to a slow song.

“Shall we?” He smiles and holds his arms out.

“Of course.”

I blush, setting my hands on his shoulders, as he pulls me in closer. For the first time since yesterday morning, I feel good. It’s nice being in Eric’s arms. What’s he wearing? He smells so good.

We move slowly, back and forth, getting closer and closer as I hug him tighter. He’s much taller than me, even with my heels. He leans over and nuzzles his cheek next to my ear as I bury my face in his chest. I don’t know what comes over me, but I look up and gently kiss his neck. It sends flutters down from my head to my toes. He leans back, smiles at me, and continues dancing.

I feel my cheeks get warm as blood rushes through my body. I can feel my pulse getting faster and faster. I take a moment to look around for my friends. I wonder if they noticed the kiss. Instead, I see Ben, staring at me as he dances with Vanessa. Her back is toward me.

His stare is intense. How can he look at me in such a way? Especially when he’s so close to his date that they may as well be one person. Ugh. My night has gone sour. The whole “out of sight, out of mind” thing was working until now. Just one glance, and the anger, sadness, and embarrassment saturate my thoughts. I was such a fool to think he actually liked me.

The music changes to hip-hop, and the crowd goes wild. Eric and I separate and begin to dance. I try my hardest to look like I’m having fun. The night started off so nice. I don’t want to ruin it for Eric, because
I’m
such an idiot.

For the rest of the night, I force myself to avoid looking in Ben’s direction. I do
not
want our eyes to meet again. I haven’t even talked to him since the rally, so I’m not about to start now. Not that he’d even want to talk to me.

The dance ends and the crowds herd out into the parking lot. We have a big group, so by the time we all get to the truck and make it inside Denny’s, the place is packed. We walk in and it’s standing room only as we wait to be seated. When we finally squeeze into a corner to wait, I take a second to look all around.

Holy shit. I have the worst luck ever.

Ben and Vanessa are standing right behind me. I mean right behind me, like we’re almost touching. Eric must notice too because he quickly puts his arm around my shoulder. Everyone else just watches us, like they’re waiting for something to happen. Do they seriously think I’m going to flip out or what? Even Alex looks worried, nodding at me. He casts an
it’s going to be okay
smile my way.

It sucks the place is so packed, because I can almost feel Ben’s breath on my neck. We’re like freakin’ smashed so close together. What did I do to deserve this torture?

Hang on just one minute. What the hell is that? I look down at my hand hanging by my side and see Ben’s index finger gently tucked inside my palm.

“Are you freakin’ kidding me?” I shout at him, as I swing around and hit him in the chest.

“What’s your problem?” Vanessa yells, as she gets in my face.

“Why don’t you ask your stupid boyfriend?” I take another step toward her.

Everyone is now staring at us.

“Ben, what’s she talking about? Do you even know her?” She knows he does.

“Yeah. Kinda. She’s one of Lydia’s little sister’s friends. Don’t even trip, it’s nothing,” he mumbles to her softly, but I can still hear.
I’m right here, you jerk.
Everyone can hear his absurd comment. It’s so quiet at this point, you can actually hear the hum of the cash register.

Lydia’s little sister’s friend? That’s what I am to him?

“Dude, you’re such a frickin’ punk, man,” Eric snarls.

“What the hell did you just say?” Ben scoots Vanessa to the side and gets in his face.

“Ben. Chill.” I hear Alex’s voice as he steps between them.

Ben and Eric glare at each other, taking heaving breaths of air with their fists clenched at their sides. Eventually they back off and calm down.

Alex relaxes as well. His focus unexpectedly changes to me. He sweeps my hair out of my face with the tips of his fingers, then cups his hand on my cheek, and smiles.

I look up and gaze into his soothing eyes.

“Hey, Lyd, let’s go somewhere else,” he shouts to Lydia. Our eyes still fixed on each other.

I hear her yell back, “Sounds good.”

We break our stare, and set out with our friends to leave Denny’s, and Ben behind.

Alex is still at my side. Eric is now walking with Amy.

“I saw what he did,” Alex says.

“He’s an ass,” I mutter.

“I guess now wouldn’t be a good time to tell you I told you so?” Alex laughs.

I smile.

We walk a few steps in silence.

“Alex,” I croak, holding back tears. “Thank you.”

––––––––

“I
’m sorry, but I just need to go home,” I whisper to Eric, as we pull out of the Denny’s parking lot.

“It’s okay, I understand.” He looks straight ahead. Is he mad at me?

“Hey, Lyd. Can you drop me off at home before you guys head to the next restaurant? Please,” I shout to her.

“No problem,” she calls back.

I’m just not in the mood anymore to keep putting on a show. I’m not sure if the rest of the group noticed Ben’s wandering hand and I’m not ready to hash out the details—which will be the first thing they ask about once we get to wherever it is we’re going next.

Lydia pulls up to my house and Eric opens the door to let me out. Keesh and Steph murmur goodbyes and I thank Lydia for driving us. I’m glad none of my friends pressure me to talk or try to convince me to stay out with them.

“It’s too bad the night couldn’t have been different,” Eric says, softly. “I should knock that guy out the next time I see him.”

“Don’t waste your time,” I say, resting my hand on his chest. “Eric, thanks for everything. I had a good time tonight.”

I stand on my tip-toes, and he leans down to hug me. I hold him tight and give him a quick kiss on the cheek. He hugs me tighter, before letting go with a sigh.

“Bye.”

“See ya,” he mutters, as he gets back in the truck.

Lydia waits till I get in the house before they pull away.

I’m barely through the front door when my mom appears.

“So, how was your first dance?” she asks, with a smile. I can tell she has been waiting for details. This is the kind of thing my mom lives for. She thinks high school dances are like Cinderella’s ball. No princes or glass slippers here. Shit, with my luck, I’m surprised I didn’t turn into a pumpkin at midnight.

“It was fun. We danced.” I shrug.

“I didn’t expect you this early, I thought you’d take advantage and stay out late.”

“Denny’s was packed so we just decided to go home.” She gives me a weird look. I really need to change the subject. “I didn’t expect you to be back from the concert this early, either. What happened? Danny didn’t meet you after the concert for a midnight rendezvous? How was it, anyway?”

“They were awesome. What can I say? They still got it, the
Right Stuff
.” She’s glowing. I thought she was making a joke, but with the way she’s acting, I think she’s serious.

“Alrighty then.”
My mom has gone mad
, I think to myself. “I’m gonna go take all this crap off. All these pins are driving me nuts.” I scratch my head.

“I can help,” Mom calls, as I walk down the hallway. I’m trying to act normal but she can probably sense something is wrong. Moms have a knack for that kind of stuff.

“Let me get this dress off first,” I yell back, as I turn the corner to my room.

I begin with tossing off my dress and getting into my favorite pair of sweats and a hoodie. It isn’t all that chilly out but I need the comfort. I walk back to the living room so my mom can begin the process of taking my hair down. It’s such a chore to take out all these bobby pins, some coming out easily, some hiding and getting tangled in my hair. Just when I think we’re finished, one more reveals itself, causing my mom to begin her search again.

As I walk into my room, my phone is buzzing and about to fall off my desk.

I pick it up and hit
View Now
. It’s a text from Alex.

R U AWAKE??

I quickly text back.

YUP.

...Buzz...

Can I cll u?

I text him
yes
and wait for my phone to ring.

I pick up the phone as soon as it starts to vibrate, anxious to hear his voice.

“Hi,” I say.

“How ya doin’?”

“I’m good. How was dinner, or breakfast, or whatever you call it?”

“Oh, we didn’t go after all. It was getting late and I wasn’t feelin’ it anymore. I wasn’t in the mood to sit around and talk.”

“So why you calling then?” I’m so glad he did. “If you’re not in the mood to talk.”

“Well, I don’t mind talking to
you
.”

“Well good, ’cause you’re the only one I want to talk to right now anyway.” I start to tear up, hoping he can’t hear the frog in my throat.

“Hey, Meg, don’t let Ben get you down, okay?” His concerned tone warms me.

“You know, it’s stupid. I have this nice guy who actually likes me and wants to spend time with me, and I’m getting all worked up over a guy who was just playing with my head.” I pause, the wheels turning in my mind. “But then again, what did Ben really do? He wasn’t my boyfriend. He never really told me he liked me, just some stupid thing about options. And then, lunch. Did you know we went to lunch?” I’m almost afraid of what he’s going to say.

“Yeah, Amy told me. I wish you had told me though.”

“It wasn’t anything big. It was after we talked that night about you kicking his ass if we went out. Well, it was great until Vanessa showed up. How stupid am I?”

“So, you want me to whoop his ass now or what?” Alex chuckles.

“No, you nerd. Can you believe I didn’t realize why he left in such a hurry until the rally?”

“No one knew. I didn’t even know. He probably kept it from me on purpose.”

“Well, I thought I was okay. But then, tonight happened. He was staring at me when I was dancing with Eric. And then, him touching my hand at Denny’s. What’s the deal, Alex? What the heck is Ben thinking? Is this some stupid game he plays with stupid freshmen girls, or what?”