Lies We Tell

28 : Burning Up

The boys were already seated around the firepit by the time the girls hustled onto the roof terrace. In a flurry of swinging hair and clacking heels, they clamored around one another to get a good view of their respective boys.

Shannon ended up next to Zahra at the end of the line. "There's Noah," she said, an anxious note in her voice. She twisted her hands together in front of her.

Zahra smiled sympathetically. "You don't have to do anything, Shan. You know that, right?"

"Of course," Shannon said, but she was shaking her head. "I like Noah, and I am attracted to him. It's just that..." Her voice wavered for a moment before she admitted, "I've never been the best at showing that."

That gave Zahra an idea. "So don't do anything crazy." At Shannon's puzzled look, she explained, "You can drive him-- and every other boy there-- mad by keeping your distance. Look him in the eyes, but don't get close, and just touch your body. His imagination will do the rest."

The redhead's confidence visually grew in front of Zahras as she mulled over the idea. "That would work.... Thanks, Zahra."

Zahra winked back at her. "No problem, hun."

She'd just turned her attention back to the boys, watching the way Lucas laughed and joked with Bobby and Gary on either side of him, when Chelsea stepped in close, tapping her arm. "Hey, babes?"

"What's up?"

The bubbly blonde shifted awkwardly in place, fidgeting with the hem of her glittery romper. "Bobby's sweet, but I'm not really attracted to him, and the other boys, well-" She shrugged. "You can totally say no, but-"

"You want to dance with Lucas?" Marisol's words-- Just be sure to keep your jealousy in check when everyone here dances with Lucas.-- were suddenly all Zahra could think about. She wasn't sure how she felt about that.

Chelsea blushed, embarrassed. "I know it's ridiculous, and of course it means nothing, but I don't want to just forfeit my turn-"

"Don't worry about it, Chels," Zahra heard herself say-- guess she was okay with it, after all. "It's just a dance. I trust you."

Relief washed over Chelsea's face as she squeezed Zahra's arm gratefully. "Thank you, babes."

Lottie squealed suddenly, her phone lit up in her hand. "My turn, girls."

As she took off for the boys around the firepit, Zahra watched her go, lost in thought as she mulled over Marisol's words again. They'd tried to agree on keeping the peace this evening, but she doubted that would last for very long, and she also had no idea of everyone else's intentions. Chelsea had been sweet about asking, which made Zahra feel better, but was Marisol's comment a warning that she would spite Zahra just because she could?

Below them, the boys collectively hollered in humor as Gary blushed bright red over Lottie's advances. The slender blonde was completely in her element as she draped her body over her partner's, a sly smirk stretched across her face. Beside Zahra, the other girls called out encouragement, cheering Lottie on until finally Lottie danced away blithely, blowing a kiss at the boys as she strode off.

When she returned to the terrace, her skin was flushed from the adrenaline, and her eyes were wide and bright. "That was exhilarating," she laughed. "He didn't stand a chance."

Priya squeezed in next to Zahra as the girls congratulated Lottie. "Ready, hun?"

Zahra blinked down at her phone. "Is it me?"

Priya laughed, shaking out her hair. "No, babes, it's me. Wish me luck!"

Zahra laughed, glad to see her friend's bold, playful side. "Go get them!"