You're Gone and I've Gotta Stay High

Chapter 31

The party only got more intense and dazzling after the proposal. Not a person was sitting down, I was bombarded with congratulations, and me and Alex posed for a million pictures. We even spotlight danced to "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran and it was the most romantic 3 minutes of my life.

I was standing with Alex and his good friend Vinny when Jack walked up with his mystery date. I immediately took notice that she had hair similar to his (black with blonde bangs) and it was one of those things that made you smile a little cheekily and want to poke them both.

"Alex, Val, this is Callie."

I shook her hand and she awkwardly smiled, not finding my eyes. She seemed uncomfortable and a little timid. Alex shook her hand next and tried to crack a joke about the hosts being boring, clearly seeing her discomfort too. Then again, who couldn't?

We stood there in an odd silence while looking around and Alex sighed dramatically.

"Are you alright?" I asked bluntly, not being able to take it anymore. No one can stay awkward around these people. Not even a shy newcomer.

Her face softened and she started to laugh. And her laugh; it was a silly and contagious sound.

"I'm fine, really. I'm sorry, I'm just nervous."

Jack wrapped one of his arms around her waist and held her to his hip.

"I keep telling her there's no reason to be."

As Jack talked, he smiled and leaned into her hair. It was a simple but adorable gesture and I could almost swear that Jack Bassam Barakat was in love.

As if cheesy cuteness was in the air and catching fire, Alex kissed the side of my head in an adoring fashion and handed me another flute of champagne.

"Well Jack has talked a lot about you" he threw in.

Her cheeks went red and she folded her arms over her stomach.

"All good I hope..." she murmered.

I held up my hand and cocked my head to the side, wanting to put her at ease all while messing with her at the same time.

"Jack doesn't have a mean bone in his body. Everything he's said has been great."

Finally, like magic, Callie eased up.

"Congrats, by the way. I ship you guys so hard."

Me and Alex both laughed and I high-fived her like we were 13 year olds who just got to second base for the first time.

"Best compliment I've gotten tonight" I told her.

Alex's mouth fell open and he opened his arms in a dramatic 'what the fuck' way.

"The stuff before my proposal wasn't?"

I kept my face straight and touched his shoulder tentatively.

"Oh honey, no. It was sweet but I've heard it all before."

He shoved me a little too roughly and I almost spilled my champagne.

"You jerk."

Alex stuck out his tongue and playfully, I hit the tip of his nose with my finger.

"You guys are so freaking cute!" Callie gushed.

I grinned at her and elbowed Alex in the rib with a chuckle.

"We cute" I teased.

A sudden tap on my shoulder made me jump and turn around to see Zack.