This Year is My Year

Tattoos and Jackets

Dancing was my new favorite thing to do.

I didn't even hear the songs throughout the night – Y/N and I stayed connected the entire time, whether it be around the waist, hands locked, twirling with one another. She would occasionally turn to Robin, singing along with her, but would always come back to me. Steve glowered at the two of us – whenever he caught me watching, he would feign a smile and go back to dancing.

I felt warm from the alcohol, but my butterflies battled it back, keeping me somewhat aware. Y/N was tipsy, her singing and dancing getting sillier with each song. Suddenly, she threw her arms around me, pulling me close to her face.

My stomach dropped. She was still so pretty, even sweaty from the dancing and alcohol.

"Can we go outside and talk?" Her eyes were wide, face smiling. My tongue was tied, I couldn't answer her, so I just nodded my head. She traced her hands down my chest and grabbed my hands. My heart was pounding.

On our way out to the backyard, she grabbed a bottle of strawberry Boone's Farm. We walked past the group of people from earlier. I noticed Nancy Wheeler watching us, smiling as Y/N dragged me across the lawn. She caught my gaze, raised her eyebrows as if to say, "told you so."

I'm hoping she was right.

We went further into the yard, away from the light. Y/N stopped suddenly, looked around and sat on the ground, my hand still in hers. She let go, which I hated, and patted the ground next to her, inviting me to sit. I lowered myself slowly and smiled as she used her teeth to pull the cork of the bottle out.

She beamed with pride as she got it out and spit the cork into the darkness behind us. She offered the first sip to me. I took it and sipped, handing it back.

The moonlight illuminated us, allowing me to still see her features and smile in the dark. She took a long sip, and I lit a cigarette, taking a long drag.

I blew the smoke out and she wrinkled her nose in disgust. I was embarrassed.

"Oh, I'm sorry—" I started. She looked at me, also embarrassed.

"Oh, no, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have made a face," she was stumbling. I grinned. It was fun being the one putting her on the spot. "I just don't like the smell."

"No worries," I dug the lit cigarette into the ground, putting it out. I leaned into her, "I do not want to aggravate your delicate senses."

She feigned offense and shoved me. I made a surprised face and she laughed. I grabbed her, tickling her sides. She was not prepared, and she let out shrieks of laughter, begging me to stop. I pulled her close, putting my lips to her ear.

"Say uncle," I growled, suddenly full of bravado. Maybe the alcohol was impacting me more than I thought.

The hair on her body stood on end and she attempted a nervous laugh.

"Uncle, UNCLE!" she stammered. I stopped, keeping my arms around her waist. She looked at me, smiling. My nerves immediately came back. I released her and put my hands in my lap.

We were silent, the tension growing. It wasn't uncomfortable – just full.

"Are you having fun, Eddie Munson?" I looked back to her, smiling.

"Definitely," I responded, eliciting a smile from her. I leaned back on my elbows, stretching my legs out. "I think I might be a better dancer than you."

She laughed and nodded her head.

"I think I would agree with you," she sipped the wine again, looking at her lap. I watched her as she thought of what she wanted to say next. She placed her hand on my forearm which made my body light up. She looked me directly in the eyes. "I'm glad you came back and danced with me. It made my night."