Heard it Through the Grapevine

Chapter Nine

After the rush of the KCPR event, the Honeyboys were excited to be on their way to support Nick and Grady's acapella performance that night. They were practically buzzing in the audience as they watched their two friends take the stage.

It was like lightning had struck when Grady started singing. I had been so confused these last few days–navigating my relationships with the boys, trying to find my place. Grady had always been so nice, right from the start. He made me feel so welcomed, and I had suspected he might have some feelings for me. But it wasn't until I saw him on stage that night, under the spotlights, that I felt that spark in my stomach. He was so beautiful, it felt like the world stopped.

When the show was over, we met up with the rest of the slocal bands that had come to support. I recognized Plywood Love, Kiwi Cannibal, and Earthship. When Grady and Nick came out, my heart started beating a million miles a minute. Grady gave me a huge hug, and I beamed at him. Before I knew it, Ari was inviting everyone back to the Hive for a good old fashioned sleepover in celebration.

Back at the Hive, everyone had been drinking and visiting, and doing some impromptu jam sessions. It wasn't until the spiritual-looking curly-haired bassist from Earthship suggested a drunken truth-or-dare that I really started to get nervous around all these people.

Ari went first, getting dared to turn all his clothes inside out, and Amanda from Kiwi Cannibal told the truth about the last time she peed her pants (last year in coms class). Matt had to eat a spoonful of hot sauce, and Skylar had to lick the bottom of someone's foot. The quirky drummer from earthship did her best baby crying impersonation, and Grady showed off his mouth trumpetting skills. The guitarist from Plywood love had to streak outside, and the bassist told the truth about his biggest turn on. The rounds went on and on. I had to drink a cup filled with a concoction Nick and Reese came up with, which I almost threw up.

Finally, the night started winding down, and people started peeling off for a good night's sleep. It was 3am, and Matt's turn for a dare.

"Matt, I dare you to kiss the prettiest Honeyboy in the room on the lips–and note I charitably said Honeyboy, 'cause if I said person, I'd smoke all you bitches." someone from Kiwi Cannibal said with a wicked grin on his face. Matt's eyebrows rose with shock, then his face hardened into something that almost looked like courage. He slowly got up, and all of the air sucked from the room. I couldn't bear to watch–but then again, he was heading right towards me and Ari sitting on the couch.

With my heart absolutely ceasing to beat, I looked up as Matt stopped in front of me, leaned down, and pressed his lips to mine. I felt a sharp spark in my brain go off–it was like I had short circuited. I heard gasps go up all around the room as we pulled apart. My head was spinning. I wanted more, but he sauntered off, plopping himself down on the floor and averted eye contact. The room was silent.

"Well, I think I'm off to bed" Ari said, standing. Slowly, everyone started to do the same, filing out of the space. I tried to catch Matt's eye, but he was gone just as quick as the kiss had been.

Laying in bed that night, I couldn't stop playing the moment over and over again in my head. Was it all some sick joke? Did he actually think I was pretty? Could he actually like me?

I didn't know if I wanted the answer.