If Only (GxG)

Chapter 26 The Dance

A/N
🎶1979 by Smashing Pumpkins🎶

『 °*• ❀ •*°』
Alison's POV

The evening arrived faster than I expected, but for once, I wasn't dreading it.

By the time I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing my hands down the emerald fabric of my dress, I wasn't counting the hours until I could leave—I was thinking about who I'd be spending them with.

Amy and Ross would be there, and knowing they were in on everything—knowing they knew about Blake—made me feel lighter. I wouldn't have to dance around my feelings with them, wouldn't have to pretend in the same way I had to with everyone else.

The only thing that made my stomach twist was Thomas.

He didn't know. And while this was just a friendly date, he'd still be around me all night, still close enough to notice if something was off. I wasn't worried, exactly—but I was aware of it.

I took a breath, shaking off the nerves. It's just one night.

My phone buzzed on my dresser.

Blake:
You look breathtaking, don't you?

I smirked, shaking my head as I picked up the phone.

Alison:
You haven't even seen me yet.

A few seconds later, another text popped up.

Blake:
Don't need to. I already know.

Warmth curled through me, and I bit my lip against a smile.

Before I could type a response, another message followed.

Blake:
Send me a picture, darling. Let me see my girl before the rest of the world does.

My heart flipped.

I glanced at my reflection once more before snapping a quick mirror selfie and sending it. The moment the message delivered, my phone started ringing.

I exhaled a laugh, shaking my head as I answered. "You're impatient."

Blake's voice came through smooth and indulgent. "Can you blame me?"

A shiver ran down my spine. "Is that your way of saying I look good?"

Blake let out a quiet chuckle, but there was something darker beneath it. "Alison, if you think I'm letting you leave the dance before I get my hands on you, you're out of your mind."

Heat flared in my chest, spreading down my spine.

Before I could come up with a response that didn't sound like a desperate plea to ditch the whole night and go straight to her, George's voice rang from the other room. "Al, you ready? Thomas is here!"

I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply.

Blake sighed on the other end. "Go, darling."

"I—"

"I'll be there," she murmured, her voice softer now. "And later, you'll be with me. Just have fun, that's what dances are for."

I smiled, tension easing slightly from my shoulders. "Okay."

"Good girl."

I groaned, rolling my eyes. "You have to stop saying that."

Her laughter was wicked and knowing. "Never."

I hung up, exhaling a slow breath before grabbing my clutch.

This was going to be a good night.

And later, I'd be with Blake.