Maybe It Was Fate

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chris and I go to find Jakob, who is actually here as my 'date'. We find him at the food table, shoving chips with avocado dip covered on them into his mouth.

When he sees us approaching, he gives us a sly smile. I assume he was the one applauding from the other side of the room.

"So... how are you guys doing?" A suggestiveness threads through his voice.

"We're going fine," I respond, giving him a 'I'll tell you everything later' look.

He gives me a secretive nod. "I think it's my turn for a slow dance with Allie,"

Jakob twirls me out of Chris' arms and towards the dance floor. The atmosphere of the room is so much lighter. I feel like every breath I take is clear. Jakob smells sweet, the scent of punch is lingering on him.

"Tell. Me. Now." He demands as he twirls me into his arms.

His hand rests on my back, mine on his shoulder, our other hands interlocked in a waltz position.

"Well, he asked me to dance and then he said 'Should we talk about the stunt Jakob just pulled'," I imitate Chris's voice. "Then I said "What's there to talk about?" and this is where it gets juicy. He asked me if I didn't like the kiss so obviously I admitted I loved it but I was always too scared to kiss him and as I was in the middle of a ramble, he just grabbed my face and kissed me,"

I take a deep breath when I finish explaining. "So basically I set you guys up. You're welcome," he chirps in a sing-song voice.

I laugh and he joins in. It's a genuine laugh, one full of nothing but our own silly humour. I clutch at my stomach when it starts to ache from laughing so hard.

"You did not set us up. You just... moved the process along a little faster." I say with a shrug, swaying to the music once again.

"I'm telling everyone I set you up. I'm a match maker. Mama would be proud," he nods his head, acting all cool.

From through the crowd, I hear Ethan's voice, sounding slightly panicked. He calls my name. I pull away from Jakob, an unsettling feeling forming in the pit of my stomach.

I follow his voice, eyes darting around the room until they land on Ethan. He doesn't say a word, just grabs me by the hand and pulls me back towards the punch table.

There stands Chris, standing across from Brandon. They're standing close together, both in intimidating, defensive stances. I slip my arm from Ethan's grip and walk towards them. I wedge myself between them, hands on Chris' chest, pushing him away from Brandon.

He drags his eyes from Brandon to look down at me. His breathing is heavy, angered. I don't know what just happened between them but it sure wasn't good.

"Hey, what happened?" I whisper.

He shakes his head. "Not here."

I nod in response and turn to face Brandon. I take a few steps towards him. "Leave. Just... leave,"

He walks out, without hesitation. A group of people have gathered around to see what the commotion is about.

Chris comes up behind me. I spin on me heel and look up at him.

"Are you okay?" I ask, concern and curiosity in my voice.

He nods with a sigh. "He was just being an ass,"

I nod, knowing damn well that Brandon is the king of being an ass.

Chris gives his head a little shake, a small smile on his lips. "I don't want to think about him. Not now. Not with you."