Jay leaned up and smiled. The security guard walked over to me and said something, only I didnt catch what it was.. This wasnt real. This wasnt happening. Everything was moving in slow motion. I glanced over at Kara, she looked like she was about to explode and pinched me.
“Nic! Snap out of it! Yes. Yes. Yes. She'll go.” The next thing I knew I was being lifted up over the barricade and security walked me over to the edge of the stage to the staircase. I was looking down at my feet to make sure I didnt trip and fall. I saw a hand reach out as I got to the bottom of the stairs. Only then did I dare to look up. His outstretched hand. His wrist with the bunches of bracelets from fans. His tattoos, the compass, the lizard, the leaves, the jaybird. I grabbed ahold of his hand and looked up at his face. He had slight scruff, his mouth was turned up into a giant smile, and his curls had fallen down right over his eyes, he shook them out of the way and I looked into his eyes. Im sure it was only for a few seconds, but it seemed to last forever.
He pulled me into a hug and then walked me slowly over to the stools. Never letting go of my hand. I took a seat and the introduced the girls, starting at the other end.
“Im Alyssa.” the girl with Max looked about ready to explode with excitement.
The girls with Tom and Nath were crying too hard to say their names..
“This is Amelia” Tom said, gesturing to the girl next to him.
“This is Sarah” Nath gave the girl sitting beside him a squeez with one arm, which brought on another wave of tears.
“Hi guys, Im Toni.” I couldnt get over how beautiful the girl next to Siva was..
And then it was me. Thankfully I was able to find my voice.
“And Im Nicolette.” I heard Kara screaming for me and looked out into the crowd. She was going mental. Waving her arms like a lunatic. I stuck my tongue out at her and heard laughter.
And then, faintly, almost as if he just breathed it..
“Nicolette..”
I turned my head to look at him and smiled. His face turn a slight red.
The music started and each of the boys seranaded their chosen girl. When the time came, Jay turned to me.
“Dont you fret, should you get another cancellation. Give me a chance I'd make a permanent reservation.”
As he sang, our eyes locked on each other, then he took his hand and placed it gingerly on my face, I placed my hand over his and smiled. He kissed my forehead and I could feel myself blushing. He pulled me off the stool, wrapped his arm around my waist, and we walked forwards slowly. I looked over at the other “couples” and saw they were also making their way towards the edge of the stage. Everyone put their hands up in the air and waved them side to side. I noticed Jay's arm never left my waist. His second solo came up and he looked at me and winked. I turned an even deeper shade of red.
The song ended and Jay picked me up and spun me around in a circle.
Before he put me down he put his lips to my ear and whispered something......
