Samantha
"Hey! Where have you been?" Nike Warner says in lieu of a hello when I appear next to him.
"Long line at the bathroom," I fib, then impulsively grab two cups of beer from the table and hand one to my date.
"Thanks." He smiles as he takes the cup from my hand. "Do you want to sing?" He gestures to the karaoke machine, which is surrounded by boisterous girls in tight dresses and guys in suits cheering them on.
I shake my head no. "I'm good."
Nike shows me his open palm as he asks formally, "Would you like to dance?"
When I shake my head again, Nike demands, "What's going on with you?"
"Nothing." I stare out the window. "I'm fine."
"No, you're not. You're like.. a zombie. It's freaking me out."
"I just.." I run the strand of pearls I'd worn as a bracelet up and down my wrist. "I don't know. I don't want to bother you."
"Why not?"
I shrug. "You don't want to hear it. You'll think I'm crazy."
Nike smiles crookedly. "That's a matter of perspective," he says. "And what's wrong with crazy? Normal is b-"
"I wouldn't be mad," I interrupt. "If you wanted to dance with other girls and whatever. There are a lot of really cute girls here."
Nike blinks, his face blank. "But I don't want to dance with anyone else."
We fall quiet. The chorus of Maroon 5's "One More Night" pumps out of the tent.
"I really think you should go back in there, Nike. You shouldn't let me ruin your night."
"Sam.." Nike lets out a frustrated sigh. "Stop it."
I glance up at him. "It's not going to work out for us."
"Sam, I know you're straight."
My blue eyes blink in surprise. "How?"
Nike scratches his nose. "Vanessa tried explaining to everyone. Most of them didn't believe her, but I did." He exhales audibly, his chocolate gaze meeting mine. "I guess I was holding on to a chance with you."
I can't help staring at his sullen expression. "You.. like me?" I ask, disbelief evident in my tone.
Nike nods, his ears turning pink. "I've always admired you from afar. You're kind, bright, and you never run out of passion and energy. I like that about you. But because I've been observing you, I also noticed the looks you've been giving Will Appleton."
All my blood rushes up to my face. "I'm.. I'm sorry.."
He exhales deeply. "I saw this coming," he says somberly. "It's all my fault for waiting too long." He extends one hand to me. "Friends?"
"Friends," I echo, smiling as I place my palm on his.
Nike pats my shoulder once. "Now go get your man!"
I hesitantly kiss his cheek. "Thank you," I say, ignoring the astounded looks of passersby.
I run toward the tent. Inside, it seems louder and more crowded. Jennifer Lopez's "On The Floor" has begun to play in the background.
I crane my neck left and right as my blue eyes scan the dark vicinity. Colorful lasers are shooting from the small disco ball dangling from the rafters, bathing everyone's faces in red, blue, green, and yellow lights.
