Sweetheart Single

23 | Single City

It's time.

I follow Lucy and Darren outside and onto the pavement walkway that leads to the mall lawn. Streaks of pinks and reds and purples and rainbows bleed across the snow as everyone snakes into the SAC gym. It's slow getting through the doors and I'm impressed at the turnout. I'm impressed at my fellow students.

We're all dressed to the nines.

Nev meets us right inside the doors. She dressed to match Lucy perfectly.

My jaw almost drops as I walk into the dance room, ducking under strings of paper-hearts and snowflake garland and glitter balls as I walk. I have to hand it to the GG, they did damn good. All the glitter under my nails was worth it to be walking into this lushly romantic winter wonderland. All the alone time with Harry was worth it.

I quickly discover Nikki was right. This singles' mixer is no single city. In fact, it's low key couples galore. Couples everywhere –holding hands –making out –wearing matching outfits. Nikki and Chloe doing all three.

"Oh my God. This place. Just –Wow!" Nikki exclaims, looking around, her jaw dropped in awe.

"Serious love vibes right now." Chloe grins, taking Nikki's hand in hers.

"Who knew the Glitter Girls had it in them?" Nikki shrugs.

"Hey, don't forget some of these snowflakes are mine!" I smirk.

My stomach flips just thinking about my time cutting out all these snowflakes and hearts. Some of them are mine, but some of them are his too. How many people in this gym right now know that freaking Harry of Gilded Rage helped cut out these paper decorations?

"See ya later, boo," Nikki says, kissing my cheek. She whispers under her breath. "Good luck. And we'll be watching."

"What she said." Lucy smirks.

"Go get it!" Nev winks.

"Thanks guys," I nod.

I scan the room. I see Harry and his band mates on the stage, setting up their microphone stands. If I close my eyes, I can hear him serenading me again. I can feel his lips meeting mine for the first time. My eyes can't look away. He's already sweaty under the stage lights. His button down is hanging open and I'm staring at his torso and tight pants and the way his Martin hangs across his chest.

Without even realizing it, I have walked right up to the edge of the stage. Harry looks down with a lazy, cocky smile.

"Hey," I say, suddenly feeling extremely self-conscious in my dress. I remind myself he's seen me in one of his T-shirts.

He hops down and stands in front of me. My heels make me almost eye-to-eye with him.

"Hey you," Harry grins.

I'm aware the eyes of every girl (and some guys) are on me right now. On us. I panic thinking Jake and Shawn are most likely watching too.

"Wasn't sure you'd show," Harry says, swinging his guitar over his shoulder.

"Couldn't stay away," I say. Oh, Elle. No. No.

"I'm not mad about it," he laughs. His accent is extra thick right now.

Here we are. At a school dance. I cannot fathom that less than 48 hours ago we were arguing in a quiet library over which was the more talented Brontë sister.

"Oi! Harry!" His band mate shouts behind him. I think his name is Oliver.

"Yea, yea. Coming!" Harry calls back.