Hold Me Close: A Jemi Story

Chapter 4

We walked into Bob's Bar and looked around. There were lots of people; drinking, dancing, talking. I looked over at Selena just as she grabbed my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. 

"It's going to be a good night," She said.

I smiled, "Definitely! Now, do you see them?"

Selena's eyes scanned the big, half-lit room before she started walking off. I trailed behind her, looking around and enjoying all of the people having a good time. 

"Hey pretty lady," A tall man with dark scruff coating his face stared down at me. 

"Um, hello." I stammered, unsure of where Selena went. I didn't realize until now that I had lost her in the crowd. 

He leaned down and breathed in my ear, "Let me buy you a drink, doll." 

I moved my body away from his direction, but the smell of stale booze and cigarettes hit against my face like a slap to the cheek. "No. Thanks, though." 

"Come on," He grabbed my wrist, and I pulled away quickly.

"No!" I growled through clenched teeth. 

"Is there a problem here?" A curly haired figure came to stand between us. 

I glared up at the man who seemed so devoted into buying me a drink. "Yes, actually. He won't leave me alone, and I meant it when I said no thank you!" 

"Sorry man, she's with me." The curly haired man smiled at me, which caused the other guy to storm off.

"Thank you so much," I sighed. "I'm sorry for having to just leave right away, but I have to find my friend. And my date." 

"You've found him already," He grinned a half smile.

"Joe?" I squeaked, feeling my cheeks flush red. 

He nodded and gave a small laugh. "It's nice to meet you, Demi. You look... Wow." 

I blushed even more as Joe's eyes travelled up and down my figure. He was amazingly cute, which surprised me that I hadn't noticed it as soon as he came to my rescue. "Thank you again," I said. 

"No need to thank me!" He exclaimed, "So, is it alright if I buy you a drink?" 

I nodded, and followed Joe over to the bar where Selena was standing with her date. "I'll wait over here." Joe nodded headed over to the bartender. I watched him walk away with such confidence, it made me smile.

"This is Nick!" Sel shouted over the loud music and bass when I reached them. 

"It's nice to meet you," I said. 

As the night progressed on, I couldn't have had a bigger smile plastered on my face. The sparks that flew between Joe and I glowed bright and the connection we shared was completely undeniable. I found my hand in his after a while, but I didn't move away. His touch was gentle; it felt like his hand fit with mine perfectly. We interlocked fingers and were stuck like glue for the rest of the night.