THE SECRETS WE KEEP.

- THE PARTY.

JOES POV
'Zoe's really outdone herself here' I thought to myself as I gazed around me at my newly decorated apartment; the doorways had arches over them made of helium balloons, red cups and shot glasses were by the counter ready to be filled with whatever adult drink that had been concocted. The sweet jars had been stocked, disposable cameras lying around to keep the memories of the night.

"Joe, will you stop looking around and help" I heard Zoe whine from the corner of the room, a chuckle escaping my lips as I made my way to the counter where she was unboxing my cake. "I'm just looking at how great you decorated this place, it looks amazing" I smiled to myself as I took one last look before helping her with the box. I really meant what I said, my place looked amazing and I couldn't wait to have everyone over for the party tonight.

—

I sat by the sofa, looking through comments on my announcement video. Some negative and some positive, mostly telling me i'll be great and they can't wait to watch. As much as I did not want to admit it, the nerves were building up. I would have to dance in front of millions, probably embarrassing myself for a long time.

My train of thought was lost as the doorbell rang, meaning the guests were arriving. I shut the top of my laptop and put it away safely, turning around just in time to be greeted by some friends, engulfing me in hugs, giving me congratulations and happy birthday wishes.

I stood near the door, to greet any new guests that came in. I was so grateful so many people came to celebrate me and my achievements. The last people I was waiting on were the professionals, the people I was most nervous about coming. They weren't my friends from back home, they weren't friends I met through youtube. These were new people, that I did not know at all.

A few friends gave me a nudge on the shoulder to get my attention, already knowing that they had came round. I was excited and nervous, a huge smile on my face as I turned to walk towards them. That's when I saw her.

DIANNES POV:
After waiting in traffic for an hour, I could not wait to get to the party. Even though I missed Anthony a lot, I made sure I would have fun tonight and try not to think of it.

We exited the lift onto Joes floor, knocking on the door which was quickly opened by a girl I recognised as Joes sister. She engulfed us all in quick hugs before pointing into the living room.

Disco lights were shining all over us, everyone seeming like they had already had a few drinks. I immediately noticed Joe across the room. 'Wow he looks cute'.

He made his way to AJ, Neil and I, beaming from ear to ear like a cheshire cat. I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave him a quick peck on the cheek, smiling as I saw him blush when he pulled away. "Happy birthday, this party is really cool" I said loudly over the music, but I'm not sure he heard me. "I have to go, but we'll catch up later okay?" He shouted, giving me a quick cheek kiss before rushing over to his friends for photos.

—

JOES POV:
Silence filled the room as we waited to find out who I was coupled up with. I gazed around the room, not to cause any suspicion. "The girl who will be keeping in line when you're not online is.." I heard Tess say through the screen, but I really felt that she was there next to me telling me for the very first time.

"It's Dianne!" She announced as the silence turned to cheers and shouts. I jumped from my seat and rushed to Dianne, who was perching on the edge of the sofa. We wrapped our arms around each other in a tight hug, placing a kiss on each other's cheek. I gave her a light squeeze before pulling away and giving her a high five.

The night continued as we watched all the other couples be partnered up, but none of them got the same reaction as Dianne and I did. As much as I tried not to, I couldn't help but glance over at her. Her ripped jeans and her sparkly jacket sent my heart a flutter. 'Joe what are you doing. She's your dance teacher, get over it.'

—

DIANNES POV:
As much as I enjoyed the party and all of his friends reactions to us being partnered up, I couldn't help but feel out of place. These people had known each other for a long time, they were all good friends, some were even part of his family. And now I'm a new addition, one of his new friends that everyone has to become comfortable around.

"Hey.. you alright?" A deep voice said, immediately recognising it as Joe's. I glanced up towards him and nodded my head. "Yeah of course." I gave him a light smile before taking a sip of my drink, hoping that would be enough to reassure him I was fine. But of course it was not. He placed himself down onto the stairs beside me. "They already like you a lot" He said, glancing over at me and giving me a reassuring grin, which I could feel working. I could feel my smile grow larger as I rubbed my hand up and down his leg slowly. "Thank you Joe, for noticing" I said quietly, looking over at him as our eyes locked. We held the gaze for a few moments before I looked to the floor, immediately feeling regret.

I looked up to see Joe jumped from the stairs to standing in front of me, his right hand held out for me as I let out a quiet giggle. "Come dance with me, we need to get a little practise in now". I couldn't say no, setting my cup onto the step and standing, grabbing his hand and rushing to the party space.

There was a gap between us as we danced, either of us not wanting to get too close. He stumbled around in front of me, the way too many drinks were finally catching up to him, which made me laugh for the first time in a long while. The song changed and Michael Jackson's song, Beat It, played through the wall speakers. I could feel my hips slowly move to the beat, me being one of the only people able to stay standing up for longer than ten seconds.

Joe held onto my hands, spinning me around as the gap between us shrunk. I placed an arm around his neck and turned my back to him, our bodies pressed up against each other as we grinded slowly. The feeling of his hands on my waist felt right, the way he held me felt right. I missed being held like this, the absence of Anthony recently has really been getting to me.

I felt Joes fingers slowly run up the outside of my right thigh, stopping and holding onto my hip as his other wrapped around my waist. A smile of content came to my face, my head lying back onto his shoulder, my eyes closed shut as I caressed the back of his neck. I could feel eyes burning into the side of my head, but I didn't care. This felt right, the most right thing for a long time.

Our dancing was interrupted by a loud bang coming from the kitchen. We jumped apart, turning around to face Neil, who was lying on the floor in fits of laughter. I joined in with him, letting go of Joe to walk towards him to help him up from the ground.

—

After Neils disaster fall, I had decided to take him back to his house. I made my way out to the Uber outside, getting Neil inside, which was like trying to get a child in there. Before I got in, I felt someone grab my hand and turn me around. It was Joe.

"You didn't say you were leaving.." He panted, obviously showing he had been running to catch me. I glanced at our hands before immediately letting go, crossing my arms over my chest as the awkwardness sunk in. "Yeah, I'm just going to get Neil home, hopefully his head will be okay" I chuckled, looking into the car at him before looking back at Joe.

"Thank you for inviting me" I said, leaning in to kiss his cheek before getting inside the car, shutting the door after me. The car slowly drove off and I waved at him through the window, letting out a sigh, leaning back into the seat.

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hey everyone! thank you for reading this chapter, I hoped you enjoyed it! the next one will come soon! :)