Without You

A strange feeling washed over my body, and I sat up. I opened up my text messages. I was about to text Lex and ask her not to go to the party, but I decided I was being a jealous fool. I stripped out of my clothes and made my way to the bathroom where I took a hot shower.

I got dressed in boxers and a T-shirt and made my way over to my bed. I sat down and looked at the clock. I set the alarm on my phone for one in the morning. If I didn’t hear from Lex by then, I would call her.

I lay down and shut my eyes. “Lex…” I whispered before letting sleep take over. I felt myself quickly drifting off into a dream. All I could see was blue eyes staring into mine.

Grace and I walked into the commons area and looked around. We knew no one. I had met a few people, and Grace had actually gone out on a date with one guy. She had come home four hours later and professed she was giving up on all men.

“So, who is the birthday boy?” I shouted over the music.

Grace shrugged her shoulders. “Beats me. Want something to drink?”

I looked around to see what everyone was drinking.

Beer. How in the world are they allowed to serve beer?

“If the R.A. catches us, we can get into a lot of trouble, Grace,” I said.

She shrugged her shoulders and looked around. “No one else seems to be worried about it. I heard someone say he was gone for the weekend, so that’s why they threw the party here.”

I glanced around again. “I guess I’ll have a beer. Seems to be what everyone is drinking. Make sure no one touches it!” I shouted.

Grace laughed and walked toward the other side of the room. I stood there and looked around. The French doors were open, and a group of people were dancing outside.

A bit later, Grace tapped my shoulder and handed me a beer. “Let’s go outside. I feel like dancing.”

I followed Grace outside. She instantly began moving her hips, and about ten guys focused on her. Three came up, one right after another, and asked her to dance, but she turned each one down.

“You weren’t kidding when you said you’ve given up on men.”

She shook her head. “Nope. I’m done. D.O.N.E.”

Then, “Turn Down for What” by DJ Snake and Lil Jon started playing, and Grace really started dancing.

“Will you dance with me?” someone asked while I was watching Grace dance.

I didn’t even bother to look at the person. I shook my head and turned it a bit as I shouted, “No, thanks.”

“I can’t believe you won’t even dance with the birthday boy.”

Then, I recognized Blake’s voice. I spun around to see him standing there, wearing a silly birthday hat.

I smiled and shook my head. “It’s your birthday? This is your party?” I let out a laugh.

“Yes, ma’am. It’s my birthday, and I have to warn you. I’m feeling a bit tipsy.”

Grace walked up and looked at Blake. “Hey, it’s the hot guy from our tour!”

I instantly felt my cheeks warming up.

Blake looked at her and then at me. “Hot guy, huh?”

Grace laughed. “Yeah. You got a name?”

“Grace, this is Blake Turner. Blake, this is my best friend and roommate, Grace Johnson.”

Grace stared at me.

“I ran into him at the café the other day.”

She smiled and looked back at Blake. “Happy birthday, birthday boy!”

Blake smiled big and pointed to Grace. “Dance with me?”

Grace laughed. “Sure. Why the hell not?”

I watched as Blake grabbed Grace’s hand and pulled her to where everyone was dancing. “Wiggle” by Jason Derulo began playing, and I watched as Grace and Blake danced close to each other. He was moving his hands all over Grace’s body, and for some reason, it was starting to irritate me. Grace turned and pushed her ass into Blake. As they moved together, he said something into her ear, and she began laughing.

I looked away and pulled out my phone. Nothing from Will.

Looking back out, Grace was facing Blake. They weren’t as close as they had been before, but talk about dirty dancing. I’d never in my life been jealous of Grace—with the exception of this very moment. I shook my head. I decided I was just missing Will, and I was mad and upset that I didn’t get to see him.

I glanced around at everyone dancing, and my father’s voice popped in my head.

Have fun, Alex. Just enjoy being young and experiencing new things.

I downed my beer and walked back inside for another one. I ran into Chrissie, who was in my calculus class, and I hadn’t even known it until this last week. We talked for a bit while I finished my second beer. Then, Chrissie got us three Fireball shots each. I was starting to feel pretty good. I asked for another beer and decided I should go check on Grace.