Dancing with Maxine and Felicity and Leon (We won’t be auditioning for America’s Got Talent). Taking silly photo booth pictures with Ollie (against his wishes but I think he’s having a good time). Doing sneaky shots with Corrine (it’s a start but we’re trying). Voting for prom queen and king (Sawyer better win, he truly is a king. Just not mine).
These are all little snapshots that I can pull up and view at any time. Whenever I want. Whenever things get bad. Whenever I feel sad. Whenever I feel empty, these are the memories I’ll conjure up to remind myself that I’m whole. That I’m loved. That I have everything I need.
Sometimes you need to get lost to find yourself. I’m still a little lost. Wandering. But I’m not alone. It’s not scary anymore. If anything...it’s kind of exciting.
“Alright, Hilton! I hope everyone is having a great time tonight!” The lead singer takes the mic as the band stops playing. “Before this year’s prom queen and king are announced, we have a special performance—”
“Love you,” Ollie whispers, kissing my cheek before running toward the stage.
“What? What is he doing?” I glance over at Max who shrugs and takes a sip of punch. I look at Cliff who’s as clueless as I am. “I’m so confused.”
“Joining The Charade on drums tonight is your very own, Mr. Oliver Knight,” the singer announces. He glances over his shoulder to Oliver who’s perching down behind the drums. “Ready?”
“Yeah,” Ollie says into his mic as he unbuttons his cuffs and dress shirt, giving his hair a shake. Hot damn. He finds my perplexed gaze, giving me a smirk as he adds “This song’s for a very special girl who showed me what was sleeping in my soul.”
“Oh my God,” I whisper, cheeks burning as I feel dozens of eyes staring at me. “He didn’t.”
“What?” Maxine asks as the band begins to play my favorite song.
“Nothing,” I mumble, being drawn closer to the stage, like he’s pulling me toward him.
But he’s not a flame. And I’m not a moth. I’m not hardwired to seek his warmth, his fire. I’m choosing it. I’m deciding to let him be my flame. It’s conscious. An informed decision. I can’t take my eyes off of Oliver as they play my song. I trust him not to burn me.
As the final note is played, the crowd bursts into applause and I rush toward the edge of the stage to meet Ollie.
“That was incredible!” I gush as he hops down, wiping a sheen of sweat off his forehead. I grab his neck, bringing myself up to kiss his salty lips. “Like amazing!”
“Thanks, love.” Oliver laughs, his hot breath filling my lungs as I smother him in kisses. “Okay, calm down Penny Lane. Christ. What has gotten into you?”
“Let’s go,” I say, my pulse quickening as I grab his hand. “Right now!”
“Go where?” Oliver asks as I drag him toward Maxine and Cliff.
“Dude that was dope!” Max praises, frowning once we don’t stop. “Wait! Where you going? They’re about to—” I shoot Max a sharp look. “Oh shit, okay girl.” She laughs. “Get it.”
I ignore her, lacing my fingers through Oliver’s as I push through the throngs of people.
“Come on!”
“Will you slow down?” Ollie pleads, stopping us just outside the ballroom doors. “Where are you taking me? Should I be scared?”
I close my eyes, taking a small breath before I fish out a room key from my clutch.
“I’m taking you upstairs,” I say, handing him the golden key. “Is that okay?”
Oliver blinks. “You’re serious?”
“Yes,” I confirm, my clothes practically taking themselves off. “Very serious.”
“Kennedy, I don’t want you to—”
“Stop.” I place a hand on his rising chest. “I want this, Ollie. I’m ready.”
“You’re sure?” he asks as my phone vibrates. I glance down at the notification. “Is it your mom again?”
“No,” I say, locking the screen. “Just a Hilton Hears update.”
“You’re not gonna check it?” he asks, casting me a skeptical look. “Could be something juicy.”
