Page 59 of The Fangirl Project
He was close enough to kiss.
Adanna liked to think of herself as brave in a lot of ways, but she wasn’t sure she was brave enough to lean in and risk his rejection. Devon was so dear to her, and they had been through so much. What would she do without him?
When the song ended, he dipped her low, and she could taste the chocolate cake from the feast on his breath, sweet and intoxicating. Through his mask, his shining emerald orbs were fixed on her.
“Devon…” she breathed.
He set her back upright, his usual mask of the respectful, faithful guard slipping back into place. “We ought to—”
“No.” She caught his hand within hers. “Stay. Just one more dance?”
He took her in his arms once more. “Anything for you, my lady.”
They could not dance the entire night away, she knew that, and from the shadows of the ballroom she was sure she could feel the watchful gaze of the Moonwalker upon them.
But this dance with Devon was hers; just as she was his, until the end.
21
“Be nice,”I hiss toMom and Dad, who are seated at opposite ends of the living room. The TV is on—a cheesy crime drama, one of the few things they’ve always enjoyed together—though Mom’s also reading articles on her iPad and Dad has his laptop open, browsing for some new sneakers. I’m acting like an old biddy twitching anxiously at the blinds, waiting for Anissa to get here.
“Of course we’ll be nice!” Mom clicks her tongue in admonishment. “Honestly, Cerys.”
“I meandon’t embarrass me.”
“When have weeverembarrassed you?” Dad drawls, and Mom laughs, and why, WHY have they chosen now, of all days, to band together and act all pally? This is definitely weirder than the fighting.
Why is Dad even here?
Oh God, I hope they’re not having adate night.Gross.
“I think it’s nice,” Mom says, “that you’ve made all these lovely new friends. And that you’ve gotten friendly with Anissa, eventhough you didn’t know each other well at school. Didn’t you invite the other girls to this party, too?”
“I…well, it’s not someone I know hosting, is it?” I point out. “I didn’t want to show up with the whole gang in tow, that might’ve been a little rude.”
It’s not untrue. Just…not exactlythetruth. She hums in agreement, though, so I’m off the hook.
“Mind you don’t go drinking too much,” Dad says.
“Yes,” Mom agrees, and I swear to God, I am going to riot. They argued over my bloody birthday presents, but this? A party? Oh,nowthey’re a united front. “You know the drill, Cerys, don’t go drinking anything you haven’t poured yourself, keep hold of your drink—”
“We’d tell you not to drinkat all,” Dad says, then laughs, “but we’re not so old and decrepit that we don’t remember what it’s like being sixteen and going to a house party.”
“Who are you calling old!” Mom cries, but eventhatmakes them both laugh, and I really will scream if they keep on. “Jake’ll look after you, though, I’m sure.”
“Mind you look afterhim,too,” Dad jokes, and again they both laugh.
I am spared spontaneous combustion at the total personality transplant both my parents seem to have had, because a car has pulled up outside, and Anissa is climbing out of the passenger seat with an overnight bag slung over her shoulder, calling, “Bye, Mom!” as she closes the door behind her.
“Omigod she’s here!” I jump away from the blinds and run halfway across the room, then stop, remembering I have to waitfor her to ring the doorbell. It’s just beenagessince I had anybody over who wasn’t Jake, and I haven’t had a sleepover since someone’s birthday party when we were about twelve years old. I hope my parents don’t embarrass me, and I hope Anissa doesn’t, either, by mentioning any of the fandom stuff, and—
She rings the bell.
Mom pulls a face at me, making a show of setting aside her iPad. “Shall I get that, then, Cerys?”
“Oh shut up,” I mutter, and dart out into the hallway. Behind me, Mom whispers to Dad in mock-outrage, pretending to be the grandma inPrincess Diaries, and the two of them muffle their laughter.
I guess at least they might seem halfway normal to Anissa, likethis.
