Page 33 of A Dark Melody

“Let’s get out of here.” He says, taking my hand.

He pulls me through the crowd of people. I feel them looking our way. Girls look with envy, men with hunger. Both look almost jealous.

Once outside, he drops my hand and lights a cigarette.

“I want a hit.” I almost slur.

He passes me his cigarette and I take an inhale before passing it back. He looks at his phone.

“The buses are about a mile this way.” He points a direction out. “Shall we walk or call a car?”

“Walk!” I cheer. Feeling extremely happy.

He laughs. “It’s nice to see you cheerful.”

“I feel good.” I say, and he puts his arm around my shoulder again, pulling me close against him as we start walking.

“You feel drunk.”

“And happy.” I say, leaning my head against his arm.

“Yeah?”

“Because I’m with you.”

“Is that so?” He says, inhaling his cigarette. He holds it out to me, but I shake my head no.

“Yes. I like having you around.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” He says and smiles down at me.

“Wes?”

“Yes, Abbey?”

“I like you, too.” I whisper.

He doesn’t say anything for a moment, and I think he didn’t hear me, but after a moment, he finally speaks.

“I was beginning to wonder.” He says. “When you didn’t say it back before, I was beginning to think I was alone in my feelings.”

“Nah, uh.” I shake my head, making him laugh.

“I nearly lost it when you asked about Ben.” He pulls me tighter against him. “We are playing a dangerous game, Abbey. Just friends is for the best. Good friends.”

“Best.” I correct him.

“Best friends.” He nods. “It’s better that way, right?” He doesn’t sound that convinced, and to be honest, neither am I.

“Yeah.” I say softly, agreeing, despite the fact I’m not sure why it is better that way.

I can’t think of one good reason why we couldn’t be more right now, but I’m sure that’s just the liquor clouding my judgment.

“But, I desperately want to kiss you.”

“What?” I say, taken back by his comment. He wants to kiss me?

“Your lips are so inviting.” He loosens his grip on me.

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