Hold Me Tight

- Jason -

There have been very few instances in my life where I can recall being left speechless. Tonight was one of them. Standing in front of Joelle's house, I was taken aback as she emerged, looking like a star from a Hollywood red carpet event.

"Where is my Bugs, and what have you done to her?" I thought to myself. Her hair was elegantly styled in a simple bun, and her makeup highlighted her beautiful eyes. Wearing a stunning royal blue halterneck dress, every slight curve of her body tempted me to reach out and touch her.

She smiled at me shyly, our eyes met and my world stopped. With every step she took towards me, my heart raced faster. It was going to be a long night, I anticipated. "Well?" she said, awaiting my response. "Well, what?" I replied, caught off guard. "I'm waiting for you to offer me your arm," she teased. "Oh, right, my arm," I mumbled, quickly extending my arm and tucking hers underneath. Her smile widened as I escorted her to our waiting cab.

Although the ball venue was just a short drive from Joelle's house, the ride felt much longer. I felt uncomfortable and struggled to find the right words, managing only a few short sentences. As we approached the venue, Joelle nudged me and subtly gestured to my right. I turned and saw Matthew walking in with Kayleigh. "How on Earth did he manage that?" she exclaimed, laughing. "I have no clue," I replied. Matthew had been talking about asking Kayleigh to be his date for the ball for days, but after the whole charade that happened a few weeks ago, I didn't think he would actually go through with it. It seemed he mustered up the courage after all! I was genuinely happy for him. I had no idea if it was just a date or something more, but they certainly appeared comfortable together, which was more than I could say for myself and Joelle.

As the cab came to a halt in front of the venue, I hurriedly got out and circled around to open Joelle's door, but Kevin, who had been waiting for us, beat me to it. He gallantly opened the door for her and extended his hand to help her out. "Good evening, madam," he greeted her, holding her hand in his left while placing his right hand behind his back and slightly bowing. She curtsied with a smile and replied, "Good evening, Sir Kevin," playfully acknowledging his chivalry. "You look beautiful, darling," he complimented her, planting a kiss on her cheek. "You're not looking too shabby yourself," she responded. Feeling left out, I interjected, "Excuse me, I'm still here, you know." "Oh, sorry, I forgot about you," Kevin said cheekily, winking at me. Kevin had chosen to come alone to the ball. Initially, he mentioned not being sure whom he would ask, but eventually, he decided he would be more comfortable attending alone. To me, that spoke volumes, and I believe he knew it.

The cab departed, and the three of us entered the venue, admiring the beautiful decorations. Kevin mentioned spotting someone he wanted to speak to at the far end of the venue, so he excused himself and left. However, before departing, he jokingly warned me to hold Joelle tight, lest someone might whisk her away. "She promised me she would leave with me," I assured him. "Well," she said mischievously, "I might just run off with Kevin tonight. I've discovered a new side to him, and I find it intriguing." "Don't inflate his ego too much, or there won't be room for anyone else," I playfully warned her. Kevin winked and walked away. Deep down, I knew they were just teasing. Kevin was my best friend, and although he was more likely than not gay, I couldn't help feeling a twinge of jealousy when Joelle expressed interest in him. Adding to my unease, I was feeling tense and unable to engage in conversation with Joelle, which was unusual. Typically, I could confide in her about anything, but tonight, it seemed I had run out of things to say.

“Let’s grab a drink and take a walk,” she told me as she made me take her arm again and tucked it undermine. Then she started talking, and didn’t stop. I smiled. She was as nervous as I was. Joelle was normally a quiet person and didn’t talk much unless it was a subject she was passionate about. When she talked and didn’t stop it meant she was either drunk or nervous. I knew she wasn’t drunk. “You’re not going to leave with Kevin tonight, are you?” I told her with half a smile. “I might,” she said cheekily. “Especially if you’re going to insist on letting me do all the talking. Kevin seems to have a certain... finesse around women I only became aware of tonight” she continued. “Well, you promised you wouldn’t leave with someone else,” I reminded her. “Darn! I did, didn’t I? Looks like I’m lumped with you for the rest of the night then,” she continued. I finally relaxed. We were back to our old selves and I was glad. At that moment slow music started and couples were beginning to dance, I was about to ask her to dance when Kevin showed up again.

**********************

- Joelle -

“Care to dance, madam?” Kevin told me. Jason rolled his eyes in annoyance. “Go and find yourself a date Kevin and stop stealing mine,” Jason retorted. Kevin smiled “Just one dance,” he told him. “I promise,” he continued as he winked at him and whisked me away. He held me by my waist as he put my arms around his neck. I had no clue how to dance. I had never set a foot on a dance floor with another guy, much less danced to slow music with one. Kevin on the other hand seemed like a pro and was leading me perfectly making me look like

I had been doing this for years. I’m pretty sure his toes had other ideas though.

“So how’s it going between you two?” he asked me. “Us two?” I asked him. “Did I miss the memo?” I continued. "Oh, for heaven's sake, Joelle. Everyone in the room can see that he's head over heels for you," Kevin said, gazing into my eyes. I had no words. “I see,” was all I managed as a lump filled my throat. “Let me tell you something Joelle. Not that long ago, I fell for someone hard. I knew he felt the same way but I kept everything to myself because I was afraid of what my parents would think, of what my friends would think, of what the world would think. Watching him walk away with someone else was one of the most painful experiences of my life. Don’t let it happen to you. You both deserve to be happy” he said as he twirled me around. Did he just say “he”? Did he just say “him” ? Had he just told me he was gay? Before I had the chance to say anything, Jason turned up asking for my hand.

"May I have my date back, please?" Jason requested, giving Kevin a knowing look. "Of course," Kevin acquiesced, placing my hand in Jason's. Kevin nodded at me and walked away, heading straight for the bar where his basketball buddies were gathered. "What was that all about?" Jason asked, curiosity evident in his voice. “I think Kevin just told me he’s gay,” I told him. “How so? He asked me. “Never mind,” I told him, “Just hold me tight” I continued. He didn’t ask anymore questions and obliged. He pulled me closer to him and we danced until the slow music stopped. Why was I doubting all my decisions all of a sudden? I had taken a decision to move away, pursue my career elsewhere and keep Jason as a friend. Why did a two minute conversation with his friend make me doubt all of that? Why was I doubting myself? Contracts had been signed and flights booked. I couldn’t turn back now…. Could I?