Page 35 of Last Call Lindy Hop

How had I so epically fucked up one of the best things that had happened to me since… since.

Fresh wails burst from me and I buried my face into a pillow.

There was no way I could face Eli again. What would he think other than that I was a creeper gay who didn’t understand boundaries?

I wanted to take it back—undo the moment of weakness that had me staring at his lips with an overwhelming desire to kiss him.

Was there any way our budding friendship could recover from such a misstep?

If he did forgive me, how long until weakness overtook me again?

My phone buzzed with a text notification, but I didn’t have the energy or desire to check it.

I wasn’t strong enough to see an ‘I never want to talk to you again’ text.

No, better to leave it for now.

∞∞∞

Knocking on the door.

Had I ordered food? I didn’t remember ordering anything, but maybe I had and forgot. The rumble in my stomach indicated that it was time to eat.

“Who is it?” I mumbled loud enough for whoever was on the other side to hear me.

“Lance, it’s me,” Kenzie replied. “What’s wrong? Are you ready?”

“Ready?” I asked, wondering what she was talking about.

“I’m coming in.”

I sighed and flopped an arm over my eyes.

“Lance?” Kenzie asked as she walked in. Then she must have spotted me. “Lance!”

The sound of running, then her warmth as she knelt in front of the couch. “Lance… What’s wrong?”

I reached for her, suddenly needing any sort of human contact.

Kenzie allowed me to pull her against me.

“I almost kissed him, Kenz.”

“Kissed who?”

“Eli…”

“Oh, hun,” she sighed, squeezing me back. “Did he say something?”

I shook my head into her neck. “No. I ran.”

“Maybe it’s not as bad as you think. Come on, get dressed. You can talk to him at the dance.”

“I can’t go.”

“Eli is a good guy, I’m sure it’ll be ok.”

“What if it’s not?”