“I’ll be back, got to go get Val’s camera from the car.” Dante moved to the door.
“The camera! Oh God, I left the camera in the car.” Malachi grimaced. He called out to Dante, who had already begun to leave. “Hey Man, hold up.”
Well that’s awkward, I thought, as I closed the door and went into the living room.
***
It seemed like forever later, but eventually we took pictures. Group pictures, couple pictures, single pictures, parent and child pictures and then we paired off however we saw fit. After several pictures had been taken, Nat insisted on one of Dante and me alone. I felt a little awkward, but I supposed we would never have the moment back and I didn’t want to have any regrets. We stood side by side, but before she snapped it, he linked our pinkies together causing a big smile to take over my face. Luckily Val was busy with her own pictures at that time.
Once the paparazzi died down, we said our goodbyes. The limo was finally there to take us to the hotel where our prom was being held.
Everyone was loading in, when I stopped. “Crap I forgot something.”
“What?” Malachi seemed concerned.
“Just … something. Hold on, I’ll be right back.” I stepped back out of the car and hurried back into the house.
Rushing to my room, I opened my jewelry box and grabbed the infinity ring that Dante had given me for Christmas. I slipped it on my finger and hurried back out to join everyone in the limo. I took my seat beside Malachi, across from Val and Dante. Nat looked at me oddly, trying to figure out what happened. I folded my hands in my lap. She noticed, as did Dante who was smiling at me. Nat shook her head and rolled her eyes. Yes, I was hopeless. I smiled at Malachi as we were on our way and he winked, knowing all too well what I had done.
***
The place was packed by the time we arrived. Walking into the large lobby, we were soon ushered into the hall where dinner was being served. The group of us hurried to commandeer a table that we could all fit at together. The music was not too loud at the moment. I picked at my plate, not really hungry after grazing on appetizers at my house all night.
“It’s not pizza.” Dante nudged me.
“Ah ha, he knows your secret.” Malachi laughed, having caught Dante’s remark.
I smiled shyly. Dante looked at Malachi, “Well, that one is hardly a secret. She can be quite the oinker around pizza.” His tone was playful with me, but I caught his irritated look towards Malachi.
I smacked him. Jeez, that was not necessary. Okay, so I pigged out on pizza, he didn’t have to call me an oinker. Malachi laughed. I tried to ignore the awkward feeling that sat in the pit of my stomach as I sat between them.
Nat and Aiden were giving one another goo-goo eyes across the table. “Okay you two, if you are going to be like that all night, I think I’ll have to pass on the sleepover.” I rolled my eyes.
“Don’t even think about it.” Nat pointed at me, never taking her eyes off Aiden.
“You’re sleeping over after all?” Malachi looked at me curious.
I realized we hadn’t had a chance to discuss it yet, since I had gotten the okay, “Yea, my mom finally caved after lots of begging and pleading.” I exaggerated.
“Well, I’m shocked. She didn’t give you the whole spiel about boys?” He said.
“She totally did, but I told her no other boys were staying.” I playfully nudged him with my elbow.
“You little liar.” He winked.
I felt Dante tap my arm. “What’s up, Dante?” I smiled as Malachi got into conversation with Aiden about the after party.
“He’s staying the night?” His voice was low and tight.
“I don’t know.”
He frowned.
“What?”
“You remember,” He briefly ran his finger over the ring, “what we talked about?”
I nodded. “Not tonight, okay?” I smiled tightly, patting his hand and turning back to Malachi and Aiden’s animated conversation about air hockey competitions tonight.
“You are on!” Malachi shook Aiden’s hand.
“Oh, God Rock, you and I are going to be on karaoke all night at the rate these two are going.” Nat joked.
I laughed. “Fine by me.”
Dante hadn’t said anything more to me. He wasn’t being mean, but he wasn’t being too nice either. We sat so close and I felt so far from him. I did my best to concentrate on making memories. Life was going to change again, soon. I needed to take in the moments that were happening all around me tonight.
The DJ turned the music up and the girls and I rushed to the dance floor. I grabbed Natalia and Valerie’s hands. Lidia kissed Parker and began twirling around as we squeezed onto the floor.
This time was so much different from the last. I didn’t feel the awkwardness of my date holding me back. I felt free, free to be me. The girls and I began dancing together. It didn’t take long before Aiden joined us, swooping Natalia away to enjoy her swaying body. Parker came out as well, sandwiching himself between Lidia and another girl. They reminded me of the first time I saw Dante on the dance floor with two girls. Val and I were left dancing together. She was on one tonight. She snuck in her vodka and I was sure it was getting to her by now. She whipped her hair around dancing as seductively as she could. I laughed and joined in on the fun, knowing she was putting on a show for the boys. The boys! Dante and Malachi stood at the edge of the dance floor. Both had their arms crossed as they watched us. Except they weren’t watching us; they were both watching me. Malachi had a huge grin, knowing exactly what I was doing. Dante’s eyes were tearing through me. I did my best to concentrate on Val who was completely engulfed in the dance. After what seemed like forever, Malachi danced his way into our duo and Val welcomed him with open arms. It didn’t last but a second, when Dante whipped her around and begun dancing.
Malachi could dance. He moved seductively, grinding his hips into me and occasionally grabbing for my exposed thigh. I looked around, afraid the chaperones would be approaching us, but they were all busy enjoying the night. Besides, there were plenty of others around us dancing the same way. Including Dante and Val, who had now given him her backside as she pushed it into him with a look of satisfaction all over both of their faces. I couldn’t stand seeing them like this. They were nearly doing it on the dance floor and the picture was all too real for my stomach to handle.
Angry, I took to dancing with a new purpose. Malachi moved with ease. The tantalizing beat that played went well with his movements. I stepped in closer and maneuvered myself into his willing hands. He pulled me tighter. I pulled his face down to mine and threw my hair around our heads, knowing it would be hard to tell whether we actually kissed or not. A smile escaped his mouth as he moved the hand he placed behind my neck and moved it back to my hip. I suddenly felt a little lightheaded as my stomach dropped. What the hell was I doing? Dante and I were supposed to be friends. He was with Val now, so why was I trying to sabotage everything? The song ended and I motioned to Malachi, to follow me. We walked off the dance floor, as did Nat, Aiden, Dante and Val. I hadn’t meant for everyone to follow, but they did. We sat back at the table and I took a big gulp of ice water.
“I’ll be right back, okay.” I stood up.
“Yea sure,” Malachi said. “Bathroom break?”
“Yea.” I smiled.
“Me too, meet you back here in five?” He asked.
“Ten.” I said.
He laughed and got up to leave. I hung back a second. “Anyone else need to use the ladies room?”
“I do.” Val chirped. We linked arms and I snuck a glance towards Dante before we walked off. He was sitting with one arm hanging, the other closed tightly around his water glass and he was slouched in his chair. “So Malachi?” Val smiled
“Yea. That was surprising.” I giggled.
“Right?” She giggled too. “Who knew the boy could move like that? Shocked the heck out of me.”
I cringed. “I know, I’m sorry. I kind
of lost my head a second. Did a lot of people see?”
“Don’t apologize.” She laughed. “We should all be so lucky. I don’t think too many people saw, it was pretty fast.” Suddenly her tone was serious. “Dante saw.” I didn’t know what to say. She continued, “Yea, I don’t think he was too happy. One minute we were dancing and the next he was standing there staring at you. I tried to distract him, but he stopped moving and then when you motioned for Malachi to follow you off the floor, he kind of stalked right after you two. I thought he was going to pick a fight, but Aiden caught up to him and whatever he said calmed Dante down.” She looked a little sad.
“I don’t even know what to say, Val. I’m sorry.” I felt so incredibly guilty. I caused that. I hurt Dante and Val because of my selfishness.
We were in the restroom now and she turned towards me. There were only two others in there with us. No one we knew. “He loves you Raquel. I know he still does. I think you love him still too.”
I didn’t react.
“Am I right?” She pressed me.
“Val, I’m going to give you the most honest answer I can. You are an amazing friend and I don’t ever want to lose your friendship. As far as Dante goes, I probably will always love him. But, we don’t work. We’ve tried. We don’t work as friends and we don’t work as a healthy relationship.” Val deserved the truth.
“Are you going to stay with Malachi?” She interrupted.
“No.” I swallowed hard and prepared to stop being the gallina my aunt called me earlier. “Malachi and I are just friends. We were never together Val. He and I have been friends for a long time. That’s all we’ve ever been.”
Her eyes grew wide, “Well, a word of advice, if you don’t mind me giving my two cents.” She frowned.
“Please.” I urged her.
“Don’t leave with regrets. Life is short, Raquel and no one is perfect. Dante loves you and it’s not a game to him. He sucks at showing it and I get that. I’m not pressuring you to do anything. All I’m saying is, if you go to some far away country and your life goes on, if Dante goes to the military and life happens, if something were to ever happen to either of you. I mean the possibility is always there, you know, and could you live with that? Knowing that maybe you two were meant to be? I don’t know it’s just a thought. Tonight is going to end, school is almost out. Things are going to change soon. Don’t leave here with regrets. Tell him the truth. He deserves that much.”
I let it all sink in. Was she basically telling me to be with Dante? What about her? I felt horrible having lied to them. She was so right. I had already forgiven Dante. I wanted to be with him. It was all so obvious to me now. What was I thinking playing these games with him?
“Okay I got to pee, before I pop.” She laughed, as she entered the stall. And just like that her anger faded and she seemed to forgive me.
We walked back to the tables with smiles on our faces. “Everything okay? You fall in?” Nat joked.
Malachi let out a huge laugh. I shot him the evil eye and took my seat between him and Dante. He quickly tried to make nice, “Dance time?”
“Yea.” I smiled and went to stand.
“Hey Malachi, save me one of those okay?” Val shouted to him as we walked away.
He winked at her as he guided me with his hand on the small of my back. Nat and Aiden were right behind us. The song was full of bass and we all made fools of ourselves, dancing till our feet were hurting and working up quite a sweat in the process.
“I need a break.” I yelled into Malachi’s ear. He nodded and started to walk off with me. Val walked up to him putting her hand on his chest.
“Not yet, hot stuff. You owe me a dance.” She winked at me.
I laughed and walked off to the table where Dante was sitting. “Whew, I am so sweaty.” I said fanning myself with my hand.
“I bet.” The dry way he said it, hurt me.
“You want to dance?” I looked at him.
“You aren’t tired yet?” He grimaced.
“Hell no, the night is still young.” I laughed as I kicked the heels off my achy feet.
He seemed to perk up a little. “Yea, I’ll dance.”
“Well, come on party pooper. The songs aren’t going to wait for you.” I pulled him up and immediately took it upon myself to link our pinkies as he had done countless times before. He smiled raising my hand up and planting a gentle kiss on my ring. No regrets!
I led him to the dance floor, where Val was having her wild way with Malachi. Dante and I turned to face each other and I grabbed his hands placing them on my hips. His finger tips burned into my skin as he possessively held on. I moved slow, then faster as he gripped tighter. We were lost in the moment, staring at each other. Time really did seem to stop with Dante. I moved my arms up and lifted my hair. He smiled, pulling me closer still and twisting me around, the way him and Val had been when I had gotten upset earlier. Only unlike when they did it, this was his idea. I backed my butt into him, moving with the motion of his hips. He ground onto me, pulling my hips back with his hands. As I lifted my hair off of my neck, he reached up and interlaced his fingers into my hands, pulling them back down towards my stomach. His fingers rubbed over the ring and I felt his head dip down to my neck. I leaned back into his head, wrapping my hand around his neck and pulling down. He obliged, licking at my neck. I heard him moan, and it sent chills all through my body. Lifting his head, he spun me around to face him once again, putting distance between our bodies.
What happened? I wondered. The intense look in his eye worried me. He continued dancing and I did too, but we weren’t linked anymore. When the song ended he walked off the dance floor without saying a word. I followed him, returning to our table.
“Everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine.” He said tightly.
“Are you mad, Dante?” I was so confused.
“Rock, are you spending the night with Malachi?” His eyes looked wild as the lights from the dance floor whipped across his face.
I frowned. “No, I’m not.” I needed to tell him the truth, but I wasn’t sure now was the right time. I needed to talk to Malachi first.
“Okay.” He said, not looking at me.
“What’s wrong?” I knew damn well what was wrong, but I wasn’t sure what else to say.
“Nothing. You are confusing.” He snapped. “One song you are out there practically fucking him, next you’re out there seducing me.” He points to the dance floor.
“I wasn’t practically doing that with him, Dante! We were dancing. I wasn’t dancing any worse than you and Val.” I got defensive.
“So, is this a competition now? Is this all a game to you?” He crossed his arms and sat back hard against the chair.
“No. No, not at all, Dante, there is no competition.”
He looked at me, questioningly. I wanted to tell him. Enough was enough. “I need to talk to Malachi.” I finally said. He stared at me, a look of confusion on his face. “I’ll be back. Okay?”
“Why?” He was clearly still upset.
“Just, I’ll be back.” I got up to walk to the dance floor. Val and Malachi were on their way over to the table, when I stopped him midway. “Come outside with me?”
“Yea.” He smiled.
We walked towards the door that led out to the patio the school reserved. I remembered I didn’t have shoes and he easily picked me up standing me on his shoes, holding onto me as we walked together. I was giggling all the way to the table. “What’s up Raquel?”
“I’m struggling.” I said, seriously now.
“Dante?” He asked.
“Yea.” I looked down.
“It’s got to be hard on you, watching him with Val.” He said.
“It is. Harder than I thought it would be.”
“Well, FYI, it doesn’t look like he’s having the best time watching you and me either.” He seemed to genuinely feel bad about it.
“You noticed?” I looked at him.
“It�
��s obvious.” He smiled. “So, what do you want to do about it, kiddo?” I smiled with one side of my mouth and then worried my lip with my teeth. He pulled my lip from my teeth, “If you are worried about me, don’t. Val’s a great girl. I could dance with her all night, if you catch my drift.” He teased, as he wiggled his eyebrows up and down.
“Really?” I laughed.
“Yea, that girl can move.”
“Ah and I can’t?” I acted offended.
“Well, yea, when you’re trying to piss Dante off. Otherwise you don’t really let loose.”
“You caught that, huh?”
“I’m wise.” He pointed to his brain.
“Yes, this I know. Wise. Wise ass!” I teased.
He stood up and hugged me, then lifted me onto his feet again. “You’re going to be fine. You’re about to make his whole night, right now.” He said into my ear.
“You don’t know that.”
“Well, let’s just say he and I had a little heart to heart and I do know that.” He confessed.
“Wha— when?” I stood there slack jawed.
“The cameras, earlier, when we had to get them.” He winked.
“Ohhhhhh.”
He nodded his head, “Let’s go.” He set me down once we were back inside and we walked back quickly to the tables where Val and Dante were sitting. She looked bored, he looked miserable. As soon as she saw Malachi she perked up. “You ready?” He asked holding out his hand for her to join him on the dance floor again. She didn’t even look at me, grabbing his hand and walking beside him with a skip in her step.
“What’s that all about?” Dante said pointing his chin at Val and Malachi.
“Nothing. Hey, you wanna get out of here?” He looked at me, blankly. “Dante?” I said swaying my hands in front of his face.
“Where?” He looked at me concerned. I pointed towards the rooms. He stood up, abruptly.
“Let me go tell Nat, so she doesn’t worry, okay?” I touched his arm.
“Yea, go. I’ll be right back. Wait for me right here, okay?” He grabbed my wrist and held on, like he thought I would disappear.
Breaking Down (The Breaking Series) Page 23