Chapter Seventeen

After I had told the whole story, of my life, to Dan, night has already fallen, and he managed to convince me, to come to the party. But, before that, I needed a shower and some rest.

I called my family and let them know that I was coming soon. I tried calling Gina, on skype, but she wasn't answering. I need her advice, but I guess, trying to find Santa's workshop, is in fact, more important.

I looked at the clock. It was nine already, and I stepped into the balcony. I could hear the music coming from the other side. The party has started.

I better get going, then. On my way there, I asked one of the girls who worked in the resort where they got those flowers in their hair. Instead of it, she kindly gave me one. A pink flower, and a pink dress. Perfect match. So, I headed towards the sound of music.

The first thing I saw, when I entered the area was that everyone was gathered around something. I couldn't see what was going on, so I walked over to Dan, who's bar was empty.

"Hello, gorgeous."

I smiled at the compliment, "Thanks. What's going on."

"Oh everyone's watching a show. We usually have these things. It's sort of like…. Well, I don't know how to describe it. See for yourself."

I carefully got on the bar stools, with Dan holding my hand, and helping me balance.

One woman, in a mask, or maybe her outfit had a name, I just didn't know it, was in a contorted state, and was holding another woman with only her feet and hands. It was impressive. Her body, both of their bodies were bent in ways I didn't think bodies could bend. Then two men, took the stage a started blowing fire from their mouths.

The whole thing was nearly over, and, after a huge and well-deserved applause, and my screaming, everyone scattered around, and returned to the bar or their seats.

I turned to Dan, who finally got his job back, "That was incredible."

"Yes, it was," I heard an unknown male voice behind me. "And if I may add, you look incredible."

I turned to see who the man was giving me compliments. I'd say he was in his early 20s. He wasn't my type, physically, but was a good-looking guy. Blonde with blue eyes. He held himself maybe a bit too cocky.

"Thank you. And you are?"

"Sam. And you?"

"Jessica."

He shook my hand, and continued, "It's lovely to meet you."

"Yeah, thanks. Have a great night," I didn't really want to continue talking to him, I just wasn't in the mood for flirting, so I turned to Dan. I came here to dance and have fun. He didn't get my body language, or he didn't care.

"So, what brings you here?"

I looked at Dan and rolled my eyes.

"A plane."

He laughed, "A funny one."

I just nodded, and turned away from him again, hoping this time, he'll get the hint. He didn't.

"Want to dance?"

I had it, "Actually, I'd rather not. I don't mean to offend you or anything, I'm sure you're a great guy, but I'm not looking for a fling nor a relationship, I just want to have fun, and dance… on my own."

"I think this is a personal record," He muttered to himself.

"For what?"

"For being rejected."

I rolled my eyes so hard, I felt them at the back of my head, "And what is the record?" I indulged him.

"Me scoring - 125, me not scoring - 1."

"Well, you do need to get a shot of reality occasionally, you know, to keep you grounded. You certainly need it."

I heard Dan whisper, "Yes girl." And I smiled in victory.

Sam opened his mouth to say something, but I instead of words, I only heard him gasp. Then he spoke, "What is he doing here?"

I turned and saw Zack, arriving to the party.

"You know him?" Does everyone know him?

"Yeah," he snorted, "That's my brother. How do you know him? Is this why you rejected me? You already got the taste of Sanders brothers?"

I looked at him, with my mouth hanging open. This is a joke, isn't it? I looked back at Dan, who just mouthed, "Shit���s about to go down."

Zach saw him, and came over to us, looking angry, "What are you doing here, Sam?"

"Hey, bro. What, I'm on my vacation. What are YOU doing here?"

"Same, Sam. Shouldn't you be at college? And in your room, studying?"

Sam let out a nervous laugh, "Well, I have passed all the important ones, and thought I should get some rest."

I on the other hand, was actually doing some studying, studying of Zach's face. The anger in his eyes was out there for everyone to see. And why wouldn't he be angry? His own brother slept with the love of his life. Yes, it was probably a long time ago. But, it's not a thing you forgive and forget easily. Speaking of the woman who caused all the problems, Lydia suddenly showed up, pretending like she had amnesia.

I was the one with half a brain, not her.

As entertaining this little reunion was, I wasn't really in the mood for this much tension. Dan, on the other hand was, as he was almost starting to clean my hand, instead of the bar, just to get close and hear this fresh development.

"Hi Sam," Lydia kissed his cheek.

The nerve of that woman. Ok, I need to dance.

"And bye Sam. Everyone have a nice night, I'll be in the middle dancing," I tried to get away.

"Do you need some help?" Sam was not giving up.

"Sam!" Zach warned him.

"Nope. I think I know how to move my hands and feet, on my own. When I'm in need of a ventriloquist, I'll call you."

The sound of Dan laughing in the back, was music to my ears.

Speaking of it, the music was incredible. Some band, a different one that the one that usually plays during dinner time, was rocking this place. From oldies to the most contemporary music, and all covered in different genres. The moment I heard Ariana's Dangerous woman; my body lost it's control.

Yes, feminism, let's lose control.

I danced and danced all night long. After a fourth song, Dan joined me.

"Don't you have a job to do," I said in between my crazy thrust.

"I took a break… A break, to boogie!" He screamed and joined my crazy dancing.

I loved this man.

Everyone was dancing, having fun, the place was filled with good energy and vibes. But of course it had to be spoiled.

The moment Dan left me, and returned to his job, Sam took his place, uninvitingly. People, I tried to be nice, and polite, but he is crossing a line.

He came from behind me and put his hand on my hip. I moved his hand, startled at this intrusion.

"What are you doing?"

"Dancing with you," he came closer. He still wasn't getting it.

I stopped dancing, "Listen Sam, I don't want to dance with you. No is a no. Find someone else." I raised my voice at him, "And don't ever touch me again, without me knowing, or I'll punch you so hard, your one ball we'll feel it."

"Uh, aren't we being a prude."

"No, we are being a bitch, because you are being a jerk. Now, leave me alone."

His face changed into a predatory one, "Now you listen," and he came towards me. But, before I could react, like slap him or punch him, Zach appeared behind me and pushed his brother away from me.

"You've had too much to drink. Go to your room, or I'll make you."

Zach's protectiveness of me, was slightly turning me on. He's with Lydia, forget about it, my mind kept reminding me.

Like a spoiled brat, Sam just huffed and puffed, for not getting what he wanted, and turned around.

"You didn't need to do that. I could've handled that myself," I told Zach.

He turned around to face me, "I know you did; I was just making sure you don't have too. Besides, what would you have done?" He smiled cheekily.

"Probably kneed him where the sun doesn't shine."

"Ouch."

"Yeah, that's what happens when you mess with me," I laughed.

"Good."

The beat changed into a slow one. We stood there, one across each other, like idiots. Everyone was now dancing with their partner.

"So, one dance before I go to bed?"

Why was I doing this to myself?

He turned around, pretending he didn't know I was asking him. I playfully punched his arm, "Come on, you know I'm asking you?"

He smiled, and we started to slow dance, "You know if that is how you punch, then It was a good thing I showed up."

He never failed to make me laugh.

"I'm glad we are not fighting anymore."

"Who said we were fighting?" What is this man on about?

"You were angry at me, don't deny it. You women are…"

"If you finish that sentence with angry, I'll punch you for real."

Zach chuckled, "No, what I was about to say, before you threatened me, was you women are always worrying your brains about things that matter and don't matter."

"I only have half of brain left."

"If I recall, I was the one who cut it out, and no, you don't have half of the brain left. I only took out a small part."

"Yeah, yeah, I know, it's just sounds cooler when I say it like that.���

"Well, if it sounds cool, then by all means, use it. But use it wisely."

I noticed Lydia at the bar, fuming, so I decided it's time for me to leave. I had to mentally convince my feet to stop dancing. They were being controlled by my body, and it didn't want to stop. It was enjoying Zach's warm body and his closeness way too much. But my HALF of the brain was stronger.

"I'll be going to bed, I'm tired. I've been saying that a lot lately, haven't I?"

"It's perfectly normal."

"I know, I'll see you tomorrow. And, Romeo, you should see to your Juliet, she's been left out, and she looks pissed. And not only alcohol pissed."

He kept looking at me, and not breaking eye contact.

I waved to Dan, who didn't see me. The man was way too busy flirting with some guy, so I used the last atom of my strength left, and being an incredible friend, as I also am, I yelled at him, "Tap that ass Dan!"

"Oh, hi Pedro," I waved at Pedro, who was serving some couple, "Tip him well, he's incredible," I told the confused couple.

I was in an elevator, listening to the soft music, playing in the background.

*ding*

The doors opened, and I headed to my room, when my phone rang. Who would be calling me at this hour?

Michael.

I remembered. He must have gotten the message.

"Hi, Michael."

"Hey. Anna told me you wanted to talk to me. Also, I called your family and they told me you were traveling and far away. Where are you?"

"Oh, I'm in… actually it's not important."

"You are right. Are you at least having a good time?"

"Yeah, I think so," I arrived at my room number, and stood there.

"Good." He sounded tired.

"So, um…the reason why I called you, wasn't to talk about my adventure, but to tell you that…. I would love to come to the wedding, and I would love to meet up with Ann prior to the wedding."

"That's incredible," I heard the excitement in his voice, "What's the reason for this change of heart?"

"Well," I began when I heard the elevator door open and Zach coming out. He was red in his face, and was walking fast toward me, "You know what, I'll call you later."

The next thing I knew, I was pinned to the door, and Zach was kissing me. Oh boy, did that man know how to kiss. Those butterflies in my stomach were burning by the fire that was forming at the pit of it.

I could taste the alcohol on his soft lips. He was kissing me, with all the strength and passion he had in him. He was kissing me, like it was the last thing he was going to do. My brain went blank, my legs started to shake, and I almost lost my ability to breathe, kissing him back.

Once he satisfied his need of kissing me, he pulled away, and I almost fell over, but his strong hands kept me in place. My eyes were shut, from the moment he kissed me, and I was afraid to open them. Because, If I did, I might find out, that it was all a dream, and I was alone in a hallway.

I opened my eyes and looked into his. The fire was burning. He touched my face, then my lips, "I'm sorry," he whispered.

"For what?" I barely let out a sound.

He didn't answer, just moved away from me, and walked back to the elevator. Luckily, for him, the elevator opened, and he entered without even turning around.

What did I do? Stand frozen for about half an hour, and then my body reminded me that it was tired, and I needed sleep.