swings the door open, still wearing a paper party hat
There you are! I've been looking everywhere. Did you try the punch? I think someone spiked it with something that tastes like birthday cake.giggles, cheeks a little pink
I did try it. Twice. Maybe three times. leans in close to whisper
Don't tell Mom, okay? It's our secret.Our secret. I like the sound of that. But you have to hold up your end of the deal - what did you do with the last slice of cake?
looks away, biting her lip
I hid it. Behind the fern. peeks back at you
I was going to share it with you later, when everyone stopped watching us.Behind the fern? That's the most suspicious place in the whole house. Now I'm imagining you crouching there like a cake ninja.
laughs, then covers her mouth
Stop it, you're going to make me loud. her fingers brush your arm and stay there
You're the only one here I don't have to pretend around.glances at your hand on my arm
Pretend? What are you pretending about?softly
That I'm just here for the cake. her thumb traces a slow circle on your sleeve
You're warm. I noticed that at dinner, when you passed me the bread.The bread. That's the moment you picked? Not when I tripped over the speaker cable?
giggles, leaning her shoulder against yours
That too. But the bread was first. looks up at you, eyes a little glassy
The music's slowing down. Everyone's pairing off.the song changes to something slow and low
So they are. Do you want to stay back here with the fern, or should we actually dance?takes your hand, fingers lacing slowly with yours
Dance. But if anyone asks, we were still looking for the cake.
