"So?" Gabbie raised one eyebrow and looked at me suspiciously.
"So what?" I giggled nervously.
"So how's Nicky?" Kristin smiled knowingly.
"Oh, you know, the usual. So, what's up with you guys?" I rushed to switch topics.
"Sure, change the subject!" Gabbie laughed, smiling at Kristin and Corey, "That is so like you, Maddie! We'll let you off this time. But ten bucks says you and Nick are gettin' it on before you leave. You two are SO Dawson and Joey!"
"Gab-bie!" I protested.
"Trust me," she nodded, "The way he looks at you is more than friendly."
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"Hey Nick!" I entered the kitchen where I found him surrounded by the majority of the guys.
They all gaped as I entered, and Kristin waited for me by the door, watching in wonder. With parties at Gabbie's house, which occurred often, the kitchen was essentially no girl's land, they guys' territory where they impressed each other with stupid stunts such as seeing who could burp the loudest, and who had the biggest biceps.
"Uh....hey...." Nick replied, slightly surprised to see me, "Where have YOU been all night?"
"Oh! Me?" I laughed nervously, sensing the tension, "Mostly with Gabbie, Kristin, and Corey...I was outside with Alexa and Jen for a bit, too. And I danced for a bit."
"With who?" a scowl began to form on Nick's face, "Why didn't you come get me?"
"Oh, I danced with Mike...and Scott...oh, and Evan and Ryan for a bit. Why do you suddenly have to monitor my activities so closely? Look, Nick, this is neither the time nor place," I gestured to the gang of guys around us, "We'll discuss things later." I grabbed a Coke off the countertop and walked out of the kitchen, meeting up with Kristin and a bunch of guys.
As usual, I could hear Kristin talking animatedly and basically dominating the conversation. I heard various snippets, not quite catching on to what they were talking about. It was unusual, Kristin was known alternately for being a flirt, or "one of the guys". Guessing by the snippets I heard, she was having a male moment.
"Yeah, dude, ask her again!" I heard her exclaim. "Totally, man!" one of the guys agreed.
"It's now or never! Do it or remain in loserville!" Kristin threatened to Mike, the guy they appeared to be encouraging.
"Oh, hey Maddison!" Kristin casually turned to me, "How's Nick?"
"Kris, WHAT are you doing?" I hissed. "Trust me, just go along with whatever happens!" Kristin whispered back.
"Alright....." I shrugged my shoulders, unsure as to what to expect. The group seemed to disperse, some of the guys heading for the kitchen, the rest either going outside or mingling around the room.
"Have fun!"
Kristin lingered with me for a minute before running off to join Corey, another female friend of ours.. I looked around the room, left by myself, and basically on the fringe of the room, different actions taking place around me, towards the center of the room.
"Oh, hey Maddie," I heard someone clear his throat close behind me. I turned around to see Mike again, "Hey!" I said, smiling.
"Um....You wanna dance again?" he asked.
Mike was a really sweet guy, and fairly good looking. He was tall, with blonde hair and piercing ice blue eyes. He was really nice, and many girls sought him, but he was also a little shy.
"Sure, that would be nice!" I took his hand and we went to where the other couples were already dancing. As a slower song came on, Mike gingerly wrapped his arms around my waist, being careful not to get too close. I awkwardly placed my hands on his shoulders, thinking once again about Nick. I shouldn't have been so defensive, but where was this jealous streak of his coming from? Sure, I hadn't danced with him, and I had with other guys, but it's not like I was his girlfriend or anything. He was just being too damn possessive, and I'd have to show his who was boss, I decided, relaxing and resting my head on Mike's shoulder, allowing him to pull me closer. Yet I still felt guilty. When the song was over I thanked Mike and gave him a small kiss on the cheek, which left the guy glowing. I thought I'd go find Nick, apologize, and then we'd work things out. However, as I pulled away from Mike, I saw Nick, watching. Our eyes locked for a brief moment before he took off and I excused myself, tearing after him.