Embracing Emma (Companion to Brisé) by Leigh Ann Lunsford Page B

name eludes me, and he’s a senior. She and Em have been close since grade school, and by default, Holly is like a little sister.
    Her date holds his hand out, “Andy.” I shake his hand and size him up at the same time.
    “William.” I nod and grip his hand a bit hard.
    “I know. The entire school knows.” He doesn’t seem impressed with my status, and that makes me like him. He doesn’t break eye contact and doesn’t flinch in my grip. He passes muster; if he’s going to be in Holly’s life he’ll be in Emma’s. I nod in his direction; he does the same. The guy version of acceptance.
    I bend to hug Holly, and she whispers, “Be nice.” I let go of her and wink. Andy and I dip into a conversation about football, college, and everyday bullshit while Ems and Holly soak in their surroundings. I hear hooting and hollering across the room and ignore it. I know where it’s coming from. If I can pretend it doesn’t exist I won’t get drawn into it and ruin a perfect night. I glance at Ems in my peripheral vision and see her laser-focused on the area I’m trying to avoid. She rolls her eyes, and her stance is anything but relaxed. I reach towards her, run my hand down the back of her neck, and pull her closer by her shoulders. Slowing my breaths and trying to transfer some calm into her, I pray she follows my lead.
    The lights dim, and the spotlight shines on the stage. I know we are getting a reprieve. Homecoming court is being crowned and after we can sneak out. Students push their way to the front, hoping for a piece of the action. I’m just fine making room for them, pushing us farther into the recesses. The crowning causes pandemonium to erupt, and it’s like nobody heard the different announcements that littered the school all day. It’s not a surprise so the deafness that I’m treated to isn’t at all understandable. Emma is laughing at my facial expression.
    “Did they miss the fliers all over school, the announcement broadcasted, and everyone repeating the winners today?”
    “Every royal court needs its fans.”
    “Overkill.”
    “No shit.”
    All the noise dies down, and the royalty take the dance floor. Ems and Holly tell us they are going to the bathroom, and Andy and I walk into the hallway to wait for them. I’m getting restless and want to escape the hubbub, whisk her off, and keep us cocooned until this year is over. It’s sad I’m looking forward to college and a few hours distance from her rather than enduring ruthless high school games.
    The dance floor is crowded as we head back in, and I think this is the perfect moment to make our escape. “Can we leave?”
    “We haven’t danced yet.” Her pouty lips will be my undoing.
    I sigh and relent. This is a damn dance after all. She and Holly hit the dance floor, and I make sure to keep her in my line of sight. They jump around and shake their asses to whatever song is playing. The music slows, and she crooks her finger at me, beckoning me to her. I laugh and make my way to her; I always will. “Can I have this dance?” Her batting her eyelashes at me is definitely over the top, but the sultry tone of her voice overrides any cheesiness.
    “I’d be honored.” I bow to her. Her giggles hit me in my chest, and I feel it expand to the point of bursting. I pull her to my body, not leaving an inch existing, every point of our bodies connected. I revel in the feel of her; her soft and gentle soul is a paradox to her feisty and fiery attitude. All uniquely her. “What song is this?”
    She shakes her head; it drives her nuts that I’m not a music guru. “Big & Rich ‘Lost in this Moment.’” Her head rests against my heart, her eyes close, and serenity has never looked so inviting. The words to this song are the perfect vision of my future. Every scenario in life I picture her, my future isn’t my own.
    It’s ours.
    Together.
    As the dance ends, I notice the football team heading towards us. I tense, and Ems rubs my back.