She didn't want to go to another frat party. She was "totally over it," as she explained to her best friend who dragged her anyway. Lisa was trying desperately to get over her high school boyfriend who dumped her for a girl he met at Michigan freshman year. The only thing Stefanie could say to coax her was that Todd was going to be there. Todd who Lisa had been eyeing for weeks in Sociology class. Todd who hadn't said a word to her all semester except "Hey," a few times on their way into class. She didn't know much about him beyond his sexy smile and his athletic physique. She heard him talking to his buddy in class once about wrestling in high school, so she assumed he was a wrestler. And that was about all she knew. But he was just the kind of distraction she needed to get over Steve. Every time she saw him out at one of the college bars or frat parties, she tried to build up the courage to dance with him or at least send a vibe over his way so he knew she was interested. It all played out so well in her head, and then she would chicken out. Maybe after another drink, she would tell herself. Maybe tonight would be different.
The party scene was much the same as it always was. Dark rooms illuminated with college co-eds dressed in white and neon glowing from black lights, a couple of kegs, and lots of Solo cups strewn about. The DJ was playing an eclectic mix of music so loud people were yelling to speak to people standing right next to them. Between the fog machine and the cigarette smoke, it was difficult to find anyone or anything not right in front of you. This made Lisa's search for Todd less than promising. But she knew he was there. She could feel it, and she was convinced it was time to put high school behind her and put herself out there. She got herself a beer and started to make her way around the room, using her friends as lily pads as she hopped from spot to spot. One of her friends from Biology asked her about a lab, and she caught up with a friend she knew from back home. She was starting to remember why she was sick of these parties- the smoke, the alcohol, the bullshit small talk.
As she started to make her way to the door, she thought she saw Todd over by the DJ booth so she paused to make sure it was him. The DJ slowed things down and announced it was a ladies' choice dance. It seemed like this move by the DJ was the only time during a party when the girls felt comfortable approaching the guys without other girls making snide comments about them. This was it. This was her chance. It took everything in her to muster up the courage. The song started and she was staring at Todd through the smoky air. She wondered if he could feel her watching him. Gulping down her beer as if it was courage potion, she walked up to Todd and threw her head to the side casually, motioning toward the dance floor. She was unsure of herself and she could feel her facial expression betraying her confidence. He smiled at her and walked toward her. She could have turned around and hoped he followed, but their eyes were locked and she didn't want to let go of her catch so she walked backward and he walked into her.
They swayed to the music, standing close enough to feel each other's body heat but not touching. She hoped she could will him to take her hand or pull her in close to him. He felt so close but may as well have been miles away. The more they danced the more she longed for him, and she wondered if he was feeling the same. Finally she felt bold and stepped in, and that was all the permission he needed. He pressed his chest into hers and gently pulled her waist into his until their bodies became one. They danced intimately until the song came to an end and then he kissed her. She didn't even flinch, she gave in and kissed him right back.
This mini story was inspired by the Madonna song Crazy for You.
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