Chapter 12: What is Garwin Trying to Pull?
Pogue and Alexandra disappeared somewhere doing God knows what. Teresa and Tyler were dancing. Caleb and Elliot were talking against the wall. Browen found Richard from school. He's a decent guy and good-looking. He ask to dance, she accepted. He might not have been the strongest dancer but not terrible. Again, someone's eyes were locked on Browen.
"Hey Reid," an anonymous blonde greeted him. "Hey," his eyes never left Browen. The blonde didn't notice or didn't care. "Good party you have here." "Yeah." "But I'm sure you won't mind missing some time somewhere else." She was trying to give a hint. "Actually, Donna, I'm not in the mood." "My name is Tina. I bet I change that." She took her hand and rubbed his stomach going slightly south." He took her hand and pushed it off. She wasn't mad because she could find some other guy.
After the blonde left, Reid just realized what occurred. He turned down a free offer without second thought. Why? He looked at Browen. God damn you. It struck him. Yes, he found her attractive and liked her as a person. It was more than liking. Not love though. Somewhere in the middle was his emotion. He figured thought that Browen did not feel the same way. He didn't blame her.
He reviewed all not so redeeming qualities. If he told her how he felt, she would laugh, think it was love, or avoid him for the rest of his existence. As of right now, he'll just keep this epiphany to himself. How did this happen? The only answer he thought was he didn't sleep with her, spends time with her, and she wasn't a dumb slut. This feeling was still confusing.
"I can't keep up with you, Browen," Richard admitted. His cell phone rang, "Excuse me, Browen." He left. Reid saw this as an opportune moment. He walked over. "Dance with me," Reid asked (but sounded more like a command). "Again? Only if you say please," she insisted. "Please," Reid said barely audible. So, they danced. Hands roamed. Eyes caressed. Browen was about to say something about his staring look. But, Reid placed a finger on her mouth.
"Just dance, that's all I ask," Reid said with complete humility. What is Garwin trying to pull? Reid read her face. "I'm not trying to pull a fast one," he replied with sincerity. Did a body snatcher take Garwin?! She couldn't help but to comply. She was curious where this was going. Eventually, they both danced with their eyes closed. It was actually comforting to dance with one another. They weren't even bumping and grinding like they normally do. In fact during the fast song, they were almost standing still in each other's embrace.
Browen opened her eyes and realized they weren't dancing. She let go and moved a step back. What is happening? Reid opened his eyes and tightened his grip. No, don't Browen. "Where are you going?" "We're not dancing anymore." "Doesn't mean we have to stop." Browen's face showed her uncertainty. She was more uncomfortable now than Reid trying to hit on her. "Don't think about it now, think later." She took a breath. She stepped towards him and engulfed by his embrace.
They tuned out the music and the people to only hear each other's breathing and feeling each other's hearts beating. This was making Browen nervous. Her lips were starting to shiver on their own. She stiffened and broke the embrace. "I need to go now, I'm sorry," she slipped away out of the dance room. He stood there disappointed and saddened. Oh shit. She had to go outside away from everyone. She started to cry. Why? Several conclusions came to her head. Reid Garwin was a.) using a new tactic to get her bed b.) too drunk to know what he's doing c.) thought she was someone else d.) he just cares as a friend e.) he cares more than a friend. She dreaded the last option the most.