Let’s say, when she really cuts loose, Berry is an amazing dancer. I’d seen only flashes of her brilliance earlier at the mini putt. Tonight she was using every bit of her body from her fingers to her toes. She hopped when the music called for it.

“BERRY!” I screamed.

Many, many people stopped their tepid movements to this amazing song and stared.

In mid-jump, Berry spun around to face me.

I knew what I had to do.

I took a long run, dropped to my knees, sliding across the dance floor, friction building on my velvet pant legs as I skidded to a halt about a foot short of where I wanted to be.

And then Berry stepped forward and met me so the pose would be perfect.

“I’m SO SORRY!” I screamed up at her, over the music.

“Why are you sorry?” Berry screamed back as she grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet.

“BECAUSE!”

Berry searched my face. For signs of intelligence, possibly. “BECAUSE WHY?”

All the little details, like the flecks of green in her eyes. Or the way her lips pouted when she relaxed her face, or when she was looking at me when I was sweating profusely in velvet. The three freckles that formed a perfect triangle on the top of her right cheek. The tiny heart on her nose. The way she wiggled a little when she had a great idea. The many shades of pink her cheeks turned when she was upset or happy or nervous, like a human mood ring.

“BECAUSE IT’S YOU!”

“ME WHAT?”

“It’s YOU that I LIKE,” I bellowed. “But it’s MORE than that. You’re weird and I’m weird and when we’re together it feels AMAZING instead of strange. Because you’re awesome and I just want to hang out with you all the time!”

“You want to hang out with me?” Berry’s face swam in front of mine, surrounded by glowing dance lights. “Your friend?”

“NO.” I shook my head. “I want to BE, like, WITH you!”

“Are you SURE?” Berry eyes searched my face.

My throat was starting to vibrate from screaming on the dance floor. “YEAH, OKAY. I know I’m late. But I’m here now and I will MAKE IT UP TO YOU!”

Berry did a little spin. I grabbed her hand and spun her back into me. “Okay,” she said.

“So now what?”

Some slow song came on. Not disco. Something else. “Aw,” some kid yelled, “I love this fucking song.”

I took a small step forward. “I was thinking I should kiss you if that’s okay.”

Berry considered. “You’re very sweaty.”

“Deal breaker?”

Berry shook her head and held out her hand. I reached out and my fingers laced with hers. I thought maybe I could feel her heart beating, but it might just have been my heart finally beating loud enough for the both of us.