‘Yeah, you’re a good friend,’ Ed assures her. ‘But, what do you reckon, should we call it a night? You’re out.’ He gestures to her empty wine bottle.

‘No, not yet!’ She reaches for Ed’s glass, then tilts her head back and lets the last of his drink slide down her throat.

Ed checks the time on his watch. ‘Come on, it’s late and you have to get up early tomorrow.’

She’s headed to the first hometown date. ‘I only have to go to the Blue Mountains. I’ll be right.’

He eyes her warily. He knows her too well. ‘What’s going on?’

But Darcy doesn’t want to talk about it, isn’t ready to talk about it. ‘I just want to have a good time.’ She goes to put the glass back down on the table but misses it completely and it smashes to the ground.

‘I’m fine, I’m fine,’ Darcy says, pretty sure she just heard herself slur.

Ed has drunk with her too many times to find it amusing. ‘Let’s get some air.’

‘No, let’s dance!’ She moves to the dance floor, knowing he’ll follow her. Partly because he loves to dance, but mostly because he’d be too concerned to let her out of his sight after all those drinks.

They’ve only just reached the dance floor when a song Darcy loves comes pounding through the speakers. ‘I love this song!’ Darcy tilts her head back and pushes away all thoughts, letting her body move to the music.

Ed breaks out some of his familiar yet always impressive moves. Darcy tries to better him. She rarely attempts this because Ed’s not only got confidence but skills that make his moves look choreographed.

Ed’s feet glide across the dance floor and his arms move effortlessly through the air. As he does this, people step back, allowing him more space. He’s a natural and entertaining to watch. Usually Darcy laughs, amused and impressed, but tonight she’s had too much alcohol to shuffle from side to side on the outer circle. So instead she lets her body contort and thrust in moves she didn’t even know she could do.

Ed smirks as Darcy does a high kick, then spins around really fast before repeating the move with the other leg. ‘Whoaa! Go, Darce!’

She twirls again. Her balance is a little off, but she laughs, tilting her head back and throwing her arms in the air.

She hears noises of reaction around them. She doesn’t know if they’re cheering her on or laughing at her, but she doesn’t care, and it feels good.