Getting further into the festivities, everybody was chatting, listening to music being played by a DJ, and ordering food, much to Shelly's delight, all my friends were having a great time. I however, was still not allowed to put on clothes. Or rather they seemed to have magically vanished. I asked around but nobody seemed to have seen where they were moved to, or more likely they weren't going to tell me anything just to keep me in my speedo. Everyone appeared to be perfectly content with me being barely dressed for this party.
New customers kept coming in on a regular basis never failing to notice me in my scribble-covered swimsuit. When they asked what was going on, they enthusiastically wanted to join our little party after a brief explanation. I even accidentally bumped into a lady just coming through the entrance. I apologized, but she told me to think nothing of it because she was more endeared than offended. She then snapped a picture of me out of nowhere then ran off to join the rest of my 'friends'.
My embarrassment continued to grow along with the number of our party guests. I spent almost an entire hour walking around that restaurant with a perpetual blush on my face because complete strangers kept ogling me. My only consolation at this point was Scarlet, who kept holding my hand the entire time. Sometimes she would distract me with fun conversation, lean against my shoulder, slide her fingers along my torso, or just pat me on the butt. Pretty much every action she has taken today has led to nothing but complete and utter humiliation for me yet I still like it best when she was right beside me. Man, was I messed up or what?
After ducking another small group of giggling girls who were clearly pointing at me, I decided I was finally going to ask Scarlet out. I figured after all this torment, I deserved to have something go right today. As if reading the mood, the DJ started playing a slow song and I immediately asked Scarlet to dance. Much to my delight, she said yes. I soon realized that this may not be a good thing. As the guest of honor, all eyes fell on us as we started dancing. All the people in the restaurant, friends and strangers alike, stopped what they were doing just to step back and watch me and Scarlet as she wrapped her arms around my neck.
I swallowed nervously as I placed my hands on her hips and started swaying to the music. This wasn't by far how I envisioned asking out a girl. I expected my heart hammering and my brow sweating but I thought it would be because of the pretty girl, not because I was dancing practically naked in front of what felt like hundreds of people I barely knew.
I took a deep breath. "Hey, Scarlet."
"What is it Mr. Green eyes?" Our faces were so close our lips were practically brushing each other.
"Considering the circumstances, I know this might sound weird..."
"I like weird."
"So I've noticed! Believe me! Anyway, well...you know I really like you despite all that." It was a statement, not a question. I could feel everyone around us moving in to listen to our conversation.
"I absolutely adore you." She stroked her fingers across my cheek. A pleasant shiver ran down my spine.
"I'm really happy to hear you say that. Cause, you see, the thing is..."
"Sorry we're late everyone!" A voice cut through the music and the crowd. For a moment, all my spectators shifted their attention from me and Scarlet to the crowd of girls who just entered the restaurant. A stunning Celene Mist; blonde hair, jade eyes, face full of sun-kissed freckles and captain of the drill team when she was back in high school with the rest of us. And it appeared that she and the rest of her teammates were invited. Strutting past the party goers like she was on a red carpet; she was sporting a white fluffy jacket, a red spaghetti strap top, mini skirt, and stylish boots. She and her posse stopped their swagger once they set their sights on me with Scarlet in my arms at the center of the room.
"Wow! Usually I make a joke on how no party can get started without me but clearly I would be wrong." Celene and her sexy crew of former drill team members skipped over to me holding out her hand. "Hi Santiago! I don't know if you remember me, but my friends and I used to cheer for you at your swim meets. My name is..."
