Writing Camp Secrets

Week 4 Writing Camp/Graduation Party

Layla POV

Vincent invited everyone that he ever came in contact with on campus to his beach theme graduation party at the Tropicana hotel. Crystal chandeliers dangled from the high ceiling and colorful arrangements of red, yellow, and orange were positioned around the room along with huge palm trees to give a tropical feel.  The ballroom smelled of citrus and the colorful flowers. Against the far wall long tables with white table clothes served as the buffet. Vincent had the caterer prepare spicy jerk chicken, lemon garlic shrimp, a fruit tower of strawberries, red and green grapes, and blueberries. On another table, croquettes, crab cakes, chocolate truffle balls, brownies, and various cheese cakes. Next to the table was a cherry flavored punch fountain.  The ballroom was packed with men dressed in Hawaiian shirts and Bermuda shorts. The ladies were dressed to impress in short, see through dresses, bathing suits with wrap around skirts, and tropical tops with matching shorts.  I decided on a floor length strapless maxi dress with colorful flowers. The disc jockey had everyone on their feet rocking to the music. As I went further into the ballroom, I spotted Vincent right away. He was dressed in a white short sleeve shirt and shorts with black enclosed sandals. My palms began to sweat as my heart rate increased causing my breathing to accelerate. I bit my lower lip and exhaled. “Why does he look so good?” I moved through the crowd greeting people that I knew.

“Hi, James. Hello, Karen.” I shouted over the music. I waved to others across the room. Finally, I made my way to Vincent.

“I see you got it live in here.” I shouted in his ear.

“Yeah, it turned out really good. You look nice. I almost didn’t recognize you.” Vincent shouted back in my ear. We talked a little bit more before he asked me to dance.  The disc jockey played a salsa number. Vincent led us onto the makeshift dance floor. Several couples were dancing expressively erotic to the music.  We danced graceful in sync with fluid turns and steps. All of my dance lessons had paid off for this very moment.  The song faded into a slow song, and I headed to the punch fountain wiping the perspiration from my forehead. Vincent continued to greet guests as they were still coming into the ballroom.

“Didn’t you two look cute out there dancing.” I heard someone say.

“Thank you.” I said turning in the direction of the voice. “Maia!” I set my drink to embrace my friend in a sisterly hug.

“I thought you left after the graduation.” I said in her ear loud enough for her to hear.

“I couldn’t leave without coming to the party.” She stated.

“But you packed everything up and moved out of the room yesterday.  I remember you saying that you were going home after the graduation.” I reminded her.

“I drove in and decided to stay one more day.” Maia replied.

We stopped hugging when we felt muscular arms and a hard chest pressing against our bodies. We released each other to come face to face with William Vincent’s best friend.

“Hey, lovely ladies.” William said, showing perfectly straight teeth.

“Hey, William.” Maia and I said in unison.

He was dressed in a blue Hawaiian shirt with the top four buttons undone to show his muscular, chestnut chest and blue loose fitting straight leg pants. 

“Hey, William.” Maia and I said in unison.

He was dressed in a blue Hawaiian shirt with the top four buttons undone to show his muscular, chestnut chest and blue loose fitting straight leg pants. 

“How are you two lovelies?” He asked.

“I am wonderful.” Maia said.

“I am happy to be done with school.” I said happily.

“I can agree with that.” William laughed.

Then he turned to Maia and asked if she wanted to dance.  She obliged and followed him to the dance floor. I found another friend and made small talk as I swayed to the music.  I was asked to dance by a tall man. I had to crane my neck to look at his handsome face. He had thick, bushy eyebrows and bedroom eyes that held you captive. He had thin lips and a cleft chin. His long arms wrapped around my small waist. We danced to a slow ballad. I laid my head on his chest hearing the rhythm of his heart beat. His cologne was deliciously masculine and invaded my nostrils whenever I inhaled. The song ended and as I pulled out of his embrace I thanked him for the dance. Before I could get completely away, he grasped my hand.

“What is your name?” He asked.

“Layla.” I said.

“Nice to meet you Layla. I’m Kevin.” He spoke.

I was getting ready to say something when Vincent had the disc jockey turn the music down for him to speak into the microphone.  He thanked everyone for coming and to continue to enjoy the food and music. My feet started screaming for me to sit down as the music was again blasting through the speakers.  I found a seat near the balcony doors. I hadn’t been sitting long when I felt like I was being watched. I diverted my attention away from Kevin to look in the direction of a pair of eyes staring intently at me. He didn’t move nor did he blank. Kevin never stopped talking and before I knew it I felt a tap on my shoulder.  I lifted my head to see Vincent standing there with his hand out for me to take.  

“One last dance before the night is over.” He said looking directly into my eyes.

I stood and walked with him to the open area.  Many people had retired for the evening and many were still celebrating. The disc jockey played my favorite song “End of the Road.” As we danced, Vincent sang in my ear. I was mesmerized by the sound of his voice. We danced as if we were the only two people in the room. I hated to let him go when the song ended.  

I regained my composure to thank Vincent for the dance.

“It’s getting late so I should be heading back to the dorm.” I said shakily.

“Let me walk you to your car.” Vincent said, gazing down. 

We walked out of the ballroom to the front desk. He introduced me to the clerk and asked if the valet was still available. She informed him that it was not, so we continued to the parking lot. 

“Thank you for walking me to my car.” I was not sure what else to say.

Then Vincent leaned down and gave me a soft peck on the lips.  I nervously pushed him away and got in the car, closing the door with the quickness.  Vincent stood with a confused look on his face as I backed out of the space. I looked in the rearview mirror to see him still standing as I rounded the corner.