Troublemaker.

The music swallowed me the moment I stepped back inside. Kat was stand near the drinks table, holding two cups.

“There you are.”

“Sorry.”

She handed me one. “I thought you were melting out there.”

“Almost.”

She smiled. “Better now?”

“Much.”

I deliberately put my phone away. For the next hour, I made good on my promise. I danced with Kat. I listened when she talked. I laughed at her jokes, even the terrible ones. When she wanted another photo, I took one without complaining. When she pulled me back onto the dance floor, I went willingly. And every time I caught myself wondering about Ms. Holmes, I pushed the thought aside. Mostly.

It was during a slower song that Kat rested her head against my shoulder. “You're actually being a good date now.”

“Now?”

She laughed. “You know what I mean.”

“I do.”

She squeezed my hand. “I like this.”

“So do I.” And I meant it.

Then Kat's attention was caught by something happening across the room. She turned towards her friends, leaving me with a few seconds alone. My phone was suddenly in my hand. I hadn't even consciously decided to pick it up.

There was a new message. It had come almost an hour ago.

I smiled.

The typing indicator appeared.

Then another message.

I glanced across the gym. Joan was standing near the staff table. She wasn't looking at me. At least, not obviously.

I smiled at the nickname.

There was a pause.

I stared at the screen. That was different. Definitely different.

I looked up. For half a second, our eyes met. Joan's expression was completely innocent. Her phone disappeared into her handbag. I almost laughed.

“Who are you texting?”

I nearly dropped my phone. Kat had turned back.

“No one.”

She gave me a suspicious look. “You're smiling.”

“It was Heather. She’s asking how the dance is going and if you liked my outfit.”

“Well, you can tell her its going great and I definitely do.” She leaned against me again, apparently satisfied.

I slipped my phone away. A few minutes later, Kat went to find her friends. I waited until she was out of sight before checking my phone again.

I looked across the room. Joan was watching me now.

Her reply took longer this time.

I felt a grin spreading across my face. Then another message appeared.

A pause. Then.

I stared at that one for a moment.

Three dots appeared. Disappeared. Appeared again.

I slipped my phone back into my pocket just as Kat returned. “Come on,” she said. “They're playing something good.”

I smiled. “Let's dance.”

And I did. Completely focused on her. At least as far as she could see. But every few minutes, my pocket seemed to get heavier.

The final song eventually came on. The lights came up gradually, and the dance floor erupted into a mixture of cheers, groans, and exhausted laughter.

Kat leaned against me. “Finally.”

“Not enjoying yourself?”

“I am. My feet aren't.”

I laughed. “You were the one who dragged me onto the dance floor.”

“And I'd do it again.”

She smiled and slipped her arm through mine. “Come on. Let's say goodbye to everyone.”

We made our way through the crowd, saying goodnight to Michael, Lyndsay, Rebecca and Carla. Rebecca gave me a smile that seemed more genuine than the ones she'd been giving me earlier.

“You two seem to have had fun,” she said.

“We did.”

Kat squeezed my arm.

Rebecca noticed. “Good.”

There was no tension in her voice this time, although I caught her looking at me thoughtfully before Carla pulled her away. I watched them disappear through the crowd.

Then my phone buzzed. I didn't need to check the screen to know who it was.

I smiled.

I glanced towards the staff area. Joan was gathering her things.

Her response appeared almost immediately.

There was a pause.

I stopped walking for a second.

Kat was saying something to Lyndsay and didn't notice as I drifted further behind the bunch.

I quickly typed.

Another message appeared.

I felt my pulse quicken.

I stared at the screen.

The typing indicator appeared. Disappeared. Then returned. Finally.

I looked across the gym.

Joan was standing near the exit, her handbag over her shoulder. She caught my eye. Then she smiled.

My phone buzzed again.

Another message.

I swallowed.

Her reply took several seconds.

I looked at her. She gave me an unmistakably mischievous smile.

Then.

I slipped my phone into my pocket.

Kat was waiting for me by the doors. Suddenly, the walk home didn't seem nearly as straightforward as it had five minutes ago.