CHAPTER 16: DANCE

When a slow song starts playing, we part ways. "Want to dance?" Mark suggests as we catch our breath.

"Sure," I agree, and we make our way to the dance floor. It's like a scene from that movie "A Cinderella Story," where Austin told Mark they should meet under the disco ball. What a coincidence.

Austin's appearance reminds me of Tristan from the early episodes of Gilmore Girls, but then my thoughts wander to Lauren Graham, and from there, I somehow end up thinking about the movie Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life, which had a cute dog named Calvin. That, in turn, triggers memories of my old dog, Pat, who was just like that.

I snap out of my thoughts before the song ends, realizing that Mark and I are closer than ever. When the music stops, we decide to take a break and chat with other people. Mark heads off to find Charlie, and I seek out someone I can tolerate, at least for a little while.

I wander around aimlessly until Max approaches me. "Heey, boo boo," he slurs, clearl