I grabbed Alexander by the arm and dragged him to another end of the dance floor, hidden from the balcony`s view. I didn`t want Jagger to spill the beans to Alexander that I`d been spotted at the Dungeon. I wanted to tell Alexander on my own.
What did you do that for?
I just thought it would be fun if we got cozy.
But it`s so crowded back here, it`s hard to breathe. Why don`t we go over there and relax, he suggested, pointing to couches on the side of the dance floor.
That`s all right...
You look a bit tired. It`s okay if we take a break. He pulled me out from underneath the balcony`s overhang.
Alexander was heading for the main part of the dance floor, in full view of the balcony.
No, I said, tugging him back.
What`s wrong?
I want to sit down.
But the seats are over there.
Alexander looked at me with curious and confused eyes. If I told him that Jagger was still in town, he`d stay in Hipsterville even longer. I`d be forcing him to remain in town indefinitely, perhaps longer than whatever was mysteriously holding him here in the first place.
C`mon, he said. Let`s go.
But I was more concerned about Alexander`s safety. Even though he and Jagger had reconciled, I wasn`t sure how Jagger would react to our presence in the club. I just saw... I began. I mean, I think I saw...
Saw what?
I just saw Jagger!
Alexander paused. Here, in the club?
I nodded. When I visited Hipsterville a few months ago, I first encountered Jagger sitting in the balcony when I thought Romeo was leading me to you. That`s where Jagger is right now.
What`s he doing up there? Alexander asked.
I was afraid if I told you Jagger was above us on the balcony, you`d never come back to Dullsville. But if he saw you dancing here when he thinks you`ve left town, I don`t know what would happen.
Alexander led me back underneath the balcony and leaned against one of its pillars.
It`s okay, he said, brushing my sticky hair away from my face. I`ll go back to Dullsville whether Jagger is here or in Romania.
I lit up. Really?
You have my word.
I pulled him into me, my fingers wrapped around his T-shirt, and kissed him with all my might. I stared into his dark eyes. Maybe it was time to tell Alexander about the real Coffin Club. I have something to tell you. I do, too. I`d rather Jagger not know I`m here.
But after all you`ve done for his family. The least he could do is buy you a drink. I really need to--
Let`s not tempt fate. It`s best that he thinks I`m back in Dullsville.
Uh...okay.
Now, what were you going to tell me?
It`s time for another dance.