Re: David, Allie, eventually Brandon
"Exactly," she nodded once, emphatically. "And there are many mysteries pertaining to me, Mr. Zimmerman. You'll learn soon enough that I don't give without getting, so be prepared to spill one of your secrets the next time we talk." She winked. Unfortunately for them both, Allie couldn't have known that David would be seeing more into this than there really was. This was just how Allie talked to people, whether she was romantically interested in them or not. She teased, she flirted, she complimented. Probably the very reasons she was treated with scorn. At the end of the world, who in their right mind would want to be teased, flirted with, or even complimented? Allie would, that's who. And people like her, which were rare.
One shoulder lifted in a shrug at his question about her vocal training. "I had a few lessons, back when I was a teenager. My uncle paid for some lessons with a really great teacher." And a really expensive teacher, too, but she didn't mention that. Adding that little tidbit would likely only invite further questions about how her uncle had paid for those lessons. She wanted to build more of a friendship with David before she let him delve further into her past. "For the most part it was a natural talent. I had the voice, all I needed was someone to show me how to use it." She'd lost count at this point how many times David had complimented her voice. Very lucky for them both that she never tired of hearing people praise her good qualities.
Allie wasn't completely oblivious to the signals David was giving off. Enough people had had crushes on her (and vice versa) to make those looks he was giving her unmistakable. Her pride dictated that she should milk it for all it was worth. That was how she usually dealt with situations like this. Lure the guy in, make him think she was interested, take advantage in any manner she wanted. She bit her lip. That was the old Allie, though. The one who didn't care how she treated people because, chances were, she'd never see them again. Here, now, sentenced to an existence in what was left of New York, interpersonal relationships were coveted so that one didn't feel so alone. Allie wasn't keen on ruining her chances for a friendship with David.
Nope, he definitely hadn't caught the double entendre. It was a good thing, she decided. Especially after the silent beratement she'd given herself over giving David the impression that this was anything more than two friends enjoying a party. That was all it could be, if she wanted anything at all to happen between her and Brandon. Which she did. Very much. David was a sweetheart and any girl would be lucky to have him for a boyfriend, even her, but there was just something about Brandon... that outward show of masculinity and strength... that made her go weak in the knees.
"It's all right. You couldn't possibly hurt my poor feet worse than these shoes," she said, making light of his initial awkwardness on the dance floor. "And you're also a good student. Far better than a guy who once spun me into a punch bowl. That, I minded. Ruined my dress, sprained my ankle. This is much better than that." He was loosening up. Good. Allie smiled as he took on the rhythm of their simple steps, easing him into leading without him even taking notice. I told you you'd enjoy yourself, she thought smugly.
Allie's expression brightened when she heard the familiar husky cadence of Brandon's voice. "Brandon! There you are. I was wondering when you'd show up." She smiled at David, oblivious to his discomfort. "Brandon, this is my friend David. David, meet m—Brandon." She bit off the word boyfriend just in time. It wasn't official, their being an item, and, although she'd already unknowingly failed at it, she didn't want either man feeling uncomfortable.