You're My Exception

Chapter 12

The weeks passed as the movie wrapped up, Demi's music video was released, and so much more. Now it was August, and it was Joe's birthday. He was having a big party in a complex he rented. All his friends and co-workers were invited, as well as Sterling and Demi. 
"Happy birthday, Joe!" Demi announced as she made her way towards Joe. 
"Thanks, Dems," he answered as he pulled her into a hug. 
"Twenty-five? You're old," she teased, laughing.
"Whatever, Demi," he replied. "Where's Sterling?"
"He's out of town," she sighed. "He couldn't make it tonight, but he sends a 'Happy birthday' to you."
"Tell him thanks, okay? Now I have to go greet other people, I'll see you later."
The party progressed as the DJ kept spinning tracks, everyone was drinking and dancing. Joe had already blown out his cake before anyone got too drunk. Demi was enjoying herself. She was with old friends and just having a great time. "Can I steal you for a dance?" Joe asked with a goofy grin on his face.
Demi laughed. "Sure," she took his hand at he took them to the dance floor. An upbeat song was playing as Joe and Demi danced together. They were dancing dirty, but everyone was -- so it didn't matter. "Joe, I'm having a really great time."
"Soo am I!" he yelled, then laughed. "Have yoouu had a driinkk toniightt?"
"A few," she admitted. "Um, Joe? Are you okay?"
"I'm fiineeee!" he answered, but then lost his structure and fell forward towards Demi. She held him up. "I think you've had too much to drink," Demi led him to a room in the complex and sat him on the bed.
"You're such a good friend," he slurred with a smile.
"Yeah, your ass is gonna be hung over big time tomorrow." she answered rolling her eyes and sitting next to him.
"You look so beautiful tonight," he looked at her dress.
"Joe, thank you." she smiled.
His eyes went back up to hers. "You've always been so beautiful," he mused. "Since the day we met, I knew you were going to be someone special in my life."
"You're special in my life," she told him, thinking he was just rambling on.
"No, Demi. I'm not." He frowned.
"What do you mean?" Demi looked at him, confused.
"Demi, I love you. I always loved you."
"I love you, too, Joe." She said, not sure what he meant.
"No! You don't!" he yelled, taking Demi by surprise and causing her to flinch. "Sorry," he apologized. "I just...Demi, I LOVE you. I made the biggest mistake of my life breaking up with you. I lost you forever. Now you're happy with someone else. I'm just using girls to get over you, but it never works. I'm a terrible person," he looked away, sobbing.
"Okay, you're definitely drunk," she muttered, then aloud she said, "Joe, it's okay, I'm still here with you. I'll always be here for you."
Joe risked a glance up. "Really?"
She nodded. "Forever."
Joe's head was pounding, he didn't know what words came out of his mouth. His mind had blanked out and he was unable to control his actions. He leaned in and kissed her. Demi froze for a moment, but then kissed him back. His hands traveled to her waist, pulling her close, wanting her. She realized what she was doing and pulled away. "Joe, I can't." She scooted away from him, her eyes on the floor.
"Dems, I love you. I know you're happy with Sterling, but I love you." He babbled.
She couldn't look at him. "Go to sleep, Joe."
"Demi-"
"Go to sleep." She said sternly.
He sighed, meaning defeat, and started to softly sing until he fell asleep. Demi stood and fixed herself up, then walked back out. She would be there when Joe woke up. 'He won't remember a thing. He was so out of it' she thought, but then she looked back at the closed door where Joe was behind. What if he really meant what he said? Did he really love her? What if she didn't want him to forget? What if SHE didn't want to forget his lips on hers? "Snap out of it, Demi," she chastised herself. "You can't be thinking such things!" Yet, she was.