That shouldn’t have been Sam’s choice to make, but at least Rose and Martin finally had an explanation. “And all that unhappiness?”
“I’m sixteen, Ms. Owens.” Sam suddenly grinned. “Dad says being mopey and whiny is kinda my job. Besides, I was pining but too scared to do anything about it.”
Rose returned their smile. “Fair enough.”
When Carla emerged from the bathroom and waved from across the room, Sam straightened from leaning against the wall. “Gotta go. But I’ll see you next year in AP U.S. History.”
“I can’t wait,” Rose said.
The couple reunited and disappeared into the crowd. But before she could locate the punch bowl, Candy Albright had appeared on one side of her, Bianca on the other.
Jesus. She was going to die at prom, wasn’t she?
“I’ve decided not to put hits on you and Mr. Krause.” Candy looked pleased with herself, which was always terrifying. “As long as you’re willing to help with my George Eliot WasNota Man Initiative next year.”
No one in Candy’s orbit had ever actually been murdered, as far as Rose knew, but better safe than corpse-y. “Fine, fine, fine.”
Candy marched away in triumph, no doubt headed toward her next victim.
Rose turned to Bianca. “Those boots look amazing with your dress.”
“Yeah.” Bianca scuffed the toe of one of her heeled boots against the polished wood floor. “Listen, tell Mr. Krause the vendetta is off.”
Rose blinked. “Okay. May I ask why?”
Two years.Two years, Bianca had harbored a vendetta against Rose. And Martin got a mere six months? Pfffft.
“Mom says no more vendettas, or else she’s putting bleach in my laundry the day before I leave for college.” Bianca scowled. “I have to inform everyone by the end of the school year.”
“Life is difficult sometimes.”Don’t laugh. Don’t laugh. “Thank you again for helping with my promposal, Bianca. Even though I specifically told you to throw those arrow balls underhand.Gently.”
“He insulted Tim Burton.”
Apparently, that was all the justification Bianca felt necessary.
“I hope you have a lovely summer.” Rose helped the girl straighten the filmy black sleeve of her dress. “And give ’em heck at Virginia Tech next year.”
“Yeah.” Bianca swallowed. “I, uh, wanted to thank you. You made school fun.”
Every year, a few kids who’d seemed to loathe every moment in Rose’s class came up to her and said something similar. And every year, surprise and unexpected emotion left her fumbling for words.
One hard blink. Another.
There. She was under control again.
“Same goes.” After a silent moment, Rose couldn’t help herself. “So are we going to hug it out, or what?”
“You wish.” But Bianca was smiling as she stomped away.
Moments later, a warm arm slid around Rose’s waist, and her body recognized the gentle affection in that touch before she even looked. Martin. Always, always Martin.
“Coward.” She leaned into him. “Don’t think I didn’t see you hiding from Candy and Bianca.”
He grinned. “Discretion, valor, etc. Besides, I know you can handle those two with one elegant hand tied behind your back. Especially since they both obviously adore you.”
She dipped down to whisper in his ear. “You want to try restraints, huh?”
Amazing. Against her lips, she could actually feel the flare of heat under his skin.
