“And I’llkeepsaying it every year.” I smiled and slid my hand into his, giving him a gentle squeeze. “Will you go to homecoming with me, Dallas Whynot? And help me beg Madi for a chance. Arealchance.”
“I will.”
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
Madi
I’d never been to a football game.
Not one like this.
Homecoming wasn’t like anything I’d ever experienced. Everywhere I looked, June’s giant corsages could be spotted. Turquoise and black ribbons as far as the eye could see. Even the adults wore the team colors. I felt like I was stepping into a cult ritual.
It was a good thing my entire wardrobe was black, otherwise I would have stuck out.
My nerves flared as I checked my phone again. I hadn’t heard from Dallas or June today, and wasn’t sure if they’d even be here.
Me
Hi! My showing is tonight at homecoming and I’d love for you to see the animation I made. I just want to see you both again.
No answer.
They’d both read it.
God, what if they didn’t see my animation?
I’d made a few changes to it at the last minute. I’d stayed up all night after Dallas left, tweaking it until it was not just an animation about the small Texas town I’d come to love—but the two people I wanted to spend the rest of my life with too.
But that really would be all for nothing if Dallas and June didn’t show up.
Not hearing from them was killing me. I was hurt and upset about how things had gone yesterday, but I still wanted them to be here.
My chest ached as I pushed my way through the crowd of teenagers and families.
“Madi!”
A familiar voice drew my attention andthank god.I spotted Evie in a turquoise dress and black cowgirl boots waving at me, a beacon of beauty. She’d secured a section of bleachers at the front for us, and Austin was sitting next to her. On the other side of him was another man I’d never met before.
It took way longer to get to her than I would have expected. Finally I jogged up a couple of the steps and plopped down next to her.
“Oh my god,” I said. “I didn’t know this many people lived here.”
“Yep,” Evie laughed. “We take football very seriously. Everyone shows up for the homecoming game.”
“I guess so. Hi, Austin.”
“Hey there.” His smile was warm. “This is Dr. Jacobs.”
Damn. Dr. Jacobs was hot. He waved at me. “You can call me Matthew. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too.” I frowned as Evie’s cheeks reddened. Whatever the hell was going on here, the vibes were throwing me off. I didn’t have time to find out why, though. I looked around, searching the crowd for familiar faces.
Two specific familiar faces.
“Have either of you seen June?” I asked. “Or Dallas?”
Evie shook her head. “No. I haven’t. Sorry.”
