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“Pretty sure he beat me fair and square,” I offer.
Riley leans toward me, and I catch a whiff of something sweet and vanilla. “That’s what he wants you to think.” Her brows lift and lower conspiratorially.
“Aw, don’t tell all my secrets, honey,” Viktor scolds Riley, but he’s smiling too. He begins making his way around the table, talking to each woman about her hair and makeup like it’s the most interesting thing he’s ever heard. He’s good at making each woman feel special and beautiful.
Riley notices me watching him and bumps me with her shoulder. “Don’t be taking notes on the old flirt.”
“He seems like a nice guy,” I argue.
Her smile is bright and happy, but unshed tears glisten in her eyes. “He is. I’m gonna miss him.”
My brows jump together. “Is he not doing well?” I look back over to the man who’s using a cane, but he seems pretty healthy to me.
Riley shrugs. “He is. But it’s reality. That’s why things like this prom are so important. It gives them something fun and different, a new memory to make and enjoy.”
“I think you enjoy it just as much as they do,” I tell her gently, and she nods in agreement.
I want to kiss her, but Arielle’s sharp voice cuts through the air. “No fraternizing.”
I jump, not used to hearing that level of authority in Arielle’s voice, especially not directed at me. She’ll give me shit, but this is her domain, and she reigns with a loving but forceful hand. But I have no doubt that she’d pop me on the back of the head if I don’t listen to her and follow her rules.
“Yes ma’am,” I sass her back, and the ladies all whisper.
“Ooh, he’s done it now.”
“That one ain’t too bright, is he?”
“Get ’im, girl.”
“Viktor, Noah . . . can I get your help in the other room, please?” Arielle asks.
Viktor confidently winks at the tableful of ladies. “She can’t get enough of me, that one.” They titter and giggle like he’s hilarious.
“Oh, shush.”
“She’d eat you alive, Viktor, and pick her teeth with your skinny bones.”
Even that is said as though it’s a compliment. These people are family, insulting each other the way only people who truly care about each other can.
I quickly peck Riley on the cheek, just to be ornery and piss off my sister, and then follow her out to the activity center room.
“Mrs. Watson!” I say, greeting Riley’s mom. “Mom!” I give my mom and Riley’s mom hugs. “How’s everything going?”
“Call me Rachel,” Mrs. Watson says. One day, maybe I’ll be able to, but not today.
Mom gestures to the room around us. They really have done a spectacular job converting the room. There’s a balloon arch in front of a backdrop for pictures, a long table with desserts and treats laid out, and all of the tables have crisp tablecloths with pretty flower arrangements in the center.
“It looks beautiful,” I tell Mom and Mrs. Watson.
“Thank you,” Mrs. Watson replies. “Did you see the table? Natalie made six different kinds of cake, and I made the veggie trays with veggies from my own garden.”
“Wow! It all looks delicious,” I say, noting the pickles, radishes, tomatoes, and broccoli plates. I also see a plate of individual cheesecakes that stands out. “Are those Jell-O No-Bake cheesecakes with Oreos?”
My mom grins, pleased that I noticed. “Of course they are. Nothing but the best for my son.” We share a private look, knowing that to us, those will always be the best. A reminder of times when that was the biggest treat we could possibly, and only occasionally, afford. Even if now we could have fancy, gourmet cheesecake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, those no-bake ones just hit differently.
“Thanks, Mom.” I clap my hands, looking around again. “Okay, how can I help?”
“You can get over here and climb this ladder,” River says from the corner. “Scaredy cat won’t go up.”
I look over to see River and Eli grinning and goofing off as they hang twinkle lights from the ceiling, which isn’t even that high to begin with.
“I didn’t come dressed to work,” Eli argues reasonably, considering he’s wearing slacks, a button-up with a bowtie, and loafers with no socks. He’s not what I would’ve pictured for Arielle, but if he makes her happy, that’s all that matters to me. Well, and that he treats her right. She deserves only the best.
I excuse myself to help with the lights, and as I walk off, Viktor converts his cane into sitting mode and lowers himself slowly, already talking about his own senior prom.
I’m elected to climb the ladder and hang the lights as River and Eli feed the strand and pins up to me. “You ready for tonight?” River asks me after looking around to check for any eavesdropping ears.
“I am,” I tell him honestly. “I’ve never been surer of anything. Not even myself, and I’m a cocky bastard,” I joke, and River wiggles the ladder in warning.
