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He comes to stand next to me, wrapping his arm around me like a proud dad would. Instantly, I feel guiltier than ever.
I glance over at Susie, who notices my change in mood. I know she understands what I’m going through. She’s my oldest friend, and she knows firsthand howlucky I am to have such a supportive, amazing dad. She’s said so a few times that she wishes her dad were more like him. I really got lucky in that department. My dad is such a good, honest man, and I’m going behind his back like this.
After our photo, he gives me a big hug. “Have so much fun tonight.”
I hug him back. “I will, Pops.”
We head to the front door, where I hug my mom goodbye, and we walk out to where Ashley’s car is parked.
Susie nudges me. “You good?”
I take a large inhale, my head fighting with my heart. “It’s just not fair.”
She purses her lips. “Totally not fair.”
Hearing that she agrees makes me feel a little better, so I try to push all my feelings aside and get in a happier mood, hoping it doesn’t ruin my night.
When we arrive at the school gym, Marcus, Dalton, and the rest of the crew are there, waiting for us, and we head their way.
Ashley runs into Marcus’s arms while I approach the group, not wanting to make such a public scene with Dalton.
When our eyes meet, he mouths,You look gorgeous.
I feel my entire body flush as I try not to blush and mouth back,Thank you. You look pretty good too.
He stands just a little taller as he straightens his suit jacket.
Maya gives me a hug. “I love this dress!”
“Thank you. I love yours too.” I notice that she and Ben match, yet they aren’t standing with each other. “Did you guys plan that?” I point to the matching tie Ben is wearing that’s not just the same fuchsia pink, but also the exact same pattern, like it was made from the same cloth.
She chuckles as she rolls her eyes. “Yes. He said he wanted us to match so we had pictures to look back on.”
I laugh in surprise. “For homecoming? It’s not like it’s prom or anything.”
“Lord, please tell me I get an actual date by then so I can match my date and not just my friend.”
She shakes her head and rolls her eyes teasingly, but it makes me wonder even more what is up with the two of them. He dates. She doesn’t.
It’s not like our school has a ton of guys to choose from, but it is weird that when I think back, I’ve never heard of her dating anyone, and when you grow up in a small town, everyone knows everything, so even if I wasn’t in their circle, it would have been discussed at some point.
I glance around the group. “No Eli tonight?”
Maya laughs. “No way. He’d never come to something like this. He’s too cool for dances.” She mocks his height and stoicism.
“Why is he so quiet?”
She shrugs. “He’s always been that way. Just keeps to himself. Totally okay with being at home, alone. It’s just him, but I respect that.”
I nod. “Hey, you be you.”
“Exactly.” She places her arm around mine. “Shall we?”
She motions toward the entrance to the gym, and we all head that way.
Dalton stays behind for a few seconds so he’s walking behind me.
I shiver when I feel him lean in and whisper, “I mean it. You look stunning. Most beautiful girl here.”
