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“What?” I ask.
“Just give me a second,” he says. “I’m making a core memory.”
My heart swells and I wrap my arms around his neck. “I’m glad we’re doing this,” I whisper.
“Me, too.” He then holds out a clear, plastic clamshell with a beautiful orchid flower arrangement inside. He pulls it out and slides the corsage onto my wrist.
“I can’t believe you remembered how much I love orchids.”
Austin smiles warmly at me. “When you told me your favorite flower was the orchid, how could I get anything else?”
“Thank you.”
“Did you know green is my favorite color?” he asks.
“Of course,” I say. “How could I pick any other color dress.”
He beams and the green flecks in his eyes pop against his bowtie.
The front door opens and Dylan and Tessa join us. Tessa comes over and shows me how to pin the boutonniere. Then Mom begins taking about a hundred pictures. She wants individuals, and then couples, and then group shots.
“Mom, stop,” I say. “We need to go before the dance is over.”
“Just a few more.”
I groan.
“Seriously, Mom, we’re good,” Dylan says.
“Alright fine, go have fun! We’ll see you there.”
They may be chaperoning the dance, but I hope they don’t make it awkward.
Austin looks at Tessa and Dylan. “You guys ready to go?” he asks.
“Yes!” All three of us answer in unison. Austin takes my hand and we walk outside.
“I still can’t believe your dad is letting us borrow his car,” Dylan says. He’s practically drooling as he opens the door to the shiny red, convertible and helps Tessa in.
“I know,” Austin says. “Who needs a limo when you can ride in style?”
Tessa and I both laugh at their eagerness. I’m just glad my hair is sprayed down with enough hairspray, I may as well be wearing a helmet.
Austin holds my hand throughout the entire drive. I glance in the rearview mirror and see that Dylan and Tessa look cozy in the backseat. I never thought I’d be doubling with my little brother. But as soon as I told him I had chosen Austin for my date, the two of them began making plans.
Austin parks outside our favorite Chinese restaurant. He walks around the car and opens the door for me, offering a hand to help. I gladly accept it and he doesn’t let go. Austin’s hand feels natural in mine. I don’t know why it took us so many years to get to this point. He holds the restaurant door open for us. I step in and freeze in my tracks.
“Stephanie?”
My best friend spins around. She’s standing in the entrance, holding hands with Adika.
“I knew it!” I shout loudly. “I knew you guys liked each other.”
They both smile, somewhat guiltily.
“Are you guys going to the prom then? I thought you didn’t want to go?” I ask, looking at Stephanie.
“Well, Adika talked me into it.”
