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“Aww,” Tessa says.
Dylan makes a face. “Next.”
“I’ll go,” Tessa volunteers. “People are naturally attracted to you.”
Dylan raises his eyebrows. “I’ll say.”
Tessa giggles.
Dylan unfolds his paper. “A good way to keep healthy is to eat more Chinese food.” He laughs and we all join in.
“Now is the time to try something new,” Adika reads.
“You will travel to many exotic places in your lifetime,” Stephanie reads. “Oh, I like that.”
“Like Milwaukee?” Dylan asks.
Stephanie sticks her tongue out at him. “More like Maui, or Portugal, or Thailand.”
“Idaho?” Dylan suggests.
Stephanie picks up a piece of sweet and sour chicken to throw at him.
“We should probably get going to the dance,” Austin breaks in. “We do have three of the nominees who need to get there.”
Stephanie sets the food back down. We all stand and she gives me another hug. “Bye guys, thanks for letting us join you for dinner. That was fun. I’m sure we’ll see you at the dance.” She and Adika wave and we all bid our goodbyes.
Once we’re back in the convertible, Austin cranks up the music and we sing loudly as we drive further downtown.
He pulls in front of the state capitol building. I stop singing and stare up at the huge structure. I’ve always wanted to come here and go on a tour or something. I can’t wait to see the inside. A small breeze blows and I shiver a little, both from excitement and the chill. Austin immediately shrugs off his suit jacket and places it on my shoulders.
“Thank you,” I say.
He smiles. “Of course.”
I take a deep breath and sigh. It smells like him in here. Austin puts a hand on the small of my back and we walk inside.
We step into the large structure and stare all around us. Huge columns run from floor to ceiling. The decorations reflect our school colors of black and silver. An archway is made out of black and silver balloons near one of the columns. A photographer is taking pictures beneath it. On the far side of the room is a makeshift stage. The platform has three steps leading up to it. There’s a microphone in the center, with a small table on one side. On the table are two sparkling, silver crowns. The Cubic Zirconia diamonds twinkle beneath the lights. My heart pounds against my chest.
Austin sees me eyeing the stage. “Are you okay?” he asks.
“I’m nervous,” I say. “I just want to have fun tonight. I don’t want to have to get up in front of everyone.”
Austin takes my hand in his. “You’ll be okay,” he says. “I’ll be right here for you, all night.”
I nod. I really do feel better.
“What do you want to do first? Austin asks.
I look at the long line of students having their pictures taken. I see Ethan with a large group of his friends waiting in line. He waves to me enthusiastically. I wave back. Austin glances at him and shakes his head.
“I don’t get that guy,” he says.
“Who, Ethan?” I brush it off. “He’s harmless. Just a big goofball.”
“I just don’t understand what he’s going to do with his life. Last time I checked, class clown isn’t listed as a major.”
Austin isn’t usually a harsh critic of others. I look at his expression more closely. “Are you…bothered by me waving to him?” I ask. “I was just trying to be nice.”
