by Carly Marino
I made Wynter sit far from everyone else. The one place that had the worst view of the field. She complained but agreed as long as I stayed. Luckily, she scheduled our hair and makeup appointments early. I guessed the moment the clock ran down, girls would tear out of the stadium to the salons. Wynter didn’t want anyone seeing the finished product until we stepped into the gym.
Excitement radiated off people. Red and white shirts, face paint, and pom-poms decorated the otherwise plain steel seats. The entire town must’ve shown for the first home game of the season.
Blaring brass instruments echoed in the stadium. Drum beats pounded in my chest. Girls spun colorful flags on either side of the band. A person dressed in a seagull costume danced and fired t-shirts with a potato gun. The cheerleaders pumped their fists and yelled as they tossed one another into the air.
Both teams ran onto the field and got into formation on the fifty-yard line. Holden barked orders and threw the ball to another player. A guy a few rows behind whistled. Wynter and I jumped, giggling.
I enjoyed the excitement more than I thought. The loud noises, goading mixed with encouraging hollers, bright lights and crisp fall air. Next to Wynter, Ethan sat unfazed by the commotion. When the team made a touchdown a minute into the second half, the crowd jumped to their feet and clapped.
He didn’t rise, smile, or blink.
“Ethan, you okay?” I yelled through the cheers.
He nodded, but his eyes never left the field. Something was definitely off about him.
Wynter leaned closer to me. “I think he has an amazing surprise planned. I haven’t seen him all day, and he never returned my phone calls. He sucks at keeping secrets.”
“He really does.” I glanced at him, expecting a witty response, but he disregarded us. Strange. But Wynter was right. Ethan couldn’t keep a secret if his life depended on it.
“I’m surprised he came since he knew we were coming together.” Wynter grinned. “I had to make sure you showed up for our hair appointment.”
A tingle soared through my body at the thought of getting my hair and makeup done. “I’m too excited not to.”
“I know. Me too. Let’s go. We can probably get squeezed into an earlier appointment. Maybe mani, pedis, too.”
Mani, pedis would be memory-hell. “I have a fungus. But I’ll read a magazine while you get yours done.”
“Gross. TMI.” She kissed Ethan on the cheek. “Bye, babe. This surprise had better be good. Cuz you’re being a total ass.”
He didn’t respond. Nor did he glimpse at us as we descended the stadium stairs. His mood bothered me. Ethan always had a playful smile. I loved Wynter but she could get snappy sometimes. I’d have to ask him what happened later.
I paused at the chain link fence at the bottom. The coach called a timeout and our team rushed to the sidelines. I searched through the red and white helmets for Holden. I wanted to let him know I’d come.
Cole’s wavy dark hair, sexy designer jeans, and fitted long-sleeved Henley drew my gaze instead. Coincidently, he stood next to the fence with his hand on Holden’s shoulder. What was he saying to Holden? Great. If Cole sabotaged my date, I’d kick him where it counted. I squinted to read his lips, but they stayed pressed into a thin line. I swear I will lose my mind if he—
“Thea,” Wynter said, “hurry up.”
I sighed, covered my hands with the hems of my shirt, and maneuvered through the crowd toward the parking lot. Too late now.
****
“Thea, hurry up. It’s almost seven,” Aunt Karen called from downstairs.
“I’m coming!” I rose from my bed.
My nerves refused to settle, and it had nothing to do with the crowds at the dance or the mess of depressing memories the stylist had passed on to me. It had to do with Holden not showing. What if Cole threatened him? Would he even do that? That would be the lowest, worst possible thing.
My stomach rolled over. What if Holden stood me up? Or even worse, this whole thing was a joke? We hadn’t spoken in years and then out of nowhere he asked me to Homecoming.
My hands trembled as I twisted one of my blonde curls cascading over my left shoulder. The stylist had secured my hair to the side and hid the pins with an off-white lily. Tendrils framed my face. I blew out several breaths.
Stop being silly. Everything will work out.
I slipped on my dress, fixed the blue belt, and smoothed the taffeta overlay. “Don’t worry, girl, we are in this together.”
I shivered the whole way into the kitchen.
Aunt Karen’s eyes gleamed. “You look gorgeous.”
“Thank you.” I glanced at the clock. 7:00 PM. “I made it just in time.”
“Do you need some water, sweetie? You look pale.” The sink croaked and the rush of water echoed in the metal sink. Aunt Karen slid the glass across the counter. “Here.”
“I might throw up if I drink anything.”
She chuckled. “Don’t be nervous. It’ll be so much fun.”
I drummed my fingers. “I wish he would’ve gotten here early. This is torture.”
“Waiting’s half the fun.” She scooped the stack of bills from the box next to the fridge and sank into a seat at the table. Each rip of paper scraped along my spine.
“Whatever you say,” I mumbled.
7:05 PM.
Where was he? I paced the spot where the living room carpet met the kitchen tile. My belly twisted in a hundred knots. Holden hadn’t called or texted. Aunt Karen cleared her throat and patted the chair next to her.
I huffed and dropped down. Five minutes wasn’t a big deal. Maybe he left his phone at home or hit some traffic. I wanted to text him but didn’t have his number in the phone Cole had given me.
I peeked at my screen for the one billionth time. No messages. I forced a smile at Aunt Karen.
Her face sagged. “He’s probably just running a little late, honey. I’m sure he wanted to look extra handsome for you.” The waver in her voice didn’t relieve my worry. If anything, I had to plant my feet on the floor to refrain from running up to my room.
I shrugged. “If he doesn’t show, it’s not a big deal. Maybe you and I can go to the diner and I can try not to get ketchup on my dress. I mean, we wouldn’t want to waste the first and last time I will ever dress like this.”
Aunt Karen sighed. She shook her head. “He’s coming.”
“Yeah, I know.” I cradled my chin in my hands. Tears burned my eyes. I closed them to keep my liner from drawing trails down my cheeks.
Images of the girl from an old movie I’d rented a few months ago popped into my head. The popular guy invited the class nerd to the dance. She twirled around, arms out, smiling like a jackal in her living room. While I watched the movie, I thought about how wonderful that would feel.
She waited for him on her porch and as the limo slowed in front of her house, he stood up through the sunroof, a white rose in hand. Or so she thought. Instead, he threw an egg and cracked her in the forehead.
I flinched at the memory. I was probably the only person who watched that movie and didn’t laugh at that scene.
I rubbed the balls of my heels on the floor. No way in hell would I wait on the porch. Holden could come to the door.
Aunt Karen rubbed her hands together and glanced at the clock.
7:25 PM.
I didn’t hide my disappointment from Aunt Karen this time. She’d read right through me, anyway. “How could he do this to me? To anyone?”
“Honey…”
I held up my hand. “Just… Don’t.” I didn’t know if I wanted to cry or scream. I hated Holden. I couldn’t believe how naïve I’d been, thinking he wanted to go to a dance with me. That anyone would. Boys wanted to kiss girls that wouldn’t slap them in the face or pull away. Who was I kidding? I couldn’t have even danced with him. He would’ve shared a disappointing memory, and I would’ve freaked, embarrassing both of us.
I stood, avoiding Aunt Karen’s pitying gaze. “Let’s face it. He’s
not coming.”
The doorbell rang. My heart jolted, tumbled, and sank. I snapped my widened eyes at Aunt Karen.
Aunt Karen squealed. “I told you he’d come.”
I didn’t move, unable to process. This didn’t seem real. I was going to my first dance.
Aunt Karen aimed her camera at the door to snap a thousand photos the moment Holden crossed the threshold. She peered over the viewfinder with an incredulous look on her face. “Do you want me to let him in?”
I thought about the egg and didn’t want Aunt Karen to take the hit for my stupidity.
“No! I’ll grab it!” I raced past, practically throwing her out of the way. She grunted, but laughed at my “excitement.”
I breathed deeply, flinched, and creaked open the door. I closed my eyes, prepared to get yolk in my face.
Nothing happened. Except for a familiar chuckle.
I drifted my eyes opened, and my head drooped to the side.
“Hey, Thea.”
Chapter Sixteen
Cole smiled down at me in a haze. I leaned around him, expecting to see Holden unconscious in the driveway. “What are you… Where’s…”
“You look beautiful.”
A wave of warmth rushed to my cheeks. “Thank you. So do you. I mean, you look handsome.” Handsome didn’t even touch how he looked tonight. His wavy dark hair was combed back, showcasing his cleanly shaven jawline. His fitted charcoal suit and crisp white shirt stretched over his broad chest, and he had a royal-blue tie that matched my belt.
I slid my hand down his satin tie before raising my brows at him. “Nice tie.”
A slow smile reached his eyes. “A very sweet woman named Antoinette picked it out for me.”
I grinned. “I knew she was one.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “We’re everywhere.”
I cringed at my dress. “Is that why she treated the dresses like women? Are they really … people?”
Cole shook his head. “No. I think she just takes her job way too seriously. That or she’s bat-shit crazy.”
I placed my hand on my heart. “Thank God. That would be … beyond weird. Even more than everything else I’ve learned in the past few weeks.”
He laughed again. I loved the sound of his hearty laughter and the smile that went with it. I couldn’t believe he was here, standing on my doorstep, staring at me with those Caribbean sea-colored eyes I loved.
“Blushing again, I see,” he said, his words prickling beneath my skin.
He removed the lily from my hair and swirled his hand. The flower disappeared.
“What the—”
“Watch.”
I crinkled my nose at his adorable side-smile, so full of excitement.
His hand faded into a shadow and a flower bud appeared. The petals peeled back until they opened into a gorgeous bloom—a white, magenta, and blue Infinity flower.
I covered my mouth. “How’d you do that?”
He grinned. “Little trick I learned from an Inflexaen in New York City. He made lots of money on the street making things disappear and reappear.”
I chuckled. “I imagine.”
He held the flower close to my head. “May I?”
I nodded and allowed Cole to weave the stem into my curls. His fingertips swept my nape, raising goosebumps on my arms. He lingered for a moment, his thumb stroking the crook of my neck.
A stray piece of hair drifted over his eye. I brushed the strand aside and cupped his cheek. He covered my hand with his.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” I whispered. “And where’s Holden?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll explain later.” He kissed the top of my head. My knees wobbled, my pulse raced, and lightheadedness swayed my body. I lifted my chin to kiss him, but he paused inches from my lips, smiled, and turned his head. “We have an audience.”
My whole body heated. I’d forgotten about Aunt Karen. Now that my daze had lifted, I heard the shutter of her camera rapid firing. My shoulders hunched.
She beamed, obviously not caring who picked me up as long as it was someone. “You both look amazing. Come in. Photo time.”
I groaned, and we walked inside.
After way too many embarrassing photos and happy tears from Aunt Karen, Cole escorted me to his car. He opened the door, and I slid inside and sat there, stunned. I had so many mixed emotions.
Where was Holden? Did he really stand me up? I frowned. What if he was just late and showed up to find I’d already left? Seeing Cole at my door brought more happiness than I could explain, but I didn’t want to hurt Holden. Unless, he’d actually stood me up. Then he could go to—
“You okay?” Cole rescued my fingernails from my teeth and squeezed my hand. I loved the feel of his skin touching mine.
“I guess I was just running through everything in my head, wondering if I should pinch myself. I mean, is this real? We were just fighting yesterday, and now you’re here. I’m so…”
“Confused?” He flashed a lazy smile. “Sounds it.”
“Yeah.” I rolled my fingers along my brow line. “And what happened to Holden? Did he really ditch me?”
Cole’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “He forgot he asked you.”
I opened and closed my mouth. “You didn’t?”
He massaged the back of his neck. “Depends, are you going to be mad if I did?”
“Well, no, but only because…” I adjusted in my seat, biting back my words.
“Because?”
I cared about him. More than cared. When he touched me, I melted. My heart fluttered. I felt lightheaded, elated, and protected. With him, everything made sense. I belonged somewhere and didn’t have to hide. The moment we met, all I wanted was him. There was a familiarity to his presence.
But I wasn’t ready to admit my feelings to him or myself for that matter. If I said the words aloud, they’d become real. “Let’s just say it was a really nice surprise to see you standing outside my door instead of Holden.” I glared playfully. “I thought I wasn’t allowed to go to homecoming.”
“Yeah, with him. Me on the other hand … I can keep you safe.”
“Oh.” I retracted my hand. Of course he wanted to protect me. Everything with him went back to “keeping me safe.” I was not a porcelain doll or one of those whiny girls from books. How stupid could I be? Why couldn’t I accept that he already had his Yuenfan? I fiddled with the taffeta.
He swerved to the shoulder and put the car in park. My body shifted in the seat. He searched my face. He drew my face toward him, forcing me to show my heartache. “The thought of you with anyone but me made me sick. I couldn’t stand it. I tried. I did everything I could to be okay with it, but…” He raked his hand through his hair, and the gelled pieces fell onto his cheekbones. “I’m not just taking you because I can keep you safe. I’m taking you because I want to.” Cole exhaled. “I want you, Thea. More than you know. It makes zero sense, and in my world isn’t logical. But all I know is that since we met, all I think about is you.”
I swallowed. My head spun and my heart skipped. He wanted me? But what about his Yuanfen? Could he have two? I fidgeted, and as if recognizing my loss of words, he turned up the radio and sang some upbeat classic rock song way too loudly. He smiled and drummed on the steering wheel before pulling out onto the road.
We quietly listened to music for the rest of the ride. I dissolved my many questions and accusations. Tonight, I wanted to have fun. Questions brought answers I might not want to hear.
We parked in the school lot.
I texted Wynter to let her know we’d be walking in any second. Cole opened my door, helped me out, and held my hand. I nuzzled into him. The warmth of his body released any tension in my shoulders. We strolled into the gymnasium. I squealed, happy the music drowned out my giddiness.
Wynter waited behind the girl collecting tickets. She clapped when she saw us. “You look amazing.” Her gaze flicked to Cole as he handed our tickets to the girl, who smiled at him before placing
them in a metal box.
Wynter mouthed, Where’s Holden?
I shrugged, and replied, No clue. “You look beautiful.”
Gold jewels sparkled within the bun of curls at the back of her head, and smoky eyeshadow brought out the blue in her eyes. She spun. “Thank you.”
“What was Ethan’s big surprise?” I asked.
Wynter scowled. “He didn’t have one. He was dressed but fell asleep on the couch. I picked him up. Can you believe it?”
I tilted my head. That didn’t sound like Ethan at all. “No, I can’t. Is he sick?”
“I don’t know.” She straightened. “But I won’t let him ruin my night.”
“You look nice, Wynter,” Cole interrupted.
She showcased her teeth in a beauty-queen fashion. “You do, too. We’re sitting over there.” She pointed to the back of the room and motioned for us to follow her.
I tensed. People danced all over, leaving little room to squeeze by. Reading a memory would ruin what already started out as a perfect night. I sucked in a breath and held my arms tight against my sides.
Cole tucked me under his arm to shield me from swinging limbs, and my muscles slackened into the protection of his body. His warmth enveloped me in sweetness, and his lemony scent calmed my nerves. A few memories could never ruin this night.
Gray paper cloths lay over folding tables that circled the dance floor. Silver candles flickered in the center of each one. Above, a large dome-shaped net caught hundreds of white balloons. Purple and white streamers dangled from a string lining the concrete walls like a curtain. The student council had done a great job making the gym appear magical.
Ethan stood robotically. “You look pretty.” His voice sounded flat and rehearsed.
“Thank you.” I studied him. Strands of his shaggy hair bent haphazardly. Wrinkles covered his white shirt, and his askew tie hid beneath a black suit coat. I was shocked Wynter let him leave the house. “Are you okay? What’s going on? Did you and Wyn have a fight?” Sometimes Wynter refused to admit when she’d screwed up. She talked a lot but rarely admitted she was wrong. “I’m here if you need to talk.”
Ethan sat without responding. The blinking strobes reflected in his eyes, making them appear a haunting white. I guessed his silence was my answer. Maybe he was mad at me too. I’d give him time and bug him later.