What Happens When

by Samantha Boyette

“I’m sorry.” She shakes her head. “This is the best I can do right now.”

  “Okay.” I know it’s true, and it’s a million times better than anything else she’s offered this year. We can build on it. Maybe it won’t ever be like before, but we might get close.

  We stand there a moment, both unsure what to say next. Finally, Carmen breaks the silence. “So, I’ll see you around, okay?”

  “Yeah, sure.” I stand there as she turns and walks away. She takes only a few steps before turning back to me.

  “Have fun tonight.”

  I smile. “Thanks, you too.”

  I watch her leave before walking back to the gym. Connor meets me at the registration table with a look of awe on his face.

  “Did I hear that right? Did she tell you to have fun tonight?”

  “Yeah.” I nod. “Trust me, I was as surprised as you are.”

  “Hell must’ve frozen over.” Connor shakes his head. “We better head in. Lily is laying down the dance law.”

  Lily is just finishing up as we enter the gym. The energy of the room is at a solid ten. Everyone is excited and there is no hiding it.

  “But the most important thing is to have fun!” Lily finishes her speech to whoops and clapping. Connor and I exchange smiles as someone whistles.

  The music picks up again as Lily hands the microphone back to the DJ. People begin to pair up. Ryan takes Connor’s hand and pulls him out to dance. When Lily waves me over, I hurry her way.

  “So did I hear right? Carmen was here?” Lily raises an eyebrow as we begin to dance. It’s an upbeat song, so we’re not anywhere near as close as I’d like us to be.

  “Yeah.” I lean forward and rest a hand on her shoulder so she can hear me. “She came to apologize.”

  “No way.” Lily’s eyes widen as she dances back a step.

  “No one was more surprised than me.” We laugh and keep dancing. I spot Gavin and Luke, and Luke gives me a double thumbs-up. I roll my eyes.

  After a half dozen songs, Lily leans forward and tells me she is going to the bathroom. I nod and move to the refreshment table since the song doesn’t count unless we are both dancing anyway. Before I reach the head of the small line, Lily is at the gym door, waving for me to join her.

  “What’s up?” I meet her at the door. The hall is empty except for two kids still sitting at the registration table. They don’t notice as Lily takes my hand and pulls me around the corner and down the hallway that leads to the changing rooms. The lights are off here and the only illumination comes from the doors at either end of the hallway. Lily tugs me halfway down before we slip into a doorway together.

  Giggling, we make hushing noises at each other, which only makes it harder to stop. Then Lily’s hands are on my waist and she is burying her face in my shoulder to stifle her laughter. My laughter dries up at the feel of her pressed against me, and we are both quiet when she lifts her head and pulls back enough to look at me.

  “I couldn’t have done any of this without you.” Lily’s voice is little more than a whisper, but in the dark alcove of the door it seems louder.

  “Without me?” I lift a hand and tuck her hair behind her ear. “No way, this was all you.”

  “I wouldn’t even be at this school if I hadn’t met you at the party.” Lily catches my hand and pulls it to her waist before wrapping her hands around my neck. My other hand finds her waist. She presses herself impossibly closer. “I never expected so much to change this year.”

  I laugh a short, low chuckle. “Me either.” She is so close, pressed against me from the waist down in a way that makes my whole body come alive. My fingers have slipped under her sweater, and her skin feels warm through her tank top.

  “So we both agree meeting each other was for the best?” Lily’s voice is teasing, and even in the faded light I see her half-smile.

  “Definitely.”

  Lily smiles, leans forward, and finally kisses me.

  About the Author

  Samantha Boyette was born in Upstate New York and lives there still today; however, she has traveled extensively within the United States and the rest of the world. She lives with her wife and sons in a small town near the water and writes when her busy life allows it.

  When not being a full-time mom, she likes keeping up with her favorite TV shows, doing puzzles, and enjoying a glass of her favorite wines. Of course she is also a big fan of reading, mostly young adult novels but with a soft spot for Stephen King.

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