Wish me luck, baby. I love you.
I save the picture to my gallery and check Zayne’s message next.
Zayne
I snuck back out like a pro. But I accidentally lost my balance on the way out and crashed into your neighbor’s cans. The whole neighborhood probably hates me.
I laugh, typing back.
Me
Don’t worry. I didn’t hear a thing.
Zayne
You’re a really heavy sleeper, though. That’s not saying much.
Me
I’m a perfectly average sleeper, for your information.
Zayne
If you say so, Bennett.
With a smirk, I toss my phone onto the bed. I slept till noon, which means Zayne will be here to pick me up for the dance in less than six hours. I eye my laptop with a twinge of guilt. I’ve been procrastinating on homework like crazy. Catching up on all my overdue assignments will be the perfect way to pass the time until it’s time to get ready.
I get a bowl of cereal from the kitchen first and spot Beau eating a grilled cheese at the table on my way. “Morning,” I say.
He attempts to smile, lifting his lips and then giving up halfway, letting his mouth fall back into a downward curve. It’s the saddest expression I’ve ever seen on his face, and it makes me do a double-take. “You okay?”
He shrugs. “Are you?”
I close my eyes. I know what he’s referring to. Orwho, rather. “She’ll be back, Beau.”
“I know.” His lips thin. “But why’d I have to be such a jerk to her while she was here, you know? I wish I’d been nicer. I just kept getting so frustrated, thinking she lied about Aunt Lucille knowing she was here.”
I pull out the chair across from him. “You acted the way you did because you care about her,” I tell him. “And she knows that. She knew it the whole time. You don’t need to be so hard on yourself.”
He shrugs one shoulder. “I guess.” He eyes the pajama set I’m still wearing. “Don’t you have the winter formal to go to tonight?” He scrunches his nose. “You’re going to shower, right?”
So, this is what I get for trying to have a heart-to-heart? I should have known. “Yes, I’m going to shower.Duh.” I get up from the chair, taking my bowl of cereal with me.
Before I disappear down the hall, Beau calls my name quietly. I raise an eyebrow at him.
“Thanks,” he mutters.
I hide my grin as I turn away. “No problem.”
Six hours later, I’ve rehearsed for the play and I’m all caught up on my assignments, scrubbed clean, and feeling like a princess in my new blue dress. I had no trouble replicating the elegant twist Mom showed me last night, and my makeup looks fantastic; almost too perfect. I’m afraid to move, in case I somehow ruin or smudge something.
I spray perfume on my pulse points and check the time on my phone. There’s a text from Zayne.
Zayne
Five minutes away. Can’t wait to see you.
I send a pink heart in response and tuck my phone, my lipstick, and a pack of gum into my small, gold clutch. Gold, to match my jewelry.
