Present Day
Walkingintotheballroomof the Inn I’m immediately thrown back to that year twelve years ago. It looks so similar and strikes me in just the same way as prom did. The decorations are almost identical.
The same flutter settles in my chest, and it feels like butterflies are cartwheeling in my stomach all over again. I’m still the girl perceived as perfect, still with the star quarterback, and still nothing like what people think of me.
In all the times that Trent told me it’s nothing like high school, it certainly feels a hell of a lot like it right now.
“This was a mistake. We shouldn’t have come.” Panic starts to overtake me.
“Leslie, we’ve had an amazing weekend at the veryleast. This is going to be fun. We’ll eat, we’ll dance, we’ll have a good time. I promise.” He says that because we had sex three times before coming tonight. Twice in bed after napping and once in the shower while we got ready.
It’s the most we’ve had sex in a month, let alone a given weekend. Probably since college at least. In those days we could go for hours on end.
Sometimes I miss the good ol’ days. But I love our family and our life, so I don’t miss it that much.
“Stay with me the whole night?” I turn to look at him as I phrase this question like an order.
“Just like last night. You won’t be without me for a second.”
Without giving me a chance to respond, he puts his hand on my lower back and guides me into the ballroom. The DJ is loud enough that we’ll have to yell when close to the speakers.
The food is all potluck, and of course at some point I thought about bringing something, but Trent talked me out of it. That it wouldn’t be that fresh if we brought it the day before and living over an hour away means it’d have to travel.
I accepted his reasoning as right because I didn’t really want to make something anyway. I just felt like I should, being the one most likely to succeed and the reputation of perfect and all that.
There’s a huge sense of relief that I didn’t bring anything, that I didn’t add that responsibility to my plate before coming here because I surely would have been a basket case about it all and then I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy Trent’s company the way I have.
This weekendhasbeen great for us. We’ve reconnected in a way and on a level I was worried had been tarnished for good. While our sex life left him wanting because I just had too many hands on me, I realized I needed that deeper connection back, which we’ve been able to find this weekend.
It’s not just about the tiny hands on me, it’s about being wanted for more than just sex.
The conversation we had last night outside of the school, about his feelings for me and the perfection aspect…it made me want him and want to be wanted by him. It opened my eyes to how he truly feels instead of just assuming he tolerates me but wants sex.
Before I can put too much thought into the night and what’s going on with Trent and I, Veronica comes running over and throws her arms around my shoulders.
“Oh my God, Leslie. I’m so sorry I upset you last night. I’d already had a bit to drink, and it just fell from my mouth. I know how much you hate that word.” At least she can acknowledge that she messed up. We didn’t get a chance to talk last night because Trent made an effort to keep me away from her. Besides we mostly circled the bar.
I put my hands on her shoulders while Trent’s hand finds my lower back. “It’s okay. Really. Trent made me see some of the benefits of the word.”
They're not benefits so much as how he and the kids see me and despite my shortcomings still think I’m perfect. Maybe others do too. Maybe they don’t see the real me. Maybe I just don’t care anymore.
I’ve let that one word rule my life for the better part of it. It’s probably time to move on.
“I’m so excited for tonight. It’s going to be fun, just like prom.” Inwardly, I groan at the thought. I went to prom with David.
All the air leaves my lungs. David. I had forgotten all about him and the possibility of him being here tonight. How’s Trent going to react if he is here? Will he be civil? And what will David say to me? Or will he just ignore me completely?
I shake away the notion and take a steadying breath. None of it matters. I’m here with my loving husband, and I can honestly say I’m happier than I’ve been in months. Good sex will do that for a person.
As though summoned by my thoughts, the crowd parts I see David across the gym. I turn away quickly but not fast enough. He’s spotted me and moves through the ballroom, passing people as he comes up to me with a wide smile on his face.
Trent’s arm ropes around my waist, his hand firmly on my hip as he squeezes me into his side.
“Leslie, hello. You look beautiful as ever.” Of course, he goes right to that. And I have to admit, he looks good. His dark hair is a touch shaggy, just falling into his piercing brown eyes. They used to mesmerize me, being so dark you can barely tell where the iris ends and the pupil starts. But while they’re still hauntingly beautiful, they don’t cause anything within me. No flutter, no tingle. Nothing. Just like I’ve told Trent.
“Thank you, David. You remember my husband, Trent, right?” I rest a hand on Trent’s chest and his heart pounds against my palm. My other arm wraps around his back where I give his ass a squeeze. I want him to know that I’m his and his alone.
David and Trent seem to size each other up before each extending a hand and shaking. “Of course, star quarterback, hard to forget.” There’s a hint of irritation to his tone, something most probably wouldn’t be able to pick up but having dated him I can.
