I hook the red rose to his jacket first before turning to Parrish.
I’d wondered what he might look like all dressed up, and now I get to see it—even if I’m not allowed to appreciate him as openly as I might want to.
His suit and tie are in a muted charcoal color, his outfit as gray as Chasm’s attire is black. With them in their monochrome outfits, the red roses pop like crazy. That, and they’ll be beautiful accompaniments to the gold dress. I attach the second red rose to Parrish’s jacket next, trying to ignore the slight trembling in my hands, and resisting the urge to look up into the toasted coconut color of his eyes.
My only regret, again, is that Maxx isn’t coming with us. I’d have loved to see him in his James Bond outfit beside the other two.
“I have to go,” he says, his voice tinged with deep emotion. “My parents are already blowing up my phone. They asked me to stay the night with them at the cabin so … I’ll see you guys tomorrow? Well, two of you anyway. I know Dakota will be at Justin’s.” Maxx gives me one, last lingering look, and I know we’re both wishing we could kiss each other, that we could say goodbye in a more suitable way.
“See you on Monday?” I suggest, trying to keep my voice light, and he nods, offering up a little wave before slipping into the garage and closing the door behind him.
I turn back to the boys.
Chasm has a small plastic container under his right arm, and I see what they’ve decided upon for tonight: he’s going to be the one to give me the corsage. Seeing as he’s my boyfriend in Tess’ eyes and Parrish is, well, just my stepbrother, it makes sense.
It also bothers me.
I had three boutonnieres; I want three corsages.
Gamer Girl is thirsty AF, apparently.
I smile as Chas slips the cluster of red roses onto my wrist, meeting my eyes with his amber ones.
“I’ll admit, you two make a cute couple,” Tess says, sighing softly and holding out her hand. Paul passes over a phone, and she lifts it up in suggestion. “Pictures? A few with Dakota and Chasm, a few individual shots, and one of all three of you?”
“One of me and Dakota,” Parrish suggests, and Tess gives him an odd look. “And one of me and Chasm. Just to cover all of our bases.”
She blinks at him for a moment and then smiles.
“That sounds like a great plan.”
Tess guides us into position, directing us to pose for the camera, and takes about ten thousand photos before finally releasing us from the torture. I think, if things were normal, the three of us might have some fun playing with pictures and videos, selfies and TikToks. But not with Justin around. Not when the eye of every camera belongs to the Seattle Slayer.
“Okay. The three of you in the limo. I’ll be following behind, and when we get there, you can pretend that I don’t exist.” She waves her hand magnanimously, and Parrish cocks a brow.
“Don’t be weird in front of my classmates,” Parrish warns her, and she gives a soft smile in response.
“I won’t; I promise.” Tess turns to give Paul a look. “Kids in bed by ten, can you do that for me?”
“Of course,” he says, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “I’m going to make hot cocoa and popcorn, and we’ll watch a family movie together.” He sighs and reaches up to adjust his glasses. “Whether Kimber likes it or not.” Paul glances our way and offers up a smile. “You three try to relax tonight. It’s important for kids your age to have some fun.”
“Will do,” Parrish says, but his voice is tentative, threaded through with tension. He knows as well as I do that relaxation isn’t exactly on the cards for any of us. Not anytime soon. Not until Maxine is safe, and the Slayer is neutralized, and … I can’t even think about that right now.
I have one goal tonight: attend prom.
Justin has made it more than clear that he intends for us to do exactly that.
The prom is being held in the ballroom of the same hotel where I had dinner with Justin that day.
Under ideal circumstances, I’d actually be thrilled to attend.
All that glitters is gold is right. The entire room is decked out in swaths of gold silk and champagne tulle with a massive chandelier that’s bigger than Tess’ car. There are round tables with candelabras glittering atop their rose-petal sprinkled surfaces. The students themselves add to the atmosphere, dressed up like movie stars with expensive ball gowns and high-end tuxes, perfect hair, stage makeup, and diamonds galore.
It’s a bit gauche, a lot luxurious, and completely over-the-top.
I wish I could enjoy it more than I am.
