A paper ball landed on my desk and I slid my hand over it, carefully smoothing it out. 

 

You have to come.

I won’t take no for an answer…

 

I scribbled a reply, scrunched it back up, and inched my hand down to my side, keeping my eyes up front. When the teacher glanced down at the pile of papers he was grading, I dropped it on Kyle's table. His stifled laughter made me smile. 

“Psst.”

I glanced behind me and shot Kyle a glare. The girl one desk over tutted under her breath and then hushed us. We both glared at her. 

“Mr. Stone,” the teacher’s voice boomed. “Please concentrate.”

“Yes, Sir.”

It was my turn to snigger, but I fell silent when Kyle kicked my chair and the teacher's suspicious gaze levelled me. 

Laurie wanted us to go to Winter Formal. All of us. I didn't. I wanted the four of them to go while I stayed at home and washed my hair. Or any of the other excuses I’d given her. I finally thought she'd accepted my answer. She hadn't. The cunning wily girl who was Laurie Davison had passed the buck to Kyle. And he had the persistence of a mule. Dad and I had spent Thanksgiving at my grandparents with him, Uncle Gentry, Rebecca and Summer. Macey and Maverick were with their father so at least I didn’t have to endure them too. I’m not sure I could have handled Macey’s snarky comments and Maverick pretending I was invisible on top of Kyle’s full-scale campaign to persuade me over to the dark side of high school dances. He was worse than a dog after a bone. Notes in class. Constant text messages. Not to mention planting the seed in Dad’s head. “It’d be good for you,” he’d said more than once since.

When the bell rang, I was first out of the room, trying to avoid any more of his persuasion tactics. 

“Lo, wait up.”

“Busy,” I yelled, slipping through the crowd. Laurie spotted me and started in my direction. Crap. They had me surrounded. I weaved a U-turn and tried to pass Kyle against the flow of traffic, but he was too quick. “Got you.” He grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the crush.

“Come on, Lo, you have to come. Tell her she has to come.” Laurie nudged her boyfriend and I let out a frustrated breath at being tag teamed.

“Individually, you two are sneaky, but together you're a force to be reckoned with,” I mumbled. “Does it really matter if I come or not?”

“Yes,” they responded together.

“Fine, fine.” My hands flew up. “I'll think about it. But I make no promises.”

“I knew you'd come around,” Laurie beamed but my gaze settled on Kyle. The bastard looked so smug and I shook my head incredulously at him. You owe me, I silently told him and he flashed me his trademark smirk. 

“We can make plans at lunch.” Laurie clapped her hands together. “Agh, I'm so excited.” 

“And that's me, leaving. I'll catch you guys later.” I waved them off and headed to my next class trying to push out all thoughts of stretch limos and prom dresses.

~

When morning classes were done, I was relieved to see Devon at my locker instead of Laurie and Kyle. It wasn’t unheard of for them to sneak off to an empty classroom during lunch… or to the janitor’s closet… or to his Jeep. We got something to eat from the cafeteria and grabbed a table at the back of the room.

“So, rumor has it, they broke you.” Devon slid in beside me and helped himself to a chip off my plate. 

“Rumour needs to learn to keep her mouth shut. I said maybe. Just to shut them up. They’re exhausting.”

“You're really anti-school dances, huh?”

I shrugged. “It's not that I'm anti-anything, I just… I don't know. I'm not feeling it.”

“It could be fun.” He waggled his eyebrows.

“Like Homecoming was so much fun?” Devon tensed beside me and I clapped a hand over my mouth. “Shit, Devon, I'm sorry, I didn't mean—”

“Don't worry about it, you're right, Homecoming sucked. In more ways than one. But I hear Winter Formal is going to rooock.” Devon stuck out his tongue and waved his finger horns at me. 

“Never.” I jabbed my fork at him. “Do that again.”

“Too much?”

“I’m scarred for life.”

Devon's amused gaze landed on his leather wristwatch. “Oh crap, I have to shoot. I forgot I have an appointment with the guidance counsellor.” He was already up off his chair. “But think about it. It could be our do-over. And I promise to keep my hands firmly to myself.” Devon winked and left me sitting there pondering his words. 

A do-over.

It didn't sound awful. We'd spent more time together since clearing the air. And he'd been nothing but a friend lately. If I agreed to go with him, would it be a date?

More importantly, did I want it to be a date?

He was safe and comfortable and nice. Ugh. That word tainted things, but when I thought about, really thought about it, was nice such a bad thing? 

“That looked cozy,” Laurie said as she and Autumn found me and I rolled my eyes.

“Do you ever stop?”

“Who, me?” She faked surprise as she dropped onto a chair. “So, what did he want?”

“Nothing much.” I popped a chip into my mouth.

“You can't leave me hanging. We’re friends. Friends share. Did he ask you to the dance?”

“Laurie,” Autumn came to my rescue, and I flashed her an appreciative smile.

“He didn't ask me as such,” I said. Sometimes, with Laurie, it was just easier to give up. 

“Tell us everything. Word for word.” Laurie leaned over the table and I relented, relaying my conversation with Devon. 

“So, what do you think?” I asked when I was finished.

“He totally wants it to be a date,” Laurie said, unable to disguise her excitement. “I mean, he's playing it cool, in case you shoot him down, but he wants a do-over, Lo. He wants to do it right this time.”

He did?

“I need to go pee.” Autumn rose from the table. “Don’t leave for Parker’s class without me.”

Laurie nodded, and I gave her a small wave as she left. “So.” Laurie slipped into Autumn’s chair and leaned in close. “What do you think? About Devon?”

“I don’t know, I mean I like him, I do, but…”

“But…” She prompted, her eyes wide, demanding an answer.

“I don’t know, okay. When I first arrived, it was too much, too soon.” And I was hung up on a certain Prince.

“And now?”

“I like him, but…” Could I do nice? After everything?

Laurie took my hands in hers and stared me right in the eye. “He’s a good guy, Lo. I know you’re dealing with a lot of shit with your dad and the move and what happened, but this could be a good thing. I know you like him. He makes you laugh, you’re relaxed around him.”

“Why are you pushing this so much? Shouldn’t you be siding with Kyle on this? You know he doesn’t want me to date Devon.”

The corners of her mouth lifted conspiratorially. “Actually, he’s coming around to the idea.”

“He is?” My eyes went wide. Kyle had warned me against it more than once. I guess something had changed—something to do with his brooding stepbrother. My heart sank, and I pushed my tray away, no longer hungry.

“Fine.”

“Fine?” Laurie’s feet danced on the floor beneath us, excitedly. “You’ll say yes? To it being a date?”

“Maybe.”

“Lo!”

“Yes, okay, satisfied? If Devon wants to make a bigger deal out of it, I’ll go along with it. You’re right, maybe it’ll be a good thing. But no heels.”

The corners of her mouth tugged into a smirk as she shook her head with laughter. “I’m so proud of you.” Laurie wrapped me in a hug just as Autumn reappeared. She stared down at us with a curious expression.

“What’d I miss?”

“Lo’s coming to Winter Formal.” Her lips pressed together as if she was trying to hold in the next part, but she couldn’t do it. “And she’s totally going with Devon, on a date.”

I rolled my eyes, Autumn smiled, and Laurie clapped again. The girl was crazy, but I was glad to have her in my corner. We cleared away our trays and walked out of the lunch room. When we reached my locker bank, I stopped. “I need to change some textbooks. I’ll catch you guys later.”

“Sure thing.” Laurie tugged Autumn away but paused at the last minute. “Oh, and Lo, we’ll get you into heels one way or another.” She winked and their laughter floated down the hallway after them.

~

When Devon appeared at my locker at the end of the day, looking sheepish, I should have known Laurie had been running her mouth. Hands jammed into dark jean pockets, his eyes darted everywhere but at me.

“Devon?” I said for the second time. His lunch looked ready to make a reappearance.

“Hmm, yeah, hey.”

“Hey.” I laughed, leaning back against the locker bank. From his inability to form words, I figured this could take a while. “Did you want something?”

“Yes.” He pulled one of his hands free and clicked his fingers as if he’d had an epiphany. “Winter Formal.”

“What about it?” There was no harm in making him suffer, just a little. He was kind of cute when he was nervous.

“Well, Laurie said…” He scratched his head. “You might be up for, hmm, well, she said that…”

“Devon,” I cut him off. “Are you asking me to the dance?”

Relief flashed over his face. “Yes. Yes, I am.” He smiled tentatively. “So, what do you think? Can I get a do-over, for real?”

“Devon, I would love to go to the dance with you.”

His eyes widened with surprise. “Really?”

“Yeah. I meant what I said before though. I don’t want any of that crap. No flowers, no awkward moments with my dad on the doorstep. Okay?”

“Got it. I think Liam mentioned a limo if you want to tag along with them? Or we can meet here? Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

“We can ride with the others.”

“Cool.”

I don’t know how it happened, but we’d moved closer, only inches between us. Devon stared down at me and, for the first time since Homecoming, I saw the longing in his eyes again. But, unlike the times before, it didn’t make my stomach twist with dread. It felt nice to be desired and my pulse quickened a little.

There was just one problem—the giant annoying thorn in my side I felt every time I stepped into a room or walked the length of the hallway.

My eyes darted around Devon and there he was, watching us. He was rigid, his gaze cold.

“Lo?”

I blinked up at Devon and smiled, “Yeah?”

“I asked if you needed a ride home?”

“Yeah, sure. Kyle has practise today, I think.” I followed Devon down the hallway, but couldn’t resist the urge to look back. But when I did, Maverick was gone.

~

By the time the weekend rolled around, my stomach danced with excitement. I hadn’t expected it, but in a way, I was glad Laurie pushed me to say yes to Devon. I’d been in Wicked Bay for three and a half months. It was time to move on, or at least, try.

And Devon was nice. He made me laugh and smile. I could be myself around him

Checking my hair one final time, I tugged the loose tendrils falling around my face. They sprang back into place. Deep red gloss made my lips pop, contrasting against my smoky eyes. The full length black dress hugged my delicate curves, grazing the floor. It swished around the silver sequin kitten heels. They were a compromise when Laurie and Autumn had tried to force me into skyscraper heels. I’d wobbled like Bambi and rushed to pick out a safer, less risky pair that still matched the dress.

“Lo, they’re here.” Dad’s voice filtered up the stairs, and I blotted my lips together one last time before grabbing my matching sequin clutch bag.

“I’m ready.”

“Eloise,” Dad swallowed. “My God, you look beautiful. When did my baby get so grown up?” He leaned in and pressed a kiss to my cheek, and I blushed at his words.

“Thanks, Dad.” I put some distance between us. I knew why things were so awkward between us but in that moment, guilt coiled around my heart. “Well, I guess I should get going.”

“Have fun, sweetheart. I know things haven’t been easy, but I’m trying. I want our life here to work, I want you to be happy.”

Lips mashed together, I offered him a small nod. I didn’t want to lie to him and tell him we’d get through it—because honestly, I didn’t know if we would—but we’d found a routine over the last few weeks. Some kind of normal.

When he realised I wasn’t going to reply, he forced a smile and said, “Kyle has promised to get you home in one piece, but I trust you, Lo. I want you to know that.”

“Okay, Dad. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

When I opened the door, Kyle stood there with a single rose in his hand. “Oh, hell, no.” His eyes narrowed, sweeping over my dress. “Get back in there and change. Right now.”

“Shut up.” I shook my head with amusement, accepting the flower. “Thank you. Now come on before Dad wants another heart to heart.”

“That bad, huh?” He offered me his arm, and I slid my hand through the gap.

“Wow, Laurie’s dad went all out.” The pristine stretch limo sparkled in the moonlight.

“He even filled the ice bucket with the good stuff. Come on.” Kyle opened the door and waited for me to get in.

“Hey guys,” I said to Laurie, Autumn, and Liam as they sat on the long leather seats, sipping flutes of something bubbly.

“Lo, you look so good. That is dress is… wow.” Laurie gushed.

I complimented their dresses while Kyle slid inside, slamming the door behind him “We’ll get Devon and then get this party started.”

My bag vibrated, and I dug out my phone, reading the text message. “Change of plans,” I said. “Devon is running late, he said he’ll meet us there.”

A low growl rumbled in Kyle’s chest and I nudged him. “Hey, it’s fine. No big deal.” His heavy stare said otherwise, but I really didn’t mind. Although I’d agreed to the date, this was all new to me. I was happy taking it slow. Autumn poured me a glass of champagne and I joined them in a toast.

Mr. Davison must have requested his money’s worth since the driver took the scenic route, driving along the moonlit coast. Even from behind the tinted windows, it was beautiful. Twenty minutes later, we pulled up outside the hotel, a swanky place downtown. Kyle and Liam climbed out first, helping us out one by one. I searched for Devon in the stream of kids entering the hotel.

“Perhaps he went inside already,” Laurie reassured me.

“Maybe.” I checked my phone again, but there was nothing. “You guys go inside and I’ll wait.”

“No way,” Kyle protested. “Not happening. We’ll all wait and we’ll all go in together.”

“That’s my man.” Laurie snuggled into his side gazing up at him like he hung the moon.

When another ten minutes passed and there was still no sign of Devon, I called him. It went straight to voicemail. Shoving my phone back in my bag, I said, “Come on, let’s go inside. He can find us when he gets there.”

“Are you sure, Lo?” Laurie said, her eyes brimming with disappointment.

“It’s fine.”

“Well, I don’t know about Liam,” Kyle said puffing out his chest. “But I have enough to go around. Cous, get over here.” He extended his arm as he’d done outside my house. Laurie shot me a wide smile and the two of us walked in with him.

The place was crazy; it put our occasional school disco back in Surrey to shame. It was easy to forget these were high school students. Boys wore complete tux’s or tailored suits and most of the girls looked straight out of a beauty pageant.

“Isn’t it exciting?” Laurie craned her head around Kyle and grinned at me.

“It’s something, alright,” I breathed out suddenly feeling out of my depth. “I’m going to go find the bathroom.”

“Want me to come?” Laurie said, but I shook my head. “No, I’ll be fine. I could use a drink though.”

“Meet us at the bar.” Kyle pointed to the long table at the other side of the room where waiters were serving what I assumed to be mocktails and non-alcoholic beers.

“Okay.” I moved as fast as my feet could carry me, past the huddle of girls retouching their make-up and gossiping about their dates by the mirrors, and slipped into a stall. When I was done, I washed my hands and checked my hair and face. There had to be a good explanation for Devon being late and I hoped he was okay.

“Oh look, it’s the princess,” a voice said behind me. I glanced around, searching for the victim of the snide comment. When my eyes landed on Caitlin Holloway, I realised it was meant for me.

“Caitlin,” I said touching up my lips. “You look nice.”

Surprise flashed in her eyes as she folded her arms over her chest, staring at me through the mirror. “And you look… dateless.”

Her friends sniggered under their breath but I didn’t let their mean girl routine faze me. She was probably just pissed Maverick hadn’t taken her back. And even though we weren’t friends, I knew she hated that I had a link to him.

“I don’t make a habit of sneaking my dates into the girls’ bathroom.” I stuffed the lipstick in my bag and turned to face them. “But if that’s your thing then good for you.”

Her smug smile faltered, replaced with irritation and I moved to leave, but she stuck her arm out to the wall, blocking my exit. “This will be so much fun.”

Confused, I held her gaze for a second before knocking her arm away and leaving the bathroom. Her confrontation had thrown me for a loop. She’d barely said two words to me in weeks. I wasn’t naïve—the girl hated me—but this was… unexpected. Refusing to let her dampen my mood, I checked my phone again and sent Devon another text before heading back inside.

Caitlin and her friends were ahead of me, just inside the main room draped over their dates like cheap scarves. Shaking my head, I searched for Kyle and Laurie across the room, but did a double take in Caitlin’s direction.

No.

No.

Everything slowed down, the throb of my pulse beating against my skull. It made no sense. He wouldn’t.

He wouldn’t.

But as Caitlin turned to face me, tugging on her date’s arm, her words made perfect sense. A rush of tears burned my throat as everything fell into place.