Chapter 23
James invited me to chaperone the senior prom with him. My first instinct was to tell him no. I didn’t even go to my own prom. When he heard that he insisted I come. “You’ve got to attend at least one prom in your lifetime,” he said. If I had an invite from a guy like him in high school, I would’ve said yes. So I decide to live a little. James wants to know if I have something to wear. I assure him I have a dress for every occasion. That’s one of the perks of being an event planner.
He offered to pick me up but I said I’d meet him there. I’d rather have my own car in case things don’t work out and I want to leave. He reiterated that it wasn’t a date. He said my company would make the night more fun, and they need extra hands.
I choose a simple black dress and style my hair down, my long layer swept to the side, like I usually do. I don’t want to send the wrong message by looking as though I tried too hard. Then I make the drive to the outer edge of the city. When I arrive at Whiting High, I see buses and limos parked out front. Girls in short dresses and high heels hang on the arms of their dates, screaming at one another in delight as though they’re long-lost friends. It brings back memories of a time when I felt insecure and insignificant. It’s not that I hated high school. It’s just that I wasn’t as comfortable in my own skin back then. I almost turn around. But then I think of James and how disappointed he’d be. So I make my way to the gym. It’s not hard to find, what with the crowd and music that’s emanating from the speakers.
James smiles when he sees me and gives me a hug in greeting. I ask him what we need to do and he says to be on the lookout for any suspicious or inappropriate behavior. He looks nice in a suit and tie—quite a change from his typical casual attire. We make small talk and some of his students wander over. “What up, Coach Larsen?” one boy yells. “Who’s your date?”
“Aiden. You clean up nice. Usually when you want to meet someone, you introduce yourself first. Go on, shake her hand. Make sure it’s firm, but not too tight. Size up your audience so you get it right. But you never want a weak handshake, got it?”
“Got it.” He turns to me. “Sorry, that was rude of me. I’m Aiden,” he says, extending his hand.
“Lucy,” I say, taking it.
“How’d I do?” he asks. “With the handshake.”
“It was fine,” I say, smiling.
“Lucy’s a friend of mine. She’ll be helping me keep an eye on you,” James says.
“It’s all good.” Aiden and his friends talk to James for a few minutes, and I notice how he makes sure to include me in the conversation. I like that he does. There’s nothing worse than feeling awkward when people are talking and the person you’re with ignores you. I also like that he taught Aiden his question was rude and the right way to handle it. After they walk away I tease him about it. “Always a teacher.”
“Sometimes I take for granted what these kids know. I forget there’s basic etiquette they either haven’t learned or choose to forget. So I remind them.”
We keep an eye on things and I notice how James does a double take when a pretty teacher walks in.
“Who’s that?”
“That’s Amy. She’s the Psych teacher.”
“Oh.”
“Why do you ask?”
“No reason. You just seemed different when she walked in.”
“Did I? Hmm. Maybe I’m just not used to seeing her in a dress.”
“So, what’s the dating policy?” I ask, attempting to keep my tone playful.
“There isn’t one. Teachers marry one another all the time.”
“Really? Have you and Amy ever dated?”
“No. Don’t get me wrong, she’s pretty and fun to be around. But I don’t want to go there. If things didn’t work out, it would be awkward. I love my job and I don’t want work to become a place I’m self-conscious about seeing her.”
“But what if things worked out?”
“I guess the desire to try isn’t there. You know how there’s some people you meet and there’s an instant connection? A spark you feel that’s unexplainable. It may just be lust, but it’s as if you’re drawn to that person.”
I nod. Yes, I certainly know the feeling.
“I didn’t experience that when we met.”
“But don’t you think strong feelings can develop later?” I’m curious to know his stance because lately I’ve found myself wondering this very thing.
“Yes. But in this case it’s not worth the risk. As I said, I have no problem being friends with beautiful women.”
He smiles at me, his dimple full on display. I’ve noticed it’s only evident when he smiles big, like he’s really happy. And right now it’s being directed at me. It’s hard not to smile back. James points out other staff members and gives me the gossip on each. I’m fascinated by it. I don’t have this kind of drama at work. While we’re talking one of his students wanders over.
“Hi, Sierra.”
“Hi, Mr. Larsen. I wanted to let you know I’m missing our last meet. I have to take my dad to a follow-up appointment.”
“Well that’s unfortunate timing. Send him my best.”
“I will. And thanks again for everything.” She seems unsure but then she leans in and gives him a hug.
“And thank you. For an outstanding season and for being a role model to the team. As I said, there are things beyond our control. So we’ve gotta take charge of those we can. Always remember to channel your energy into the right outlets.”
“I will, Mr. Larsen. Can I get a selfie with you?”
They take the pic then she rejoins her group of friends.
“What was that about?” I ask.
“Sierra’s dad was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. She was really angry about it, understandably so. I helped her realize she could use that anger. Direct it toward a goal. So we planned a fundraiser for her family.”
“That’s great advice. And really nice of you to step up like that. What kind of fundraiser was it?”
“She’s on my track team, so we created a race: 10 for Ten. I thought a marathon might be a bit much, so this was a 10k. Our goal was to raise ten thousand dollars, hence the name. We raised fifteen.”
“That’s amazing! How’s her dad doing?”
“His prognosis is good.”
“James, so are you. You’re one of the good ones.”
He shrugs. “No kid should have to watch their parent get sick. It was something I could do to help. Why do you say it like you’re surprised?”
I shrug.
“It’s because of that guy, isn’t it? Your bad breakup?”
“I guess so.”
“Not everyone is like him. I hope you realize that. Haven’t you ever heard the phrase ‘don’t let one bad apple spoil the bunch’?”
Of course, he had to bring up apples.
“I have. And I’m not. To be honest I used to have that outlook, but I’m making progress.”
“Good,” he says. And we leave it at that.
James makes no mention of dancing. He makes no advances or attempts at physical contact. He keeps things light and never implies we’re on a date, which we’re not.
Things go smoothly the rest of the night. James had to intervene once when he caught someone trying to spike the punch. But aside from that it was an uneventful evening.
“What did you think of your first prom?”
“It was fun.” And it was. Being with James is fun.
“Told you it wouldn’t be so bad. Sometimes you need to give things a chance before you pass judgement.”
I’m not sure if he’s still talking about prom. But I answer him as though he is.
“It’s funny because in high school I’d have done anything to avoid going to these sorts of dances. Now I attend events and parties all the time. It’s ironic that I’m the one planning them.”
“As you said, progress.”
That’s me, a work in progress.
We help clean up and James offers to take me out for a milkshake.
“I’d love one, but I didn’t get my steps in today.”
“Got it, you have a figure to maintain. How about a compromise? We can go for Fro Yo.”
“You’ve got yourself a deal.”
James got a ride to the school with a co-worker, so I drive us to a yogurt place back in the city. After sampling some flavors we decide to share a cake batter flavored shake. It’s delicious. I mean, how can a shake not be? But the thing about frozen yogurt is, it just doesn’t compare to ice cream.