Chapter 21 #2
“If I have to,” I say, winking at him. I take a small bite of the chocolate dessert first. It’s a dark mousse that melts in your mouth.
“Ooh, that’s nice.” The second dessert is a pastry with apple and cranberry in a milky sauce.
“Damn, that’s amazing,” I mumble to myself.
The third is a citrus cheesecake with a lime foam.
“Wow.” I look up to see E watching me. “These are all amazing, E. He uses real lard in his pastry, and the citrus cheesecake is so refreshing. Was that milk in the pie?”
“Goat’s milk,” the chef says, coming over to our table. “You have a keen sense of taste. Hardly anyone realizes I use lard in my pastry dough,” he smiles.
“I lived with someone who loves cooking. She always insisted on lard or real butter for her pastry dough, so I can taste the difference,” I shrug. “I can’t tell the third citrus fruit in your cheesecake, though.”
“Ah. There’s lime, lemon, blood orange, and grapefruit in the cheesecake with a lime foam. Did you enjoy the mousse?”
“Oh yes. That was divine. Everything was amazing. I can see why E brought us here.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed your meal. I hope to see you here again.”
“Definitely,” I smile.
He excuses himself as I look around the table. The dessert platter is empty as the guys continue eating. I finish the citrus cheesecake, then ask if anyone wants the other two. Nick quickly scoops up the chocolate while Bay takes the pastry.
When everyone finishes, we get up to leave, but we didn’t get a bill. I look around in confusion as E leans down. “I prepaid,” he tells me.
“Thank you, E,” I smile up at him.
Alex and Bay offer the valet tickets as we stand off to the side to wait.
“Reesa, you look beautiful. Your gown is gorgeous,” I tell her.
I couldn’t really see her dress when she was sitting, but it really is pretty.
It’s a pale pink tea-length gown that sits off the shoulder with a crystal belt around the waist. She has a matching satin shawl and a crystal purse.
“Thank you,” she replies in her soft voice.
Alex’s SUV pulls up first. “We will see you at the venue,” he waves after helping Reesa into the passenger seat.
My Jeep pulls up right after Alex pulls out. Nick opens my door and helps me in. “Thanks, Grumpy. Did you drive here?”
“Yeah.”
“We’ll see you after the prom, or you can change your mind and come with us.”
I get his signature eye roll. “No.”
“Are you going to hang out at Alex’s house?”
“His stepmom is home, so Nick will drive over there after I text him we’ve left the prom,” Seb informs me.
“Okay. Enjoy your evening, Grumpy,” I say as he nods and closes my door.
As Bay pulls away from the curb, I turn so I can see all the guys. “We didn’t really think this through, did we?”
“What do you mean, Sunshine?”
“Well, Nick has to drive over to Alex’s house late tonight instead of now, and what about Reesa? Will she be comfortable with all of us crashing at Alex’s after prom? She may want the place just for her and Alex.”
Seb snorts. “First, Nick is fine. The stepmom was supposed to be away this weekend but cancelled at the last minute. He’s a big boy and can take care of himself. Second, Reesa isn’t staying with us. Alex is dropping her off at home after the prom."
“Now I feel bad. Should we do something else?”
“No, it was Alex’s idea to sleep over after prom, not ours.”
“Okay,” I nod, still feeling weird about it. Why would Alex offer his house, I wonder? I never questioned Seb when he told me the plan, but it seems like we are putting Reesa out. I decide to check in with Alex later to make sure he’s really good with it.
The hotel is a quick drive from the restaurant, and it's a beautiful old building with aged brick that's oozing southern charm.
Valet parking is swift, and the scent of exhaust hangs in the humid air as Bay opens my door for me.
His warm arm meets my hand as we enter the building.
Inside, wine red walls gleam under the soft light of gold chandeliers, their glow reflecting off cream stone floors.
A discreet sign directs us left towards a set of dark wood double doors.
Seb and E swing the doors open, revealing a wide hallway bathed in the golden light of more chandeliers, with the faint rhythmic pulse of music tantalizing us.
Two doors line the left hallway, but an arrow, painted a deep sapphire, guides us right.
Another set of double doors opens silently near Seb and E.
Entering a vast ballroom, a warm wave of air washes over us, carrying the scent of perfume and polished wood.
Blue and silver shimmer under the glittering disco ball’s hypnotic spin, its multifaceted surface reflecting a thousand dancing lights.
Fluffy, illuminated clouds drift among silver threads strung from the high ceiling, casting a soft glow.
Silver sconces, gleaming like polished ice, line the walls, providing a contrast to the warm clouds.
Round tables, draped in silver and light blue tablecloths, dot the perimeter, each with a warm bowl of fairy lights.
The melodic pulse of the band on our right vibrates through the floorboards.
As we walk further in, I see a row of tables lining the back left wall adorned with drinks and nibbles. “Summer!” I hear my name being yelled. Looking around, I don’t see anyone.
Bay points ahead of us. “It’s Holly,” he whispers, his hot breath flowing into my ear, causing a shiver.
Searching, I finally spot her weaving through the crowd in her full-length red gown of tulle. The bodice is strapless and adorned with swirling red beads. Soft curls frame her face, with the front pulled back. She’s pulling Jaxon behind her by the hand.
“Hey,” I wave as they reach us. “You look beautiful,” I yell. The song ends, and the band announces they are taking a ten minute break. Now we can hear each other, at least.
“Thanks. You too; your dress is killer. Come on, we have a table across the room,” she says, turning to move through the dancers.
We follow her with the guys circling me, so I don’t get bumped.
When we clear the crowd, I see two tables pushed together.
Alex and Reesa are sitting at one as we take the other seats. I end up between Bay and Holly.
“Hello again,” I smile at Alex and Reesa.
“Girl, I can’t believe you found that dress online. It suits you,” Holly says, her face already flushed from dancing, a brilliant smile gracing her lips.
“Yeah, Gabby has a gift. It has pockets too,” I say, showing her.
“Whoa, sexy lady,” she says as she notices the two slits up the front of the dress. They only go up to mid-thigh, but they make me feel pretty.
I chuckle at her. “Have you been here long?”
“About half an hour, I think. The band is good. I’m wearing Jaxon out already.” She pats his knee affectionately.
“I’m fine,” he replies, rolling his eyes. “Hey Summer.”
“Hi Jaxon. You look good.” He does, with his black suit and red tie.
“I’m gonna get us drinks,” Seb says, standing up. “Who wants something?”
Bay and I request water as he and E walk off towards the back.
A few of our track team come by to say hello, and everyone looks wonderful all dressed up.
I spot the twins a few tables down with their dates, but I don’t recognize them.
Coach is standing behind the drinks table along with another teacher.
A few other teachers I’ve seen around school congregate by the stage.
As the band returns, Bay asks me to dance.
I take his warm, calloused hand and let him lead me to the center of the room as a slow song starts the set.
I wrap my arms around his neck as we sway to the music.
Bay hasn’t stopped blushing since I saw him in the living room.
It’s too cute. Holly and Jaxon are to my right, with Alex and Reesa joining us on my left.
I don’t know where Seb and E are, but I’m sure they’ll be back soon.
When the song ends, the tempo picks up as Seb and E find us.
Alex leaves the floor with Reesa as we dance.
E and Jaxon do a simple sidestep as the rest of us get into the music.
I’m not surprised to see that Seb is a wonderful dancer and Bay also has some moves.
We laugh and sing along to the songs and have a great time.
I’m not sure how long we’re on the dance floor before I need a break. I may have broken in my shoes, but my feet are protesting. Bay follows me back to our table where Reesa and Alex are sitting. “Hey guys,” I say, taking a seat.
Alex passes Bay and me water bottles with the seals intact, and I down half the bottle before coming up for air.
There’s an interruption to the music as the principal comes onstage with the student body president.
They announce the king and queen, both of whom are seniors I don’t know.
We clap for them as they take to the dance floor for a slow dance.
Seb and E come by after the stage clears, Seb asking me to dance. I happily follow him as another slow dance starts. “Having fun, Sunshine?” He asks, wrapping his arms around my waist.
“Yes I am. Are you?”
“I get to slow dance with you and E. Of course, I’m happy,” he smiles, pulling me flush against his body.
I lay my head on his shoulder with a sigh as we sway to the music. His citrus scent fills my senses, and I feel at peace. Over a short time, his smell has become almost as comforting and familiar as Jake’s.
When the song ends, I switch to dancing with E, as Seb dances with Holly.
I’m still short in my heeled boots, compared to E, so my head rests on his chest. His heart is beating quickly behind his ribcage as he pulls me against him, his touch gentle but strong.
As the song ends, I feel a kiss on the top of my head as he steps back, his arms lingering on my waist as long as possible.