62. Chapter 62
Chapter 62
Sloane
A week after the dance, I think I've finally come down from my prom high, but it's about to ramp back up. When I get to school, I find out the prom pictures are ready and in the cafeteria. I look at my watch. I have plenty of time, and if I don't get my pictures before the day starts, I'm going to have to wait until lunch period, and I can't wait a moment longer! I've got to see how this picture turned out.
When I walk into the cafeteria, there are students going in and out. Pictures are at various tables alphabetically by last name. I walk to the furthest table and search through the photos briefly before finding mine. "Oh my gosh," I say quietly. My jaw drops open, and I look at the 8x10 picture of Evan and me through the plastic sleeve.
"Nice lookin' couple," I hear the familiar voice behind my shoulder.
I turn around and see Billy, and my smile grows. "Isn't this the best?" I can't contain my excitement as I show him my picture.
"That guy is a total pro," Billy says. "Look how he's standing all cool and look at that face. The man knows how to pose."
"This has to be the sexiest prom photo ever," I reply.
"Now, don't speak so fast there, Sloaner," Billy jokes. "You haven't seen mine yet." He holds up his plastic sleeve containing his pictures.
I look at Billy's picture with his date. His flat-top haircut covered by his black cowboy hat, ruddy cheeks, and proud smile make me happy. "This is true. Evan does have some competition," I joke back. "Must be all those covers of GQ you've been on."
I make Billy laugh hard at this. He pats his little belly. "Yeah, right!"
We head toward the exit and into the main hallway near the front doors. "What's up, you two?" Billy and I turn as Tyler joins us, and even though he has the sweetest girlfriend, and I just took a rock star to my prom, the butterflies flutter at the sight of that wicked little grin of his. He sidles up to me. His shoulder touches mine which causes a spark of electricity to run through me and looks at my prom picture. "Look at that man," he says as he points to Evan. "Even I will admit he looks hot."
I look up at him, and he has a look on his face that I can't quite decipher. "Have you gotten your pictures yet?"
Tyler shifts uncomfortably, his jaw clenches ever so slightly, as he tugs on his backpack straps. "Nah, I'll leave that to Sara." I think back to when I saw them at prom, something I had completely forgotten about, and wonder if everything's okay between them.
"Hers may be great, but you can't beat this." Billy holds his plastic sleeve in front of Tyler.
Tyler cocks his head and nods. "That's pretty fresh, man. I love the black hat and boots."
"Why thank you, kind sir," Billy says with an Old West accent and mimes straightening his non-existent tie.
"The slickest dude at prom," Tyler says, and I can't help but think he's not 100% into this conversation.
Billy and I laugh audibly at this, and Billy says, "Well, I wouldn't go that far." He holds his hands up in front of him. "I'm just really happy for our little Sloaner-loner. Her first ever high school dance, and she shoots for the moon."
Tyler smiles slightly then his face grows serious. "Yeah, I was pretty upset when you told us about Ky. I couldn't believe he did that to you. We knew you were so excited for prom."
"I thought for sure you guys would think that I made him up, just like Amber teased me about," I look down at my picture. "But, boy, did this work out for the best." My smile returns in full, but I swear Tyler's smile seems forced.
"No way, Sloaner," Billy says as the three of us start walking down the hallway. "We know you wouldn't do that."
"Yeah," Tyler agrees, "Ky obviously doesn't know a good thing when he's got it." He jokingly punches me in the shoulder as the bell rings and the smile he gives me makes my stomach tumble over itself. Tyler looks at Billy. "See you at the game today?" He says as he breaks off from us, walking the other direction.
"I'll be there!" Billy says. "Wouldn't miss it."
Tyler gives him a salute then turns and walks away.
"What's so special about today's game?" I ask Billy.
Billy eyes me suspiciously then says, "If I tell you, you can't say a word to anyone."
I feel my eyes go wide as I nod my head. "Promise, I won't say anything."
"A scout from the Braves is going to be at the game today."
Now my eyes feel like they are popping out of my skull. "What? That's amazing!"
"It is, but you've gotta keep this between us."
"Of course," I nod. "But, how did you find out about it?"
"I went back to class to ask Coach K a question and walked in on him discussing it with Tyler." Billy looks as if he's just had a thought. "You should come to the game today and help me cheer them on. The scout will be looking at several players, I'm sure. I think they'd appreciate the support."
I smile. "I'd love that. I haven't been to a game in a while and went to practically all the home games last year. I'll come find you."
As I head to French class, I think about watching Tyler play today, then think about what he said before he left, that Ky didn't know a good thing when he had it. I can't help but wonder if it took a rock star taking me to prom to show my fellow classmates that I am, in fact, a catch. For the first time in all my years here, I walk to class with my shoulders back and head held high.