Now I’m in the guestroom getting ready for tonight. I haven’t had the balls to go back home yet, and thankfully, neither my mom nor Cull’s parents have pushed. My dad’s been radio-silent, but Mom says he misses me. Funny, since he hasn’t reached out. If he’s waiting for me to come home and admit he was right, or that I’ve dumped Cullen, he’s in for a very long wait. But still… his silence stings.
I’m glad Cull talked me off the ledge in my room the day I came out to my parents. I needed it more than I realized. I’m aware I need a lot of reassurance, but thankfully, Cull’s the kind of person who’s happy to give it.
I’m spritzing on a little cologne and giving myself one last look in the full-length mirror when there’s a knock at the door. I open it to find my mom holding two clear plastic containers filled with flowers.
“You look so handsome.” She’s beaming, eyes full of love.
“Hey, Mom,” I greet, pulling her into a tight hug. I haven’t seen her for more than a split second all week, just one morning when Cullen took me to pick up my Bronco. I’ve missed her.
She pulls back and hands me one of the containers. “What’s this?”
“I thought maybe you’d like to give Cullen a boutonniere tonight. The other’s a corsage for Ella, and she has one for you, too. I know this isn’t how you wanted prom to go, but I still wanted it to be special.”
My mom always thinks of everything. She reminds me of Cullen in that way, always anticipating what I might want or need.
“Thanks, Mom. This means a lot.”
She smiles, then cups my cheek. “He’s not going to be able to take his eyes off you. You picked a great suit.”
I glance down at the dark navy tux and paisley emerald-green tie. Ella helped with the fit, but the moment I saw Cullen’s tie, I knew I wanted mine to match his eyes, too.
“Let’s go.” She takes my hand, leading me from the room. “Everyone’s waiting downstairs.”
We head down the stairs and find Cullen and his parents waiting in the foyer. He’s got his back to us, but as soon as he hears us coming, he turns, eyes locking onto mine.
His gaze drags from my face to my black patent shoes, then back up, a sly smile curling his lips. He walks over and takes my hand, helping me down the last few steps like I’m Cinderella or some shit.I guess we are going to a ball.I snort quietly, and he lifts an eyebrow.
“Nothing,” I mumble, a little embarrassed. I clear my throat and smooth the front of my jacket before letting myself take him in.
His tux is a sleek dark gray with a matching waistcoat, and that cerulean tie I already peeked at. Now that I’m really paying attention, I can see it has lighter blue swirls, like waves.
“You look…” I’m at a loss for words.
“Yeah. You too,” he agrees, smiling before leaning in and kissing me.
I tense for half a second, remembering our parents are right there. Cull doesn’t seem to care as he kisses me like it’s just us in the room. And honestly? I want that. So, fuck it. I kiss him back with everything I have.
A throat clears behind us, and we break apart, smiling stupidly at each other.
“Hate to break this up,” his dad cuts in, “but y’all are on a time crunch. Let’s get some photos so you can head out and get Ella.”
Cullen winks at me and turns toward the door. I remember the boutonniere in my hand and stop him before he gets too far.
“Cull, babe, I’ve got something for you.” He turns, and I lift the clear box into view. He smiles and walks over, taking it from my hand and opening it.
“You got me flowers?”
“It’s a boutonniere, and, well, my mom thought of it.”
He pulls out the small bundle and inspects it. It’s a deep burgundy rose with a few tiny white flowers and some greenery, wrapped in blue and dark green ribbon. My mom really did think of everything. That dimple on the side of his face pops when he sees the ribbon.
He hands it back to me. “Put it on me?”
I nod, then glance over at my mom for direction, not entirely sure what I’m doing.
“It goes on the left side of his coat,” she instructs, stepping closer. “It’s magnetic, so just put the back piece under the lapel.”
I find the magnet and carefully fasten it to Cullen’s jacket.
