“Ah.”
“You guys should come,” Delilah said. “Since the entire row crew will be there, you’ll have an excuse to party with your man, Em.”
I sighed. “I suppose, but I’m tired of hiding us. Xander is amazing in every way, and I hate keeping him like a dirty secret.”
“You think your dad would care?” Harper asked. “And who would tell him anyway?”
“Not me,” Delilah said quickly.
“He has his ways,” I said. “And it’s so stupid. I care less and less what he thinks, right up until I have to confront him. Then I’m scared shitless.”
“Well, prom is also going to be epic with a capitalE; that should impress him.” Delilah turned to Harper. “You should see what Emery’s doing. It’s just breathtaking.”
Harper smiled. “I’m not surprised.”
“Weare doing it,” I corrected. “This whole project wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for you.”
Delilah glanced down, touched. “Thanks, Em. That’s nice to hear.”
We finished the brownie, and I gave Delilah a hug goodbye whenshe stood to leave for class, then Harper and I headed to English. Spring was coming early—the air was losing its icy chill and things were turning green again.
“She turned out pretty well.” Harper nodded at Delilah’s retreating back. “You’d almost think it was possible for people to change,” she said bitterly.
I gave her a concerned look. “Referring to anyone in particular?”
“Ignore me,” she said. “Hey, you want to see a movie or something tonight?”
“I can’t,” I said. “My family is doing a big birthday dinner. We might actually have a nice evening together.Thatwould be a birthday wish come true.” We arrived at Ms. Alvarez’s class. “I know I’m a broken record, but if you ever want to talk…”
Harper silenced me with a hug. “You’re first on my list.”
“I love that so much. Loveyou.”
“Love you too.”
***
I glanced around to make sure no one was watching before slipping inside the art supply room. It was as big as most classrooms, with supplies neatly stored in bins and on shelves along the wall and a long table in the center, where Xander was leaning, waiting for me. Our new lunchtime routine: to find a secluded spot and grab a few stolen moments when pretending we weren’t together grew unbearable.
I shut the door and flew at him, wrapping him in my arms and kissing him hard. He responded at once, his mouth opening for my tongue to explore and taste, and then he took his turn, pressing in, his hands in my hair, kissing me until we were breathless.
“Hello to you too,” he said huskily when we finally came up for air.
“I’m in a good mood,” I said. “We’re in the final stretches for prom. I even have my dress picked out.” I cocked my head. “Come to think of it, the only thing I don’t have is a date.”
Xander ringed his arms around my waist. “Me neither. There’s someone I want to ask, but I’m not sure if it’s allowed.”
I grinned. “It’s allowed. Prom is where I show my dad everything, right? My artistry, my dreams, and…my love.”
I brushed my fingers through Xander’s hair. In all the time we’d been together, we’d never said the words that felt like they’d been waiting to be voiced. Both of us too afraid to say them when the end of the year was uncertain.
I watched Xander push his own doubt away and smile. “Your art is extraordinary. I don’t see how anyone could deny you anything.”
“There you go again, saying all the things that make me melt into a puddle.” He hadn’t even seen my design; I wanted to surprise him, but his faith in me was a present unto itself.
“Well, in that case,” Xander began. “Emery, will you—” He stopped, shaking his head. “Wait, wait, wait. This is your event. Your design, your planning, and your hard work. It doesn’t feel right that I ask you to something that belongs to you.”
“It doesn’tbelongto me, but…damn you,” I said, sniffing a laugh. “You’re too much.”
