He nods. "I heard what you were saying, Tera, and if you want to go to formal, I'd love to take you—as friends." He grins a half grin.
"I'm not sure Xander would approve," I admit.
"I think he will." Carter pulls out his phone and dials.
"How did you get his number?" I ask, eyes wide in shock.
"He gave it to me."
What the hell?
"Xan, yeah, it's Carter. No, she's okay. Yeah. Anyway, I heard what you were talking about. Fuck off, I'm not a stalker."
At that I laugh.
"I thought if you wanted someone you could trust to take Tera to formal, I'd do it. Yeah. As friends. No. No, you don't have to worry about that," Carter says, watching me out of the corner of his eye. "Dude, shut up. No fucking way, man. If anything bad happens you can kick my ass. I'll let the others hold my arms."
I watch intently as Carter, one of the kindest boys on the planet, talks to the man I love more than life.
"Good. It's settled. Sure. Have at it. Less work for me," Carter chuckles. "Screw you, drummer boy."
He hangs up.
"He's all for it."
"What was all that?"
"He told me I better not even think of kissing you or touching you in other than a brotherly manner. I told him not to worry, I won't. Truth is, I know you'd punch me in the face if I did, and I don't want to have to get a nose job like Amy."
I snicker. "She had it coming."
"She did." He rests his hand on my wrist as I twirl my phone. "Hey. He wants to plan everything for us, down to the corsage and boutonniere."
I sigh and roll my eyes. "That guy."
Carter nods, looking down. "I wanted to kill him when you chose him."
I turn my head and look at his profile. He really is a hottie. He's got that sexy swagger guys get when they're confident in their own skin and know what they want from life. I find that super attractive.
He stands up and I follow suit.
"He's a good guy, Tera. He wants you to have a good time and be happy. He'd be here if he could, but since he can't, I'd really like it if you'd go with me," he asks, watching my reaction.
I smile softly. "Yes, Carter. I'll go with you." I lean over and hug him. He, hesitantly, wraps his arms around me too. "Thank you for this."
He nods. "It'll be one of our last memories."
I grin up at him. "I don't think it'll be the 'last' of anything if you're heading to NYU."
His eyes widen. "You're going to NYU?"
I nod. "It's my first choice. Shea's too."
"That's fucking awesome!" he shouts.
Mr. Perkins peeks his head out the door. "How about you two be… awesome in class?"
I snicker and Carter chuckles.
"Sorry, Mr. Perkins."
"Mhmm. I've heard it all before." His tone is stern, but he's smiling.
