Marcus stands beside her with a laid-back grin, sipping a cup of what I can only assume is the sugar-infused punch she warned me about.
“Harper!” Macy squeals, pulling me into a quick, animated hug. “OMG, you lookah-mazing! That dress! It looks much better in person than it does in videos!”
“Thanks.” I twirl, taking a step back so she can admire my full skirt. “You look incredible, too. Both of you.”
Marcus tips his cup toward me in a silent salute. “Thanks, bro. You look like prom court material.”
I scoff. He is so full of crap. “Let’s not get carried away.”
“Hey, I call it like I see it.”
“Ha ha. What did I miss?” I ask, changing the subject before he can begin campaigning for me to win a crown I don’t want. He has been well trained by my best friend to have my back, ever loyal to us both.
“Oh, the usual drama,” she starts, then freezes, her face lighting up even more. “Wait—shit! Get this! I can’t believe I forgot to tell you.” She leans in, lowering her voice for dramatic effect. “Maddie Miller made her entrance like she was on the red carpet—but she was alone.”
“Alone?” I echo, unable to hide my surprise.
“Yep,” Macy says, popping thepfor emphasis. “No Easton in sight. Can you believe it? Little Miss Social Media strutting in solo.Everyone is talking about it.”
I try to play it cool, but my mind immediately starts racing. No Easton? What happened? Did they have a fight? Did he bail on her?
The last thought makes my stomach twist, and I quickly push it aside. There is no way he would do that. He’s loyal, too. Not loyal enough to tell her no when she asked, but you get what I’m saying.
I reach for a cup of punch so I have something to do with my hands, suddenly nervous.
“She came alone?” I repeat, to make sure I’m not hallucinating.
“Uh-huh,” Macy confirms, taking a sip of her punch. “And she made sure everyone noticed. I mean, she looks good, I’ll give her that. But the whole entrance was so over-the-top—like she wanted to prove she didn’t need a date to own the room.”
That sounds about right.
I force a laugh, trying to hide how much this news is bothering me. “Well, that’s Maddie for you. Always the center of attention.”
My best friend tilts her head, studying me. “How does that make you feel?”
“Nothing,” I say quickly, waving her off. “It makes me feel nothing.”
Lies. So many lies.
Her lips twitch, and she crosses her arms, not buying it for a second. “Harper, you are by far the worst liar I’ve ever met.”
“I’m not lying!” I protest, my voice a smidge too high-pitched to be convincing.
“Oh please,” she argues. “Your face is doing thatthing.”
I do a thing with my face? “What thing?”
“Don’t deflect.” Macy leans toward me, whispering in my ear. “I bet you’re wondering where he is right now.”
I open my mouth to argue, but Marcus cuts in, saving me from further interrogation.
“Ladies, we’re here to party,” he says, holding up his cup like he’s making a toast. “What’s the plan? Are we just going to stand here all night, or are we hitting the floor?”
Macy gasps, her face lighting up. “We’re dancing, obviously. But, Marcus, if you even think about taking your shirt off, I swearI’ll—”
“Relax,” Marcus interrupts, grinning. “I only do that at weddings.”
“Good,” Macy says, grabbing my hand before I can slip away. “And you’re coming with us,” she declares, dragging me toward the dance floor. “No excuses!”
