I grab my bag and sling it over my shoulder. We saunter across the grass, towards his Porsche.
“Falling in love reduces brain cells, huh?” he jokes, lightening the mood.
“Apparently.” I chuckle.
“Nix mentioned you’re going to prom tonight.”
I nod, nervousness churning in my gut and my heart rate kicking up a notch.
“For Cocoa,” Dee states, side-eyeing me.
“I have to see her.”
It’s a risky move. I’ll be breaking my promise to her, and there’s a high probability she’ll reject me, but I’m desperate.
“Good luck,” he says, sincerity in his voice. “I’ll be rooting for you. Always will, even when I want to throttle your ass for being stupid.”
“Thanks.”
I’ve never been so scared in my goddamn life.
Dee and I enter the dimly lit opulent ballroom, decorated in silver and blue to fit the prom’s theme—Starry Night. The formal event is being held inside a luxury hotel located in Charleston.
To the left, couples take turns posing for pictures under a star-shaped balloon arch, immortalizing the night. The DJ is farther down, mixing beats of the latest hits. A buffet befitting a king is stationed to the right. Tables and chairs form a horseshoe at the rear of the room, creating a space for dancing. A slideshow depicting memorable moments captured throughout the year displays on the back wall.
I’m dressed to the nines in a black tuxedo and leather loafers. I opted not to wear a bow tie, instead leaving the first two buttons of my shirt undone. My presence is the center of attention and has the tongues wagging.
Dee nudges my arm and tilts his head at the gyrating bodies. “There she is.”
I spot her dancing with Nix and a boulder-size lump forms in my throat. She’s my sun… my moon… and my fucking stars. My feet move on their own accord and I’m standing behind her before I realize what’s happening. I place a kiss on the side of her neck, and she whirls around, fist raised. That’s my girl, ready to knock a motherfucker out at the drop of a hat. Recognition dons and an array of emotions filter across her face.
She hugs herself protectively. “What are you doing here?”
“I need to talk to you.” I want to hold her in my arms so goddamn badly.
She glares at Nix accusingly. “You knew he was coming.”
He lowers his gaze, picking invisible lint off his pants.
“How could you?” she asks, chin quivering.
“Look, just hear him—”
“No,” Cocoa cuts him off, then narrows her eyes at me. “Stay away.”
“Give me ten minutes,” I demand, hands clenching. I’m not going anywhere until she listens to what I have to say.
“Fuck you!”
Cocoa bolts out the door and I quickly follow behind. I latch on to her arm and she pivots on her heel, slapping me across the face. Our altercation garners the speculative gazes of those nearby. Let them stare. I have no pride where she’s concerned.
“You promised,” she cries.
“I can’t be without you.” I cup her face. “Please forgive me.”
“I hate you.” She jerks away and slaps me again.
I drop to my knees and wrap my arms around her waist. “I’m never letting you go.”
