Venus
The Queensand Dreams Diner shines from a block away, its pink and yellow neon signs glowing across the darkened street like spilled tie-dye, so I’m surprised to find a CLOSED sign in the window as we approach.
“It’s closed,” I say, tugging on Henry’s arm to stop him from opening the door.
“It’s closedfor us,” he says, his lopsided grin urging me inside.
My confusion compounds as I step into the quiet restaurant.A silver disco ball spins overhead, reflecting the glow from the neon lights and candles on the long counter.Balloon structures occupy corners, and streamers, foil fringe, and paper lanterns hang from the ceiling, creating a pastel cloud overhead.Tables have been moved from the center of the dining room, leaving the checkerboard tile floor open.
The drag queens form a beaming huddle at the hostess station.A flash from Sunny’s phone makes me blink—I can only imagine the gaping, tearful, wide-eyed expression she captured.And, as my eyes adjust to the darkness and the intermittent light, I see that the queens aren’t the only ones there.
Dot catches my attention first as she twirls on a barstool, leaning close to an elegant woman with tattoos and a short haircut.Next to them, Marnie bounces with energy, hanging onto the guy next to her.She makes aneepsound, like she can’t contain her excitement.
My heart rams in my chest when my eyes land on Ivy.Instant comfort, warmth, good sister vibes—these feelings crash over me to see her, standing near the jukebox, giddy as she watches me, with Gil smiling beside her.An iPad hangs from his neck with Dad and Christie waving from the screen.
My eyes dart from the iPad to Ivy to Henry and back again as I try wrangling my big feelings.
“Welcome to Prom,” DeeDee announces with a wide grin, and I gasp, a sharp inhale that everyone hears.
Henry eases his arm around me.“It wouldn’t be a prom without other people, but I didn’t want just anyone… These areourpeople.”
A choking sob bubbles up my throat—ourpeople.That feels almost as wonderful as the realization that, “You… you did all this… for me?”
The words barely come out, but Henry leans closer, holding onto me like he’s afraid I might swoon.Given my rapid heartbeat and surging emotions, I could swoon.I brace myself against his shoulder.
“I wanted to give you something you’d remember forever,” he says, looking sheepish and blushing under his glasses.“Something for us.”
“I-I-I’m overwhelmed,” I whisper to him, “but in a good way.”I swipe away tears that clash with my smile.“I don’t know what to say.What’s the customary response to the most beautiful, romantic gesture anyone has ever done for you?”
“Just say you’ll dance with me,” Henry says before nodding to the queens.
“Yes, of course,” I manage.
Lucy claps beside DeeDee as her arms open in a dramatic flourish, and the jukebox, aglow in soft yellows, blues, and pinks, hums over the speakers as a song starts to play—“Everything Has Changed” by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.
Henry leads me to the center of the room and slips his hands around my waist.His fingers slide along my bare spine, bringing me closer, his touch calming me.My arms settle on his shoulders, careful of my wrist bouquet, and my thoughts spin—Henry says he’s falling in love with me again, and the evidence is all around me.It is enchanting, overwhelming, and uniquelyus.No romance novel could compete with this.
The other couples join us, offering greetings as they take their places around the makeshift dance floor.
Dot introduces her wife, Jaye, and says, “Nice shindig, Henry.Chasing’s working out for you, eh?”
Henry smirks.“Always, right?”
Marnie spins in her partner’s arms, facing us and leaning against him.He wraps his tattooed arms around her.“Henry and Venus, meet Grady, my husband,” she says, giggling and tilting her chin toward him.“Gosh, I still love saying that.”
He nuzzles her neck before smiling at us.“Nice to meet you.Best prom I’ve ever been to.”
“Glad you and Marnie could join us,” Henry says.
“You’re Gil’s brother,” I say.“I see the resemblance.”
He nods and glances at Ivy and Gil.“Yep, I’m betting our families will be seeing a lot more of each other.”
“I concur,” I say.
“It’s so exciting,” Marnie bubbles.“I can’t wait for Ivy’s bachelorette party?—”
“Hold up,” Grady cuts in, laughing.“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.No one’s asked anyone about marriage yet.”
