“I told you you could do it, Zach. I’m so proud of you,” I say and he smiles.
“Thanks, Sunshine.”
Just as I go to return my head to his chest, the music dies out and Embreigh jumps on the mic. Everyone quiets down and turns their attention to the front of the stage.
“Hey, everyone! It's now time to crown this year's homecoming King and Queen!” Students set out in applause and cheers. But I am lowkey dreading this part. I can feel the deflate of my dopamine, knowing that this could make things look really awkward for those who have been watching us all night.
But again, it’s something I’ve prepared for and Zach assured me that it’s just a silly piece of metal and a title that means nothing to him. The only one who might make a big deal out of it is his ex and Ryen assured me that she is on stand by if she tries to do anything crazy.
But still…
Please be Brayden.
Please be Brayden.
I chant in my head, because in no way do I want to see Zach standing on stage next to a girl he used to date.
I think he senses my dilemma. He reaches for my hand and I let my fingers slide into his. It calms me, that’s for sure. But I stilldon’t know how I’m going to react if I have to witness the smile his ex is going to shoot my way when she’s on stage next to Zach.
“If it’s me, I’m not going up,” he whispers and my breath catches.
I look up at him, not sure what to say. I don’t want him to think that I’m so insecure that he feels he has to miss out. I mean, I should be proud no matter what. And I don’t want anyone else to think that I’m jealous or that I’m not proud of him. But his assurance is sweet
Everyone hushes down as Embreigh readies herself, leaning into the mic.
“And your Harper Valley Homecoming Queen is…” We all watch as she opens the envelope.
“She’s such a slut,” Ryen whispers next to me as Ashey’s name is called out.
“Ashley McNulty!”
I have to admit, Ryen startled me but her comment makes me laugh. The crowd claps and cheers as thequeenwaltzes up toward the stage
I lean my head over on Ry’s shoulder, still holding hands with Zach.
But then my heart starts to race as Em reaches for the other envelope.
“And your Harper Valley Homecoming King is…”
I squeeze Zach’s hand, inadvertently, but he returns the gesture and I just know without a doubt it’s his name in the envelope. He leans down and presses a kiss against my temple right as Em shouts his name.
“Zachariah Loft!”
Of course, everyone breaks out into screams and cheers. Even I smile for him. But he doesn't move, standing next to me and I look around seeing everyone’s eyes focused in our direction.
“Zach,” I whisper and he looks at me.
It starts to feel awkward, the way everyone scans the crowd and encourages him to go up when they spot him
“I told you, Cadie. I’m not going.”
The gesture is endearing, but I think at this point, this many eyes on us is starting to feel a bit claustrophobic.
“Zach, it’s okay. You can go up there,” I tell him. “Everyone is staring,” I add and he chuckles.
“Zachariah Loft!” His name is shouted again and I can see the hesitance in his eyes. But he smiles before leaning down and pressing a kiss to my forehead.
“I’ll be right back then,” he tells me before heading off into the crowd. Everyone cheers for him as he makes his way up to the stage and I too join in on the celebration.
