Around us, everyone begins to disperse, rushing to family and friends. Ava joins her parents, and I open my arms as my mom approaches. She envelops me in her embrace. We hug for so long that I wonder if something is wrong.
She leans back, brushing my long hair over my shoulder. “I’m so proud of you, Letty.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“I mean it. You’ve worked hard. You’ve earned it.”
Gage remains silent beside us, but I notice his gaze bouncing around the stadium and field, keeping silent vigil in some overprotective vibe I don’t have the capacity to worry about.
“I’m all grown up now,” I joke, thinking my mom will laugh.
Tears fill her eyes, and she blinks them back.
“Mom?”
“I’m just feeling emotional. You only see your baby do these things once, you know.”
How sweet.
Ava runs toward us, slinging her arm around my shoulders. “My parents said the reservation is set for five. We can head out once everyone is ready.”
My mom clears her throat. I know what’s coming, and I still wish she wouldn’t say the words. An apologetic smile graces her lips. She glances at Gage, then turns her full attention on me. It’s strange. “I can’t make it, honey. I’m sorry.”
What? “Why?” I ask, suspicious of the look she sent Gage.
“I have to meet up with Mifflin. It’s an emergency.” She pulls out her phone and glances at the time. “Damn. I’m already late. I’ve got to go.” She reaches for me, hugging me tightly again, squeezing hard before she takes a step backward. “I love you, Letty. Enjoy tonight. Okay? I’ll be in touch later.”
“Okay,” I reply, trying to hide my disappointment, but she’s already got her back to me and misses my expression. I swear I see her brush tears from underneath her eyes. I didn’t get a chance to ask what kind of emergency could have pulled her from my side at my graduation. I’ll probably never find out.
“That was weird.”
Ava’s right. “Very bizarre,” I agree.
“I’ll be taking Cynthia’s place for dinner,” Gage announces.
He doesn’t ask—typical Gage Blade.
Ava shrugs. “Fine by me.” She arches a brow. “You okay with it?”
I sigh because there’s no point in refusing. Just because he decides to show up today doesn’t mean I want him here. He has a lot of explaining to do. I’m tired of the hot and cold with him. “I don’t think I have much of a choice. He’s going to stalk us if we don’t bring him along.”
A dark chuckle confirms he plans to do exactly that. “So, beautyandbrains, huh, beautiful?”
Ava snorts. “Nice. You’re not subtle, you know.” She glances at the Apple Watch on her wrist. “Let’s get our stuff. I want to store this cap and gown and fix my hair.”
“There’s nothing wrong with your hair, babe. It’s perfect. You look gorgeous as always,” I assure her. It’s my job, after all, being her best friend and all.
“This is why I love you.” Ava reaches for my hand and tugs me away from Gage, looping her arm through mine.
He follows us as we walk toward the school and enter. I can’t help feeling he’s acting like a bodyguard. He seems alert and ready for trouble as if looking for threats. When I try to casually look his way, he’s staring down the nearly empty hall, not focusing on Ava or me. When we reach the room where we stashed our belongings earlier, he takes up residence at the door, standing guard.
I grow uneasy and concerned when he blocks anyone else from coming inside. A few of our friends wave, but don’t risk a confrontation with Gage.
Ava flips him off as he chuckles. She’s got a giant mirror inside her purse, lifts it, and begins applying makeup and hairspray. She doesn’t need to fix her appearance, but I won’t tell her that a second time. I know she’s excited for tonight and all the grad parties, and it’s her nerves that are making her fidgety.
I remove my cap and gown, place them in a bag along with the tassel and diploma, then shove them into the backpack I brought. I have a change of clothes inside because I’m crashing at Ava’s tonight. That’s the plan I cleared with Mom. We don’t know how late we’ll be out or how many parties we’ll attend. All the essentials are packed inside.
Gage approaches me as I smooth the fabric of my black dress. Two of his fingers grasp my chin and tilt it until I stare intothose dark, golden-flecked orbs. “I know you have questions. I’m not ignoring you. Have some patience. Eat. Have fun. And later, we’ll talk.”
