“Okay, that’s probably not something people say, but you told me you never went to prom, so I brought you—” He grabs my hand, thanks Ives, and yanks me to the back door before throwing it open. “A prom!”
A purple balloon floats out like he planned it that way, and I watch as it disappears into the evening sky. He helps me climb into the back of the vehicle, which has been completely engulfed by streamers and an assortment of balloons.
“What do you think?” he asks.
“I think…” I try to find the words, but I’m nearly speechless. “I don’t know what to say. I wasn’t expecting…”
His smile falters as I lose the ability to articulate a response. I’m not even sure what I’m thinking.
“I know it’s not actually prom, but I wanted our last night to be memorable. And I wanted to thank you for putting up with me.” He tweaks his lips into a crooked little smile that’s so adorable I want to leap across the seat.
A snarky remark pops to the front of my mind, but I tuck it away. After this stunt, the least I can do is drop the sarcasm and offer him something sincere. I try to keep it as professional as possible. “This means a lot, Decker. It’s so… thoughtful. I’ve had a lot of fun with you over the past couple of months. And I’m glad out of everyone Antonia could have set me up with that she picked you.”
He smiles and fidgets with a balloon that’s drifted into his lap. I’ve been to a lot of awards shows, galas, and red carpet events, but this time it’s different. It really does feel like I’m going to prom, which is pretty magical considering I had other priorities as a teen. However, I can’t regret that. I got what I wanted. The fame, the fans. The sacrifice got me to where I am atthis very moment. Prom may be about seven years too late, but hey, at least it’s happening. And it’s all because of Decker.
Gustav climbs into a different vehicle parked behind us, and soon we’re all on our way. The inside of our ride is set up kind of like a limousine. There’s various seating so we can face each other or sit next to one another, even though the back of it isn’t quite as large as a typical limo. I’m not sure what I would have done if he’d picked me up in one. It would have been incredibly cheesy. A bouquet bigger than my head is cheesy enough, but just the right amount. Though a limousine definitely has big prom energy, I'm glad he opted for something more modest. This is a charity event after all.
“Are you excited to meet my dad?” I ask, eyeing the bottle of champagne sticking out of a built-in ice chest. There’s certainly no shortage of bubbly on an event night.
“More nervous than excited, if I’m being honest.”
I’m much more charmed by that than I expected. “Nervous?”
“It’s always nerve-wracking to meet your girlfriend’s dad.”
My cheeks pink at his admission.
He follows my sightline, reaching for the glasses secured in velvet near the bottle. “Drink?”
“Trying to curb those nerves?”
“I figured we should at least toast to the closing of our… agreement,” he says.
“You always make it sound so awkward. Agreement, arrangement, partnership. We aren’t done yet. You might as well keep calling it a relationship until it’s over.”
“In what? Like…” He wiggles his arm, a thick gold watch sliding out from under his jacket. “Four hours?”
Is that all we have left? I raise my glass and smile despite the fresh sadness that’s cropped up. “Cheers to finishing strong.”
He raises his too, his green eyes somber as he drains his drink.
My phone rings and I apologize to him before I answer it. Typically, I would let my mom go to voicemail, but after our meeting today and the rapid developments, I know keeping her docile tonight means I need to answer. If not for my sake, for my dad’s. He’s the one who will be trapped with her all night.
Decker kicks at a balloon, staring out the tinted window impassively, his empty flute dangling from his fingers. I hang up the phone and wait for him to continue the conversation.
“That was my mom,” I finally say when I can’t take the silence anymore.
“How is she?” he asks flatly, pouring another glass.
“She’s good. She was talking to me about the big news I have.”
He pauses mid-pour. “Big news?”
I take a deep breath. “At least one of us has been confirmed to be playing at the Super Bowl.”
I try to smile through the nerves. My mom wasn’t excited when I immediately agreed to play the Super Bowl—there’s more money elsewhere she says, and of course, she’s right, but it’s been on my bucket list since I was little. When the opportunity finally arose, I couldn’t resist.
At first, I’m not sure how he’s going to react. He sits there, pensive, and then a smile sprawls across his full lips and he raises his free hand for a high five. “That’s awesome! Congrats! I thought they already booked the entertainment months ago.”
