Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 100612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Marcus stands beside her with a laid-back grin, sipping a cup of what I can only assume is the sugar-infused punch she warned me about.
“Harper!” Macy squeals, pulling me into a quick, animated hug. “OMG, you look ah-mazing! That dress! It looks much better in person than it does in videos!”
“Thanks.” I twirl, taking a step back so she can admire my full skirt. “You look incredible, too. Both of you.”
Marcus tips his cup toward me in a silent salute. “Thanks, bro. You look like prom court material.”
I scoff. He is so full of crap. “Let’s not get carried away.”
“Hey, I call it like I see it.”
“Ha ha. What did I miss?” I ask, changing the subject before he can begin campaigning for me to win a crown I don’t want. He has been well trained by my best friend to have my back, ever loyal to us both.
“Oh, the usual drama,” she starts, then freezes, her face lighting up even more. “Wait—shit! Get this! I can’t believe I forgot to tell you.” She leans in, lowering her voice for dramatic effect. “Maddie Miller made her entrance like she was on the red carpet—but she was alone.”
“Alone?” I echo, unable to hide my surprise.
“Yep,” Macy says, popping the p for emphasis. “No Easton in sight. Can you believe it? Little Miss Social Media strutting in solo. Everyone is talking about it.”
I try to play it cool, but my mind immediately starts racing. No Easton? What happened? Did they have a fight? Did he bail on her?
The last thought makes my stomach twist, and I quickly push it aside. There is no way he would do that. He’s loyal, too. Not loyal enough to tell her no when she asked, but you get what I’m saying.
I reach for a cup of punch so I have something to do with my hands, suddenly nervous.
“She came alone?” I repeat, to make sure I’m not hallucinating.
“Uh-huh,” Macy confirms, taking a sip of her punch. “And she made sure everyone noticed. I mean, she looks good, I’ll give her that. But the whole entrance was so over-the-top—like she wanted to prove she didn’t need a date to own the room.”
That sounds about right.
I force a laugh, trying to hide how much this news is bothering me. “Well, that’s Maddie for you. Always the center of attention.”
My best friend tilts her head, studying me. “How does that make you feel?”
“Nothing,” I say quickly, waving her off. “It makes me feel nothing.”
Lies. So many lies.
Her lips twitch, and she crosses her arms, not buying it for a second. “Harper, you are by far the worst liar I’ve ever met.”
“I’m not lying!” I protest, my voice a smidge too high-pitched to be convincing.
“Oh please,” she argues. “Your face is doing that thing.”
I do a thing with my face? “What thing?”
“Don’t deflect.” Macy leans toward me, whispering in my ear. “I bet you’re wondering where he is right now.”
I open my mouth to argue, but Marcus cuts in, saving me from further interrogation.
“Ladies, we’re here to party,” he says, holding up his cup like he’s making a toast. “What’s the plan? Are we just going to stand here all night, or are we hitting the floor?”
Macy gasps, her face lighting up. “We’re dancing, obviously. But, Marcus, if you even think about taking your shirt off, I swear I’ll—”
“Relax,” Marcus interrupts, grinning. “I only do that at weddings.”
“Good,” Macy says, grabbing my hand before I can slip away. “And you’re coming with us,” she declares, dragging me toward the dance floor. “No excuses!”
“I don’t know if I’m really in the mood—” I start, but Macy cuts me off with a dramatic gasp.
“Harper Conrad! You are in a stunning dress, your hair looks incredible, and this is our senior prom! You will dance. Consider it nonnegotiable.”
I take a deep breath, feeling the music pulse through the floor beneath my feet. She’s right. Tonight is about having fun—about forgetting everything else and just enjoying the moment.
I give Macy a determined nod.
“Okay. Let’s do this.”
“Finally!” she squeals, pulling me onto the dance floor. Marcus follows, winking as he dramatically bows and extends a hand.
“Your Majesty,” he says with mock seriousness. “May I have this dance?”
“Dude. You are so ridiculous.” I laugh, shaking my head, but taking his hand anyway, grateful for his friendship.
“Ridiculously fun,” he corrects me, spinning me in a circle so exaggerated it makes me dizzy.
The music picks up, and Macy grabs my other hand, twirling me around until we’re all laughing and swaying to the beat. The lights flash overhead, and the energy of the crowd pulls me in, wrapping around me like a warm, electric hug.
I let myself go, determined to make the most of the night. For now, there’s no overthinking, no worrying about who’s here and who’s not. Just me, my best friend, and a promise to make this night unforgettable.