Preston's Honor(16)

Loath as I was to go back to the motel where my mama worked, I did it anyway because she needed my help, and we both needed to eat and keep a roof over our heads.

On the night of the senior prom, though, I felt antsy and cooped up and needed something to do to take my mind off what I knew was happening right across Linmoor.

Doing laundry in town where I could sit in a brightly lit Laundromat by myself reading might not sound very exciting to anyone else, but I took pleasure in it and decided it was a good night to wash clothes.

I loved the whirling sounds filling the space, the fresh smell of detergent and fabric softener, and even the piped-in eighties music the owner played—the same repeating playlist he’d been using for years. Sometimes I’d hear one of those songs somewhere else and I’d be momentarily confused when a different song than the one on the Laundromat playlist came on next.

I hefted our laundry bag onto my back and left the house, asking my mama if she wanted to go with me but knowing she’d say no.

When I stepped outside, sundown was painting the sky in wide, vivid brush strokes of mauve and purple and small splashes of white gold. I halted for a moment just to breathe in the loveliness of it, thinking about all the girls in town getting ready for tonight’s dance and wondering if they, too, were looking out their windows and remarking on what a magical sky it was, how it must certainly mean it was going to be a magical night.

I wondered what Alicia Bardua would be wearing and I pictured her dancing with Preston, swirling around the floor. What a beautiful couple they’d make: her in a prom dress—turquoise, I thought, no, deep blue—and him in a tux.

I picked up my feet, beginning the walk, trying to tell myself I didn’t care at all what they’d look like together, but the vision in my imagination caused a sharp ache of hurt and I closed my eyes on a groan.

I wondered who Cole was taking. Shouldn’t I have felt that strange ache thinking of Cole with someone else? I didn’t. Couldn’t.

Before now, I’d never allowed myself to picture Preston with other girls. Although I knew he must date. Preston and Cole were among the most popular boys in school and I assumed he must have girls throwing themselves at him. But now I knew specifically who it was, I couldn’t help the picture that formed in my mind.

A feeling of desperation filled me and I picked up my pace, walking through the tall grass of our yard, and turning onto the dirt road in front of our house.

The walk to the Laundromat on the edge of town wasn’t too far, but under the weight of the laundry, it took me almost thirty minutes when I could usually do it in fifteen.

The familiar fragrant mugginess of the space brought a smile to my lips and I hefted my laundry bag onto the counter, separating the clothes into two loads. I’d have liked to separate it into three, but I only had enough money for two cycles and one box of Tide from the vending machine.

I stuffed the washers full and slid the quarters into the slots, adding detergent and starting the machines.

As my clothes began washing, I took a seat in one of the light blue, plastic bucket chairs by the window and opened my book, switching my clothes over to dry when the washers stopped.

A little later, I was snapped out of my novel by the buzzing from the dryers indicating my loads were dry.

There was a folding table near the back and I unloaded my clothes into a laundry cart and rolled it there to begin folding, humming softly to “Time After Time” as I worked.

Awareness suddenly made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I paused, bringing my head up in mild alarm.

When I heard the soft sound of footsteps on the linoleum floor behind me, I dropped the shirt in my hands, whirling around and letting out a startled squeak at the sight of a man standing near the door.

Preston.

A loud whoosh of breath escaped my mouth. “Oh my God. You scared me,” I said, putting my hand over my heart.

He gazed at me steadily, taking a few steps forward. “Sorry.”

I furrowed my brows, shaking my head slightly. “You’re supposed to be at the prom.”

“No, I’m not.”

“What? Why?”

“I broke the date with Alicia after the way she treated you.”

I gaped stupidly at him, dread sliding down my spine. “Why would you do that?”

“Because I don’t want to hang out with someone who’s that much of a bitch.”

I closed my eyes briefly. I couldn’t deny the relief I felt at the knowledge Preston wouldn’t be with Alicia tonight, and I appreciated the sacrifice he’d made on my behalf. But I felt panic knowing what he’d done had ensured I’d have an enemy for life. Thank God she was leaving soon. I hoped she’d never be back. “Preston—”

“The basketball team decided to go as a group and Cole’s with them, but I decided I’m just not interested.” He stuck his hands in his pockets and shrugged.

The knowledge that Cole hadn’t asked me to his prom didn’t bother me. He understood enough to know there would be no way for me to go. I couldn’t afford a tube of lipstick much less a dress and shoes and whatever else . . . It was a kindness that he hadn’t put me in the awkward position of having to come up with an excuse why I couldn’t go when we’d both know the real reason.

I stared at Preston for a moment. “So . . . what are you doing here?”