Emerge (Evolve Series #1)(12)

The dress is strapless with a sweetheart neckline, the edges of that lined with the slight twinkle of tiny beads. The corseted

waist flares out to a “flirty” skirt, so said the saleslady, and stops just below the knee. The dress tightens around my bottom

and has a revealing, low-cut back. Thank you, Coach, for the pushing that enabled my body to actually pull this off. And no, my

father has not seen it yet.

The blue compliments my tan skin and blonde hair, which is pulled into a loose twist with a few tendrils left around my ears and

embellished with sporadic beaded pins that match the twinkle of my neckline, as do my new stud earrings. The silver glitter heels

Kaitlyn loaned me put me at 5’9”, no problem with Evan’s tall frame, and I’ve put in plenty of practice sessions to make sure I

can walk in them. I’ve gone with a very light and natural look on the make-up, the only kind I really know how to do, but it’s

enough that I try not to cry as I imagine my mom behind me, catching my eye in the mirror.

“You’re so beautiful, sweetheart,” I imagine her saying.

“I get it from you, Mom,” I’d respond.

She was beautiful, I remember. Oh, enough of this...tonight will be great.

Walking down, my breath catches with the sight of him. His deep blue gaze slowly comes up to meet mine. I feel dizzy and send up a

silent prayer that I don’t fall the rest of the way down the stairs.

How do girls go to these dances all the time? I’m a nervous wreck right now.

He looks like Prince Eric, Prince Phillip, and whoever the supposed sexiest man alive is all in one. He’s used a little something

to tame his hair and it sticks up just so in the front. His dark tux fits him perfectly, showing off his sculpted shoulders and

arms. The blue tie not only matches my dress, but makes his eyes absolutely glow.

“Hi,” I say softly as I come to stand in front of him.

He leans down to whisper in my ear. “Laney, my love, you are absolutely breathtaking.”

I shiver a bit and barely get out a “thank you, handsome. And thank you for the flowers this morning. I’m sure you’ll see to it

that I have an amazing night.”

He looks at me, confused, and it dawns on me. “You didn’t send them, did you?”

He shakes his head slowly, realizing the same moment I do what this means. “Go bring me the card and envelope,” he whispers.

He knows not to let my dad hear. He would flip and not let me out of this house. I discreetly grab the card and slip it in the

pocket of Evan’s tux. I know he’ll read it later and let me know if it’s any different than all the others; right now we’re

focused on our night together.

Our moment of tension is short-lived as my father clears his throat behind us. “I thought I’d take a few pictures now.”

I’m shocked he’d want photographic evidence he let me wear this dress, about which he hasn’t said a word...Good Daddy.



Evan’s parents soon wander over, his mom armed with a camera as well. Almost an hour later, when Evan and I have conquered every

pose his mother could come up with, including some where Evan’s head is actually slumped on my shoulder in frustration, we’re

finally on our way to Senior Prom.

The gym has been completely transformed, and Evan and I both agree it looks great. Several of our classmates are already dancing

amongst blue and white balloons, our school colors, when we arrive, but we opt to find a table. They’re covered in navy blue

cloths and littered with white rose petals and we choose the one already occupied by Kaitlyn and her date, Matt Davis. Yup.

“Laney, hot mama!” my friend says, Kaitlynese for “you look good,” as she stands to hug me.

“You look gorgeous, Kait,” I tell her. She does wonders for her hot pink dress, shorter in length than mine and so Kaitlyn.

“You look great, Matt,” I turn and tell him, sincerely.

“Thanks, Laney, you too,” he says quickly and somewhat awkwardly. “And look at you, pretty boy,” he adds, reaching to shake

Evan’s hand.

“Thanks, man,” Evan replies, only just politely. “You look really pretty, Kaitlyn. “

Kaitlyn blushes. Only Evan can make a girl as brazen as Kaitlyn blush.

“Thanks, Evan, you look great. Can I have a dance later?” she asks, eyelashes fluttering a mile a minute.

Evan looks over to me and raises his eyebrows in question. I bite my bottom lip to hold in a laugh while I give him a quick nod. I

love that my two best friends get along and certainly don’t care if they share a dance, but no one better assume I’ll dance with

Matt during that time. So not happening.

“Of course,” Evan smiles at her sweetly, “a dance later would be great.”

“Oh, and guess what?” Her high pitched squeal may actually be louder than the music. “We’re gonna be college partners!” She

holds up her palm to high-five Evan.

Oh damn, that stings a little. Don’t cry at your prom, Laney, hold your shit together.

“You got in to UGA?” My voice wobbles and my smile is forced as I ask her.

“Hell yes! How ‘bout that? Isn’t it awesome?”