The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things(94)

And they love me anyway.

As it turns out, we’re having dinner at the Coffee Shop. But it’s not the usual place. The owners, being geniuses, have brought in bistro tables, and then they sold a limited number of dinner tickets. I didn’t know about this enterprise, but Shane did, because he had come in to ask about reclaiming his spot in the showcase. He bought tickets while he was in there, and so we’re sitting at tables laid with white linen, candles burning.

It’s surprisingly romantic, the way they’ve decorated the place, and the low lighting helps. There’s a sign posted on the door that reads, CLOSED FOR PRIVATE EVENT. Shane and I choose the veggie option while Ryan and Lila are eating chicken. I’m nervous about dropping something on my dress. I don’t say much over dinner, listening to my friends talk.

I never would’ve dreamed I could be so lucky.

We finish dinner and get back in the golf cart. Even though it’s early May, it’s a little chilly in the open vehicle, so Shane wraps his arm around my shoulder. I settle close to him. Some classes rent a hall or go to a country club, but our school has limited options and a smaller budget. The prom committee decided to have finger foods at the prom and decorate the gym. It’s fine with me. Most people will have eaten before they arrive anyway.

At the door, there’s a sad-looking sophomore from the student council collecting tickets. Shane hands ours over, then we step into the gym. They’ve done a good job converting it from its usual purpose with the flooring covered entirely in a sparkling mat, and glittery stars dangle from the ceiling. Across the room, there’s a silver archway made entirely of falling stars, and a disco ball throws glimmering patterns across the dancers already moving on the floor. This is the perfect place for the queen of bright and shiny things to dance with the boy she loves for the first time. The DJ is playing a slow song at the moment, so Shane holds out his hand to me. I take it, and he leads me onto the floor.

I’ve never slow-danced with anyone, but it’s not hard to learn with my arms around his neck. There’s barely space for us to snuggle and twirl in tight circles. That’s fine with me. I glimpse Gwen over Shane’s shoulder, and she’s dancing with Conrad of all people. I guess she spent so much time on Green World that she didn’t have many options when prom rolled around. Or maybe she likes him; she’s so driven and he’s so mellow. Love is a strange and wondrous thing.

This slow song flows into the next, requiring no reaction from us. Around us, I see couples who are already tired of each other, going to look for snacks or sneaking off to drink. But I could stay where I am all night. Shane’s arms tighten on me, and he’s gazing down into my face like he could look at me forever. A tiny thrill ripples through me.

“Sage,” he starts, just as I say, “Shane, I—”

We both stop, bemused, then I whisper, “Me first.”

“Okay.”

“I want you to know how much I love you.”

He smiles, and for me, it’s like a sunrise. I love seeing the light start in his eyes and then spread to the curve of his mouth. His teeth are white but not perfect. I love that about him, too. Every flaw makes him more perfectly Shane, more right for me. I feel like we’ve been tested, and that we can survive anything. We’re strong. We’re special. We are. And together, we’re invincible. All around us, people spin in slow circles, arms tight around each other. The DJ selects Lifehouse next, and the first strains of “You and Me” sound from the speakers. It’s an older song, but it suits this moment.

“I love you too,” he answers. “In fact, that’s what I was going to say.” He hesitates then. “I’ve never said that to anyone before.”

“Me either.”

Family doesn’t count. Everyone knows that. So we’re embarking on the next step together. Like before, I don’t know the rules. I only know that I love him. And it’s enough.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann Aguirre is the author of the New York Times-bestselling Razorland series (Enclave, Outpost, Horde) and of Mortal Danger. She lives in Mexico with her husband and their children. Visit her website at annaguirre.com, or sign up for email updates here.