Page 2 of That Secret Something

My chest tightened at the compliment. Not only had everything gone to shit regarding dates, but I’d also been self-conscious about my cheaper prom dress. We couldn’t afford big brands, like the Lawsons could, but at least I’d picked a colour that suited my fair skin.

Lily huffed. “Really, Becca? You’re really going to flirt with her when she’s vulnerable and upset? When I’m right here?” She pointed a finger at her sister. “What have we talked about?”

Lily was always the first to defend me. She’d had my back since we were ten years old and Chloe Retter had scribbled on my pencil case with Sharpies. If only she knew how wrong she was here. I didn’t need saving from Rebecca—unless it was to save me from the dirty thoughts I had about her when I should’ve been sleeping.

Rebecca held her palms up and made her way to the door, stopping to throw a wink at me that almost made me swallow my tongue. How unfair that someone could affect me so greatly with such a simple gesture. A wink from Rebecca Lawson had the power to bring every woman-loving lady to her knees; to stop rivers flowing (or start them elsewhere); to end wars; to bring humanity back to its primitive, chest-beating, me-like-you-lots stage.

I’d invite Rebecca Lawson into my cave any day.

With a half-wave and a gorgeous grin on her face, she left, the door slamming shut behind her. Lily snapped her head to me, and reality set back in.

Cold, lonely, humiliating reality.

Lily’s delicate features pinched, her pale blue eyes flitting over my mascara-stained face. “You don’t need a date to go to prom, Jess.” She pulled a fresh tissue out of the heavily depleted box on the table and dabbed at my face. “We can still have a good time.”

I knew she was right. And in a few days or a few weeks, I’d be mortified by how many tears I’d shed for Kieran Hamble. Maybe I was supposed to grow old alone with Sausage, my slightly rounder-than-average mixed-breed Dachshund. He’d be there for me—provided I sneakily fed him cheese, of course. I could think of worse outcomes.

“You’re right.” I forced a smile I didn’t feel. As much as this night meant to me, I didn’t want to ruin it for Lily any more than I already had.

Lily squealed and crushed me into her chest, her boobs almost suffocating me. She pulled back, tucked her curled brown hair behind her ears, and assessed the damage to my face. “I think we’ll need to open a new packet of wet wipes.”

Twenty minutes later, with a new face of make-up and some extra curls in my hair, the three of us stood by the fireplace while Lily’s mum, Sally, snapped some pictures. I stepped aside to allow the couple to have a romantic photo, and Sally burst into tears. She was the crier of the family and even sobbed watching gameshows when contestants got the questions wrong.

Tyler wrapped his arms around Lily’s waist and rested his head on hers. His red tie matched her dress perfectly—although it washed out his pale complexion. I imagined he didn’t have much say in the matter, but I doubted he cared what they wore, anyway. The two of them were the very definition of childhood sweethearts.

A flash, a wail from Sally, and Tyler pecked Lily’s cheek. A shot of warmth rushed through me. They were too damn cute. A pang of jealousy instantly followed, and I wondered if I’d ever have someone look at me the way that Tyler looked at Lily.

“Hey.” A soft, breathless voice in my ear jolted me, and I screamed, stumbling backwards.

Sweet, melodic laughter followed, and I opened my eyes to see Rebecca in a burgundy two-piece suit. If she was heart-stopping before, this needed a whole new word to explain how goddamn attractive she was.

“What’re you… what? I thought you were working at the cinema tonight?” I said, unable to stop my gaze from roaming down her legs.

Rebecca produced some sprigs of lavender from behind her back with a smile. “I was, but I got the flu, you see. Nasty, terrible illness.”

“Rebecca!” Sally scolded with a sniff. “Are those from my garden?”

I stared dumbfounded at the flowers in her hands, the smell mixing with her intoxicating scent. “I don’t understand.”

“Everyone should get to enjoy their prom night. I know I’m not Kieran Hamble, but it’d be my honour if you’d be my date to prom, Jess.”

It took me a moment to register her words, because it was so unbelievably ridiculous that she could ever think I’d rather go to prom with Kieran Hamble than her. It was so ridiculous, in fact, that I couldn’t keep from laughing.

Rebecca’s posture stiffened as she misread my emotions.

Without thinking, I reached out and grabbed her hands, which were still holding the lavender. “Oh no, it’s just—I’d much rather go with you, anyway.”

Oh god. Did I really just say that?

If she thought me desperate or creepy, it didn’t show on her face. “Cool.” She smiled, handing me the sprigs. “It’s my pleasure then.”

A whirlwind of emotions swirled in my head. Am I dreaming? Or is Rebecca Lawson really looking like that and taking me to prom?

I admired her straight nose, the soft freckles painted across her cheeks, and her glorious cheekbones. Enchanting green eyes watched me, and her thick brows twitched with an unspoken question. I’d never been so close to her before, not since we were kids play-wrestling and playing hide-and-seek in the garden. This was dangerous. Her mouth was too pink and perfect.

“Absolutely not!” Lily’s voice cut through my trance, and I took a step backwards as she barrelled towards us. “There’s no way you’re taking Jess to the prom. She’s my friend, Becca.”

Lily’s dad stepped between them, resting a comforting hand on Lily’s shoulder. “Sweetie, Becca’s doing a nice thing for Jess. Let’s not have any arguments.”

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