Page 130 of Drama Queens Don't Fall For Charming Boys

“You’re engaged?!” I cry.

She and Xavier laugh. “We’re engaged.”

“Oh my gosh! Congratulations!” I do a happy dance as Rylee and Zoey congratulate them and gush over the ring and the good news. Then we all squeeze back together and listen to all the details, like how he proposed and all the good stuff. It was at a Regency festival and he got everyone there involved. Lily was so shocked and exhilarated, she froze for a bit before hugging and kissing him. Then they had a Regency dance.

They already told their parents, the rest of the Four Musketeers, and the Junior Musketeers.

“We’re going to have a short engagement,” Lily informs us, threading her fingers through Xavier’s and kissing the back of his palm.

With a hard swallow, Xavier nods, “Unfortunately, my grandfather’s condition has taken a turn for the worse. One of his wishes is to see me marry the love of my life.” He battles tears.

Xavier’s grandfather, Spencer, was diagnosed with cancer when Xavier was my age. The doctors gave him only a few years to live.

With tears in her eyes as well, Lily leans over to press a sweet, comforting kiss on his cheek. “We’ll make his dream come true.”

“Thanks.”

We talk for a bit longer—they want to see our dresses and masks—and then we congratulate them another time and end the call. After we get dressed, we meet Rylee’s parents downstairs, who ooh and ahh over how beautiful we look, and then all of us pile into the car. Mason will pick up Kade and meet us at the hall.

“I look forward to this ball every year,” Kara says with love shining in her eyes as she looks at Brayden, who’s at the wheel. “I always went as a kid, but it’s a whole other experience being there with your soulmate.”

Rylee and Zoey look even more thrilled to share this night with their boyfriends. This will be their first ball together, and I know there will be many more because they’re all destined to be together forever and ever.

Maybe I’ll have the same fate next year?

We pull up before the hall and get out of the car. “Masks on,” Rylee says, and we slide them on our faces. “Ooh, we look so cool.”

“Zoey?”

“Rylee?”

We turn around and find Kade and Mason standing there, both of them matching ties with their girlfriends. With a squeal, Rylee launches herself into Mason’s arms and puts on his mask, telling him he looks so darn sexy. Zoey does the same with Kade. I follow the many people into the building and marvel at how beautifully they decorated the place. They outdo themselves every year.

I catch Mom waiting in line by the trivia game. I know it’s her because of her red hair, plus she’s wearing a green mask that’s a similar color as mine. They have raised over twenty thousand dollars already! That’s awesome. And I know my mom will raise even more.

“Mom, hi!” I call.

She spins around and waves. “Hey, Mia. Want to join me? Willow and I always kicked butt together.”

“Thanks, but I won’t know any of the answers.”

“Of course you will. But I don’t care about how many we get right, sweetie. I’d love for us to do this together.”

Every part of me fills with warmth. I always was okay with the fact that I wasn’t as smart as my mom and sister. I have my own strengths and talents. But the fact that Mom wants to do this with me even though I’m not at the same level as her makes me feel really good. “I’d love to do it with you, too, Mom. But there’s no way I’m waiting in line.”

She chuckles. “Have fun with your friends. I’ll send Dad to get you when it’s our turn.” She scans the area. “Where is that man?”

I point at the refreshment table, where he’s piling food on two plates. “Looks like he’s getting food for the both of you.”

I can’t see my mom’s expression well because of the mask, but based on her body language, I can tell she’s melting. After being married for so many years, my dad still does sweet things for my mom. Ugh, that’s so swoon worthy.

I’m sure my friends have entered the ballroom by now. After searching through the many people on the dance floor, I finally notice Rylee’s sparkly purple mask. She, Zoey, and the guys look like they’re having so much fun dancing to the fast-paced song.

“Mia!” Rylee grabs my hand and pulls me onto the dance floor. “Where have you been? This is like the best song to dance to.”

“We’ve missed your special moves,” Mason says.

“Ask no longer,” I say, and then proceed to perform my dorky dance moves. My friends and the guys copy me, and soon we’re having a blast. Lexi joins us after a short while, some of her guy friends, too, while the rest stay behind. She’s wearing an adorable hot pink dress with a light pink mask, and her curly brown hair is tied into a high ponytail. It bounces behind her as she dances. And considering she’s been taking dance classes at Dani’s studio since she was eight, she’s got some sick moves.

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