Page 130 of The Lucky One

Heat rushed into my cheeks and I turned in pure panic, but Aiden was rummaging through the trunk. I turned around again. Jon was there, smiling a pure, broad smile devoid of pain or fear.

“It’s a perfect dress,” he said. “You’re... perfect.”

A delightful warmth rose to my cheeks. “Thank you, Jon.” I couldn’t help but glance down at the satin and appreciate my curves through the cutout.

“I know I’m not your date for tonight, but I got you something.” He held out a delicate corsage. My hands flew to my mouth when I realized it wasn’t store-bought... No, Jon Henry Denson had bound this spray of daisies himself.

“Yo, man!” Aiden came around the side of the jeep, holding up a flask. “Sorry, it was hidden real good. Want a sip?” he offered me, but I shook my head.

“Hey, man,” Jon said, reaching out to shake his hand. “Thanks for taking Emily to prom.”

I gaped at him, barely able to believe that he wasn’t acting jealous.

“Of course, man.” Aiden clasped his hand like it was no big deal. “You made that for German?” He pointed at the corsage, and Jon nodded. “Great, because I totally forgot.” He laughed.

People were waving at him from afar. He turned to me. “Be back in a sec. You do whatever you need to do.” He ambled off, leaving Jon and me alone again.

“So, um.” Jon glanced at my bare wrist, and I slowly lifted up my arm. It would be a shame if no one wore it. He leaned in and carefully tied the corsage around my wrist—and when our skin connected, a bolt of lightning shot through me.

The corsage fit perfectly. It looked so lovely, I could’ve cried right then and there. I forced back the tears and gave him an appreciative smile. “I love the daisies, they’re beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you,” Jon replied, not letting go of my hand.

By the way he looked at me, I could tell he was my Jon again—the reason I grew wings to fly. The reason I knew I could face whatever life was going to throw at me next. I wasn’t a little doll anymore, and that was partly thanks to him.

Still, I pulled my hand out of his. I knew what he was doing. But he had lied to me, and despite Paul urging me to forgive him, I wasn’t sure if I could ever trust him again.

“Have fun tonight,” I said, and made my feet walk past him—but he grabbed my hand again.

“You too.” The look in his eyes was so intense, I felt dizzy.

I swallowed and kept walking, feeling his eyes on my back. I reached Aiden at the entrance, who was chatting with two girls from Strength Training class. He threw an arm around me and they excused themselves, looking disappointed.

“Thanks for saving my ass,” Aiden said in a low voice. “They keep bombarding me with messages. They love my Spanish charm, but I was getting kind of tired of them.”

I rolled my eyes at him; he could be so full of himself. We entered the gym, where prom was unfolding. Everyone embraced their individuality, with an eclectic variety of styles ranging from fairy-tale gowns to short, party-ready dresses with high heels. A judgment-free zone. I reveled in the freedom of self-expression in my freaking faux wedding dress.

We headed to the camera guy in front of a decorated wall. Aiden and I got a first picture, then Paul and Kiki joined, then Danielle and Timo crowded in. Brandon and Hannah photobombed the next few shots with funny faces. Soon, the entire Fam had gathered for group pictures—even Jon, despite hating getting his photo taken. Jamie and her boyfriend J squeezed into the frame until we were all squished together, grinning.

Out of nowhere Aiden scooped me up. “You’re too small, no one’ll see you,” he explained, and then everyone was helping him throw me in the air and catch me again. I was literally flying.

We all headed to the dance floor afterwards, where we showcased increasingly bizarre dance moves. Jon and Timo watched from the sidelines, laughing, apparently getting along even better than on our double date. Danielle and I exchanged a look. She was confused about me and Jon’s current status, and so was I. This felt too... normal. Too easy to be true.

We drank from the punch bowl, only to realize it was spiked with something stronger than sugar. Jon and I shared a glance before bursting into laughter. Tonight was the night we’d all been waiting for. Tonight, I was graduating with the Fam. I was one of them, dancing, laughing and cheering with uninhibited abandon.

The principal’s voice interrupted the festivities, and Jon stepped next to me as we all turned our attention to the front, catching our breath. No matter where I went tonight, he stayed close by.

“It’s time to announce this year’s prom king and queen,” the principal declared. I glanced around and noticed Jamie crossing her fingers. “Our prom king is...” She opened an envelope.

“Paul Shields! Our former football captain who recently returned to the team. Come on up here, Paul!”

I let out a squeal of excitement. Paul looked stunned, even a bit uncomfortable in the spotlight, but he made his way up to the stage, smiling at everyone he passed. He was a natural choice: liked by everyone, with an undeniably warmhearted personality. Jon applauded and whistled next to me, completely at ease with his best friend taking the spotlight. Paul took a seat on a chair that was decked out like a throne, the crown was placed on his head and he awkwardly waved to the crowd.

“And our queen is—” The principal opened another envelope. “Kiki Moore! The best of the class, a member of the cheerleading squad, and future Princeton student! Get up here!”

“What! I’m the best?” Kiki went pale. Danielle and Hannah pushed her forward. She stumbled through the crowd, even Jamie cheering her on, and stepped up onto the stage. The principal grabbed the microphone. “Congratulations, Ms. Moore.”

Kiki cried tears of joy, and Paul hugged her tight. Jon and I exchanged meaningful smiles: our ex-couples had found their happiness.

---