Page 91 of Rival Summer

"That’s the lesson you learned?" I said, but it was sort of sweet that Bailey had thought of me. Even if it was only so he didn't have to go alone.

Willow's face appeared just outside the bathroom door frame, waving me toward her. "Why is Bailey here?"

"Guess he's my date," I said, reaching for the makeup bag. “He lost both of his.”

“EEK!” she shrieked. “I’ll grab you a dress. Thank god I prepared for moments like this.”

Another knock on the door interrupted us, and I pointed toward it with a smile. "Now that has to be Parker."

I made it halfway there when I noticed someone beat me to it. Bailey, already lounging like he owned the place, swung the door open as he leaned against the frame.

"What the fuck. You're not the hot blonde I expected," Parker grumbled, his face momentarily sour before breaking into a teasing grin.

"Ouch, that hurts," Bailey shot back.

"She's almost done getting ready," I interjected, hoping to diffuse any tension before it could start.

Parker shifted his weight, his gaze sliding past Bailey to find mine. "Why the hell is Bailey here? Is he lost?"

"Still figuring that out myself," I replied, meeting Parker's raised eyebrow with an innocent shrug.

"I'm here to take your sister to the ball, if you must know." He gave Parker a challenging smirk.

Parker's protective glare was obvious even from several feet away. Then he turned to me. "Chandler, how many times do I have to tell you? Stop dating my teammates."

I opened my mouth to protest, "Parker, I'm not dating?—"

But that's when Willow chose to make her grand entrance. She stepped out of the bathroom, the light catching the sequins on her dress and making her shimmer. Parker's jaw practically unhinged, and he quickly sidestepped.

"Peasants, out of the way—she's coming through."

Despite the eye roll I couldn't suppress, a proud smile crept onto my lips. Willow did look stunning, and somewhere between Parker's dumbfounded expression and Bailey's intrusion, I knew it was going to be a great night. They patiently waited for me to get ready before we took off.

I knew how stunning the ball would be since Caroline had worked us tirelessly to get it finished. It was magic—-glimmering lights and swaying bodies. Bailey extended his arm to me as we entered, a grin spread across his face. I hesitated, my hand hovering over it like a bird uncertain whether to land or fly far away. Finally, I let my fingers rest lightly on his sleeve. It wasn't as if I had many options, and besides, I was determined to enjoy the night—even with him.

For a moment, my mind drifted to Boston, how good he would have looked in a tux, his perfectly tousled hair that always reminded me of every hot lifeguard at the beach. His tux would have somehow showed off his broad shoulders and muscles. But he was miles away from this small town, probably lounging in some upscale suite, surrounded by people wooing him with talk about his pro career—a world apart from me.

Bailey interrupted my thoughts when he tapped me on the shoulder. "I'm gonna go grab us some drinks."

"Make it a strong one," I quipped, watching as Parker clapped a hand on Bailey's shoulder, the two of them disappearing into the crowd.

Willow linked her arm with mine as we navigated towards our table. "This is it, the last hoorah before our summer responsibilities are over," she sighed.

"Then real life kicks in," I whispered, my gaze scanning the room. I wondered how Reese was doing. He had brought me to the ball last summer, and although we were both in different places now, I thought I might always have a soft spot for him.

Reese was impossible to miss when he wanted to be seen. Yet there was no trace of him.

"Think Reese will make an appearance?" Willow asked, following my line of sight.

"Of course. He wouldn't pass up a chance to bask in his own glory." My words carried a hint of sarcasm.

"Oh, there he is." I followed Willow's gaze across the room. The khaki suit he wore looked like it was custom made. His dark hair and those enigmatic green eyes were in deep contrast against the light fabric. He laughed at something the Coach said and I remembered how that effortless charm had both intrigued and infuriated me last summer.

The chatter around started to quiet as Caroline took her place at the front, tapping the microphone.

"Good evening, everyone! If I could have your attention, please," she said. "We're going to begin the awards shortly, so if you could all find your seats, we'll get started."

Soon, the room settled, excited faces turning toward Caroline as she beamed back at them.

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