Page 108 of Indiscretion

“Actually, Bailey would really like to go with you.”

“Oh.”

She held up her hands. “That is, if you don’t have a date yet. Bailey didn’t seem to think you did.”

That was only because I hadn’t yet mentioned that I’d asked Allie a few days ago.

Mrs. Anderson’s eyes watered. “I’m sorry to even ask you, but I just really want to give her everything she wants before she…”

The unspoken words hung heavy in the air.Before she dies.I swallowed. “I didn’t think she’d want to go with me. That’s why I mentioned Ben. Of course I’ll take her.”

“Are you sure I’m not imposing on your plans? You didn’t have your heart set on going with another girl or anything, did you?”

Allie was going tokillme. Yet I shook my head. “Nah. All good.”

She smiled and pulled me into a hug. “You’re an angel, Dawson. I honestly don’t know what she would’ve done without you these last three-and-a-half years. Thank you so much.”

“No thanks necessary. I’d do anything for Bailey. I’ll ask her tomorrow.”

Later that night, I sat in my room, dreading calling Allie. I thought about texting her, but that would be a dick thing to do. I really hoped she hadn’t bought a dress yet. Eventually, I took a deep breath and hit Call.

She answered on the first ring. “Hey, handsome.”

“What’s up, Allie?”

“Nothing much. I don’t feel so great, so I’m just scrolling online, looking for a dress for the prom.”

“Are you sick?”

“No, I don’t think so. I’m just really tired for some reason.”

“Oh. Sorry.”

“I’m leaning toward royal blue for my dress. What do you think? Is that the color dress you want to take off of me at the end of the night?”

I shut my eyes. This was going to suck, but at least she hadn’t spent any money yet.

“Hey… About prom… I can’t go with you after all.”

“What do you mean, youcan’t?”

“Bailey really wants to go. I need to take her.”

“I know she’s your friend and all, but this isjunior prom, Dawson,” she whined. “You can havesexwith me, but you can’t take me toprom?”

Fuck. “It’s not like that. I swear.” I blew out a deep breath. “I’m really sorry. You know Bailey’s sick.”

“I know, but…”

“I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”

“How?”

“I don’t know. We’ll go to the prom next year? This one is only in the gym anyway. I always thought it was kinda stupid to have both a junior prom and a senior prom.”

“So if you’re going with another girl, does that mean I can go with another guy?”

I gritted my teeth. “If that’s what you want.”

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