Page 69 of Life of the Party

“Sorry.” He apologized, but he didn’t look sorry. He didn’t look overly impressed at all. His eyebrows were furrowed, a frown on his lips.

Other than the tense expression, Riley looked good. Like, really good in his tux. He’d gone with the traditional black and white three-piece, a silver tie and shiny dress shoes. His dark hair had been cut short, almost a buzz, really. His dark eyes glowered out at me. He looked older, distinguished, almost…sexy. I barely recognized him.

“Wow. You clean up nice.” I admitted.

“So do you.” His gaze trailed over me, up and down, as if paying special attention to detail. “That’s the dress you found in the city, right?”

“Right.” I shouldn’t have been surprised he remembered; at one time, we meant something to each other. I shook my head and pushed the sadness away, determined not to ruin graduation with the same old Riley song and dance that didn’t solve anything or get us anywhere.

We stood awkwardly for a moment. I scanned the crowd again for my family.

“They’re over by the doors.” Riley noticed my search and pointed in their direction. “I saw them on the benches over there.”

“Great, thanks. Where’s your mom?”

“She’s there, with Emily and her mother.” He pointed again.

The Christian was wearing a silver dress with long sleeves and a full-length skirt. I couldn’t decide if I liked it, but that wasn’t the reason for my frown.

She was smiling, laughing. Grasping Mrs. McIntyre’s arm like they were best friends.

“Why don’t you come over and say hello?” Riley invited.

I shook my head. “Maybe later, I should really get over to my, uh, family.”

Riley saw right through me. “Yeah, right, okay.” He chuckled. “Tell your parents hi.”

“You too.” I implored, already walking away. I loved Riley’s mom; she’d always been so cool, so accepting. I talked to her more than I did my own parents.

I just couldn’t watch her enjoying my replacement. It hurt too much.

I found my family right where Riley said I would, on the benches by the front doors.

“So, who’s the guy on the motorcycle?” Dad demanded as soon as I was in earshot. “Is that your friend from the other night?”

“Yes. Boy-friend, actually.” I admitted proudly.

Dad raised his eyebrows. “Will we get to meet this boyfriend?”

“Maybe.” I shrugged.

Aunt Linda smiled at me, intervening. “Mac. He’s gorgeous. But so are you; look at you. You’re an image. All grown up.” She squealed.

“Thank you.” I smiled sincerely at my favourite aunt.

“Are you depressed or something?” Blake-the-dick asked, giving one of his snooty laughs. “What’s with the black? You’re not at a funeral.”

I could feel the ire he inspired building up in me. I choked it down, smiling sweetly. “I’ll wear it to your funeral,” I promised.

“Come on, Blake. Black is classy.” Marcy stood up and smiled. She looked gorgeous and expensive. I wondered if she was trying to upstage me with her fancy pink satin dress and heels, her perfectly curled, shining dark hair. “You look great, Mac,” she complimented. Just not as great as me, I imagined her thinking.

I muttered something in response. Mom got up then, too, and kissed me on the cheek. “I can’t believe you’re graduating. You look nice, honey. Imagine how you would’ve looked in that pretty gown I liked so much.”

I looked down at the ground, indignant. “Thanks, Mom.”

Grandma smiled at me moment, but instead of saying anything to me, she started complaining about the heat of the sun. My uncles helped her up and escorted her intothe cool shade of the building, giving me an acknowledging nod. Then, sudden yelling sent Aunt Linda scurrying to deal with my little cousins, who were running pell-mell around the wide green lawn before the Centre, screaming.

For an instant, I felt like joining in.

---