Page 55 of Yours to Conquer

They greet us at the entrance with sashes and tiaras. I want every woman who enters to be the prom queen and every man to be the king. All guests will receive a sash and a crown. It’s my prom, and I want everyone to feel special.

The music is already booming. We arrived early so I can make sure everything is in order. I look around and soak in the atmosphere. It took a bit of work, but I represented every class from our guest list. Hanging from the ceiling are signs saying, “Class of…” and various years are highlighted from 1970 to the present. There is a photographer set up to take portraits in the right corner because you can’t have the prom without pictures.

A fabulous champagne fountain sits in the far-left corner, and a table full of my favorite Anthony Haywood appetizers is next to it. It’s an open bar tonight, and I have hired taxis to accommodate those who drink too much. After the drunk driving accident of late, I’m taking no chances.

Roxy follows me around. She looks darling in her tiara and sash. “Welcome to Ahz.” I hold my hands out, showcasing it before guiding her to the champagne fountain to get us both a drink. “Here’s to new beginnings.” I raise my glass in a toast.

“This is fabulous, Emma.” Her eyes look around the entire room and settle on the bar.

“It’s a great bar. Do you want to check it out?” I know she wants to see how it’s set up and how the bartenders run it, so I guide her over to introduce her to the two men serving tonight. “Roxy, this is Chaz and Terrance. Guys, this is Roxy. She bartends at Trax.” With introductions made and tours complete, we stroll around the club and find ourselves back at the bar. We take up space like wallflowers, leaning against the granite top. Our eyes lock on the door. I’m watching for several people, but I have no idea who Roxy is waiting for.

“Are Trevor and Chris coming?” She sips her champagne and returns her gaze to the door.

“Yes, Kat and Damon will be here as well. You won’t be stuck with just me tonight.” I pat her arm as if trying to comfort her. I secretly smile to myself because I know who is coming for her, and I’m excited to see her face.

I look around and watch as people pour into the club. This is by invitation only. Who wouldn’t want to come? I spend my time checking out all the dresses and tuxedos. It’s so funny what some people will wear. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Chris and Trevor enter. They are in matching tuxedos. I was convinced one of them would wear a dress. Chris is in white tails, while Trevor is in black. They look adorable. They see me and Roxy standing by the bar and travel a straight line toward us.

“Holy smokes, Roxy, are those going to spill out if you bend over?” Trevor asks as he looks at her cleavage.

“Emma guarantees me the girls are secure. I’ll trust her until proven otherwise.”

They order a drink and chat. I look around and see the doorman trying to get my attention.

“I’ll be right back.” I leave them to their chitchat and walk to the door to see why I’m needed. I’m hoping Bobby has arrived.

The doorman brings me to the hallway, where a very tall man stands. I go over to him and ask, “Are you, Bobby?” A big grin spreads across his face.

“How did you know?” I look down at the white wrist corsage in his hand and smile. “Ah yes, the giveaway. Is Roxanne here?”

“Yes, she is in the club, standing by the bar with my brother and his boyfriend.” His eyes lift in surprise. “We are an open love family, Bobby. I hope you don’t have an issue with that.”

“No, not at all. I just wouldn’t have expected a Somerville to be open to mixing.”

“Didn’t you hear? Roxy is the black sheep of the Somervilles. Let’s go get your date.” We walk through the door where Bobby is given a crown and a prom king sash, and then I lead him to Roxy.

Her back is turned to us when we arrive. I place Bobby behind her as I step to her side. “Hey, girl, this really hot single guy just came in looking for a date. Since I will probably be busy tonight and won’t be able to spend much time with you, I thought maybe I’d introduce the two of you.”

“No way. You got me here, but I’m not hooking up with some strange dude to ease your guilty conscience. I’ll hang with my boys.” She watches as Chris and Trevor look above her head. “He’s standing behind me, isn’t he?” she asks as she rolls her eyes.

I watch as her skin flushes red from her navel to her forehead. She slowly turns around. Her eyes travel past me as she rotates 180 degrees and stares at his broad chest. I watch as recognition crosses her face.

“Nice to see you, Roxanne. How long has it been––five years––more?” He opens the clear plastic box and removes the corsage. Taking her hand in his, he gently places the flowers over her wrist and kisses her knuckles. I watch as her knees almost buckle.

“You guys have fun,” I say, leaving them at the bar staring into each other’s eyes.How cute are they?

I stroll around the club. It seems like everyone is enjoyingthemselves.Everyone but me.It would appear that I’m the only person going stag to prom tonight. I find myself at the bar listening to the music and watching people dance. The DJ has kept the music lively. I’m going to have to ask him to throw in a few slow songs for the lovers in the group.

The idea of lovers makes me think of Anthony. I miss making love to him. It’s been weeks since I touched him. If he isn’t here yet, he probably isn’t coming. I look to the door one last time. What I see shocks me. My feet move on their own accord.

“Oh, my God. Are you truly here?” I stare at the handsome man standing in front of me. His eyes are full of happiness, and my heart is ready to explode.

“Emma, is that you?” He grabs me and pulls me into his arms.

“Dad, I think you’re killing her,” the beautiful redheaded woman says. The man embracing me lets go. He holds me at a distance and looks at me long and hard.

“Emma, I’m Tate. I’m your father. This is your sister, Layla. And this is my wife, Amy.” I look from person to person and see the joy on all three faces. Tears begin to stream down my cheeks.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

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