Page 106 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
“All these costumes are amazing,” Miss Diaz says. “Let’s give a round of applause to our costume department.”
We clap and cheer.
I float over to Eric, who continues staring at me like I’m a dream.
“Stop,” I say with a laugh.
“Katie, you look…wow.”
My face flushes again. “Thanks. Um, Chloe suggested we dance for a bit. Just to make sure I’m comfortable in the dress.”
“Sure.” He steps closer and places a hand on my waist. He slips his free hand in mine, eyes staring into mine. We carefully glide around the stage, my dress whooshing in different directions.
“It’ll take a little getting used to,” he says with a laugh as he looks down at the bottom of the dress. “It’s so poofy.”
“I know.”
We continue dancing, our eyes locked on each other.
“I feel like a princess,” I say.
“You are…you’re my princess. My queen.” His eyebrows furrow. “That was a little dorky, wasn’t it?”
I chuckle. “Maybe a little. But I love it. I love everything about you.”
He presses his cheek to mine as we continue sweeping across the stage. “And I love everything about you.”
***
I texted my dad two hours ago to come home early because I need to talk to him. Now I sit on the couch, wringing my hands in my lap.
He didn’t respond to my text, so I have no idea if I’m waiting for nothing. If he doesn’t come…I don’t want to think about how much it’ll hurt me.
To busy myself and bring a smile to my face, I think about Eric and how happy he makes me. I know it’s way too early to say this, but I know he’s the right one for me. We’ve been through so much together and understand each other. I can’t imagine being with anyone else.
Does that mean…do I love Eric Palmer?
The thought might have freaked me out in the past, but right now…it doesn’t. Maybe a little, because my heart hasn’t fully healed, but I also feel excited. Hopeful. Because I met the sweetest guy in the world, and he makes me so happy. Sometimes I pinch myself to check if I’m dreaming.
My body perks up when keys jingle outside. My shoulders sag in relief when Dad walks through the door. Hedoescare.
“Katie?” he calls as he rushes into the living room, eyes a little frantic. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I assure him. “I just…um, I need to talk to you.”
Relief passes over his face as he lowers himself near me.
Every part of me beats with nerves. Now that he’s here…I don’t know if I can open up to him. But I need to.
“So…” I play with my hair. “I just want to talk about…um…us. Me, you. Mom.”
His body stiffens and pain flashes in his eyes.
“I don’t want to hurt you, Dad,” I say as tears sting my eyes. “I just…I don’t want to lose you, too.”
He stares at me with a puzzled look. “Lose me?”
“You’re never here. You hardly talk to me. You shut down whenever I bring Mom up.”
