Page 70 of Broken Secrets
“Before we even discussed colors?”
“I’m very confident in my ability to match whatever you choose. It’s one of my many talents.” Derek grabs a sandwich and chips from the lunch line, while I opt for the salad that actually looks fresh today.
“Along with your modesty.”
“Especially my modesty.”
We find seats at our usual table, where Maya and Sophie are already deep in conversation about weekend plans. Maya looks up as we approach, her eyes immediately zeroing in on our joined hands.
“Perfect timing,” she announces. “I was just telling Sophie about the formal planning committee I’ve established.”
“The what now?” I ask, though I’m already dreading the answer.
“The committee to ensure your first formal with Derek is absolutely perfect. Sophie’s in charge of pre-formal photos, I’m handling color coordination and restaurant reservations, and Jessica volunteered to help with hair and makeup planning.”
Derek and I exchange looks across the table.
“Maya,” I say carefully, “that’s really sweet, but don’t you think you might be going a little overboard?”
“Overboard? This is your first formal with Derek. This is a milestone moment that requires proper documentation and celebration.” Maya pulls out her phone and opens what appears to be a very detailed spreadsheet. “I’ve created a timeline starting three weeks before the dance, including dress shopping, accessories selection, hair trials, and nail appointments.”
“Hair trials?”
“You can’t just show up to formal with whatever hairstyle you usually wear. This requires planning and practice runs.”
Sophie nods enthusiastically. “I’ve already been researching updos that would complement your face shape and dress style. I’m thinking something elegant but not too formal, romantic but not overly complicated.”
“You’ve been researching hairstyles for me?”
“Of course. What kind of friends would we be if we didn’t help you look amazing for such an important night?”
Derek leans over and whispers in my ear, “Should I be worried that they’ve put more thought into this dance than I have?”
“You should be worried that they’ve put more thought into this dance than the actual dance committee has.”
Maya apparently has excellent hearing. “The actual dance committee is focusing on decorations and music. We’re focusing on the important stuff, making sure you two look perfect together and have an unforgettable experience.”
“What we want,” I say diplomatically, “is to have fun together without too much pressure or expectations.”
“Exactly,” Maya says, completely missing the point. “Which is why proper planning is essential. Fun doesn’t just happen, it requires coordination and attention to detail.”
The conversation continues along these lines for the rest of lunch, with Maya and Sophie adding increasingly elaborate elements to their formal planning while Derek and I try to convince them that we prefer simplicity. By the time the bell rings, they’ve somehow involving color-coded spreadsheets, multiple venue options, and a professional photographer.
“Your friends are very… enthusiastic,” Derek observes as we walk toward afternoon classes.
“That’s one word for it. I’m starting to think we should just skip formal entirely and go see a movie instead.”
“Don’t let Maya hear you say that. She might actually faint.”
The rest of the school day passes in a blur of classes and assignments. By the time the final bell rings, I’m ready to get away from campus and spend some quiet time with Derek away from our well-meaning but overwhelming friends.
The afternoon passes quickly. After practice, Derek drives me to the small ice cream place downtown that’s become our unofficial date spot. It’s nothing fancy, plastic chairs and checkered tablecloths, but it’s ours in a way that feels important.
“Two scoops of mint chocolate chip,” Derek tells the teenager behind the counter, “and whatever she wants.”
“Rocky road in a waffle cone,” I add.
We find a table by the window where we can watch the street life of our small coastal town. Tourists with cameras and locals walking dogs, surfers carrying boards back from afternoon sessions.
