Page 128 of Exposed

I shook my head. “Matt beat you to it.” I looked over at Matt at the bar. He downed his glass and put it on the bar top. This dance probably made him the most angry. Because maybe there was some truth in what Tanner had said.

“I thought about you over the years,” I said. “I hoped you were better. I hoped you found someone that was happy. So you didn’t have to be miserable together with someone.”

James laughed. “Ah, such a good proposal I made. Miserable together. In another lifetime, I think Tanner’s right. We would have been happy together. I definitely would have been happier if you hadn’t died.” He lowered his eyebrows as he stared down at me.

“I’m sorry.”

He shook his head. “I’m glad you were happy while you were gone. But I’m even more glad you came back. Because Matt needed you. And I really missed you, Brooklyn.”

I blinked away my tears. “I missed you too, James. You know…I never really got to thank you for that night at homecoming. For helping me. Even though you were mad at Matt.”

He smiled. “That was definitely a fun homecoming. Minus Rachel biting me.”

I laughed. “Definitely not a highlight. The fist fight wasn’t great either.”

“No, that was fun.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

He smiled down at me. “I was drunk most of high school. But there are three things I remember vividly. Your memory haunted me. But mostly the good things. You in my treehouse rejecting my proposal. You locking eyes with me while Rachel was giving me head.”

I felt my cheeks turning red.

“And sitting with you in that shower after homecoming. Do you remember that?”

“Yeah. I remember. I really appreciated that too.”

“If you ever just want to sit in a shower and cry fully clothed…I can still be there for you.”

I laughed. “Thanks, James.”

“And screw any other lifetime. We only have this one. And I’m really glad you’re happy, Brooklyn. I’m really glad we get to be friends. And I’m really glad you’re back.”

He leaned down and kissed the top of my head. I’d seen him do that to Scarlett and it was oddly comforting.

Maybe in another lifetime we would have been together. But I was really happy with what we had. And I knew if I ever needed him, he’d be there. Holding me in the shower while I cried.

The music stopped and someone tapped on the mic.

I turned to see Tanner standing there holding two envelopes.

“It’s time to announce prom king and queen!” he said.

“Oh, that’s definitely going to be you and Penny,” I whispered.

James shook his head. “I think I’ve worn enough crowns. Hopefully it’s someone more deserving.” He winked at me.

Me? I didn’t think so. I barely knew anyone here. And I hadn’t even seen a place to vote. But if I had I would have voted for Kennedy and Felix.

Tanner lifted the mic again. “But first let’s all wish the beautiful Penny Hunter a very happy birthday!”

A spotlight hit Penny. Bee and Daphne both hugged her as everyone shouted, “happy birthday!”

Penny turned her head while still in her friends’ embrace, to try and find James in the crowd. They locked eyes and James winked at her. Her face flushed. They were freaking adorable together.

“Now without further ado,” Tanner said. “The Empire High prom king is…” he tore open the envelope. “Matthew Caldwell!”

James started clapping.

---