Page 82 of The Forever After Bet

“Hey, that sounds like fun. I think I’ll come get ready with you.” Hannah laughs.

“You’re more than welcome.” I smile at her.

“It’s fun getting ready with all my friends. The cheer squad got ready together a lot during football season, and I loved it.”

“Are you still okay with everyone going to your house after the dance?” I ask.

Hannah shrugs. “I think you and I would have more fun at someone else’s house, but Beth is excited about it. She needs some extra happiness in her life.”

I see Jack in the Venue when I turn onto Hannah’s street. He’s pulled over to the curb several houses down from his. I pull up next to him. I lean over, cupping my hand around Hannah’s face and kissing her softly. “You did amazing today and should be very proud of yourself.”

“I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help.”

“Still, be proud of yourself. I can’t wait to see you in your dress tonight. I’ll see you at Ty’s.“

“I’ll be there. I love you.” Hannah kisses me one more time before she gets out of the car.

“Love you too, Sweet Cheeks.”

I roll the passenger window down. “When are you and Ty headed over?” I ask Jack.

“Ty said he’d pick me up in about an hour. Jim said I could take the MDX, but it’s fine. I’ll take the Venue to the dance, since you and Hannah aren’t going.”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you soon.” I nod.

31. Dance Craze

“What are you going to do with your hair, Hannah?” Aubrey asks me.

I hold my hands out on either side of my head. “This.” It is my usual ‘just letting the curls fall where they may’ hairdo. My curls look good tonight because I spent time on them after I showered and put product in my hair. I only use it once in a while because it’s so expensive. “I brought this.” I grab my makeup bag and rummage around until I find the star and moon rhinestone clip I bought.

“Ooh, this is pretty. It will match your dress,” June says.

“How were you thinking of wearing the clip? Aubrey asks.

“I have no idea. If you want to do my hair, Aubrey, I would absolutely love it.” I tilt my head and smile at her.

“Yes, sweet.” Aubrey claps her hands. “Sit here.” She points to Leah’s vanity stool.

“Nothing too crazy,” I say, looking up at her.

“I won’t, I promise. I think the clip would look cute with one side of your hair in the front clipped up. Let me show you.”

When Aubrey’s done, my hair looks fantastic. She clipped up the right side of my hair, then fanned my curls out and back. “Wow, you’re amazing. You even tamed some of my frizzy curls.” I turn around, hugging my awesome friend. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Aubrey shrugs. “Now I need to see this dress June keeps talking about.”

“Oh, it’s nothing special. I wanted something different. When I saw this dress at the shop, I knew it was it.”

I use Leah’s bathroom, and since June has seen the dress, she does up the zipper for me. After I’m dressed, I help June slip into hers. It’s so pretty. It’s a gray-blue tulle dress with a corset front, sweetheart neckline, and sheer cap sleeves. “So pretty.” I gush. “You’re stunning. Those colors make your skin glow.”

“We’re almost twiners.” June laughs. The only difference is the color of our dresses.

“Are you ready?” Leah knocks on the bathroom door.

“Yes. Are you?” I ask.

“We’re ready.” Audrey squeals.

---