Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 72362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
“Apparently, she was over in Maine for a while, and dated some local tattoo artist.”
“Huh.”
“So, Riley, tell me about yourself,” says Mari.
The music comes to an abrupt stop as a man taps on a microphone. One turned up damn loud. Everybody winces and appears confused. Then the offending dude walks to the front of the stage with a scarily wide smile.
“Oh, good,” says Mari sarcastically. “It’s Brian.”
“Hey, everybody.” He’s well-built and has short blond hair. Someone could pull off the brown chinos and matching button-down and loafers combo. But it’s not him. “So great to see you all here. I’ve been asked to kick off the night, but first some housekeeping. No smoking or vaping on school grounds. That means keep your bong in your bag, Jordan. And security is around so no sneaking off to have sex in any of the bathrooms or classrooms, do you hear? So, no naked reunions in the supply closet, Zach and Tiffany. It was lovely to meet your new fiancée earlier, Zach. Just great. I wish you and Madelaine all the best!”
Some people laugh. More groan and grumble.
“What a shitshow,” says Ava.
“Now I have a couple of awards to give away. First, we have…stand up, Marcus. He’s in the running to be Port Stewart’s youngest mayor next year. Way to go, man.”
Everyone claps and cheers as a tall black man stands, gives a stiff nod, and sits back down again.
“Is Brian still in real estate?” asks Mari.
Ava shrugs. “Not a clue.”
“Twenty says he needs something from Marcus.”
“There’s no way I am taking that bet.”
“Next,” says Brian. “Who’s had the most kids? C’mon, girls. Which one of you is the top breeder?”
“Breeder?” I mutter. “Are you kidding me?”
Lots of chatter as people look around. A redhead breaks away from the back of the crowd and heads for the stage. “Just give it to me, Brian.”
“Didn’t you say you wanted to be the first female president in the yearbook?” asks Brian with a barely concealed sneer. “How many kids you got now?”
“Five, you fucker, and another on the way. And my small business is doing great!”
“Go, Shelby,” shouts someone from the audience, as others applaud.
The woman dips into a curtsey and grins. Good for her.
Brian is not amused. His eyes are glassy. The idiot has either had too much to drink or has taken something he shouldn’t. It’s performance in part. But he strikes me as someone who is just an asshole. If he wasn’t the school bully, I’ll eat my shoes. And I really like my shoes, they look good and they’re comfortable.
“Fuck it,” he mumbles “Moving right along…it’s time for the prom king and queen to do their thing.”
More clapping. Heads turn as people search for Connor and Ava. Love Story by Taylor starts to play. Give me strength. They better not wreck this song for me.
Connor makes his way toward me. “You okay, Riley?”
“Yes. Fine.”
His fingers curl and uncurl as he straightens his shoulders. His expression is stoic. He’s back to doing the blank-faced thing. All the fucks he didn’t give earlier seem to have found him.
Ava stands waiting expectantly. There’s this air of excitement in her. It shows in the way she holds her head high. How her smile is extra wide and welcoming. She’s been anticipating this moment. He takes her offered hand and leads her to the space being made for them on the dance floor.
“Our queen’s still as beautiful as she ever was,” says Brian. “Don’t they make a great-looking couple? I really thought these two would be married by now. Life, huh?”
Oof. Brian is the epitome of cringe. What he is not, however, is wrong. Ava and Connor look great together. They match perfectly with their good looks. Little wonder they were the couple.
Ava’s hands rest on his broad shoulders and his are only just touching her hips. His smile is small and reluctant. But Ava says something, and he visibly relaxes. The rigid set of his shoulders eases. He leans down to hear her and a conversation ensues. Maybe they’re sharing memories. Or commiserating over the cost of living. I don’t know. But surprised laughter bursts out of him and her whole face lights up. Seems the ice between them is broken. They’re actually enjoying themselves.
Huh.
My stomach does some strange, queasy thing at the sight. Not helpful at all. It’s honestly shocking to see them getting along. There had been such a state of cold war since she hit town. He doesn’t even spare me a passing glance. I am not jealous, exactly. Or at least, I don’t think I am. Connor can do what he likes. Including throwing all our good work in the trash while he does a lap on the dance floor with his gorgeous ex.
Shit. I am jealous. This sucks. Worst three and a half minutes of my life. Time to think about something else.