Chapter 103 You forgot to take this off
Alex's eyes go wide the second I say it. His brain is probably scrambling right now trying to make sense of what I just asked. I feel sick to my stomach. Partly because of how hesitant Alex looks, but also because Liam is staring at us like he wants to murder someone.
I can see out of the corner of my eye that Liam's hands are balled up into fists. Like he might actually throw a punch at Alex any second. I have no idea why he hates Alex so much. I try not to think it has anything to do with me, but I can not lie. Watching him get all worked up is kind of satisfying.
But if Alex turns me down right here in front of everyone, I am going to pay for this big time. I hold my breath and wait for him to answer.
Liam's voice cuts through cold and mocking. "This is ridiculous. Why would he want to go with you?"
I sniff. I am not asking you, am I?
"Just stating facts. You can not just grab some random guy off the street and expect him to…"
He does not get to finish.
"Yes."
My heart slams in my chest. I stare at him like he just grew a second head.
Did he actually say yes?
Like he needs to confirm what I heard, Alex gives me this soft smile and says it again. "Yes. I would love to go to the ball with you. I am really glad you asked me."
Warmth spreads through my chest. I can not help but smile back at him. He had to have noticed how awkward things were for me. I feel bad for dragging him into this. I owe him big time.
Liam's jaw goes tight. Like he is holding back something ugly. "Charming," he forces out through his teeth. "Guess I will see you both at the ball."
He turns and walks away. Rossi is right behind him. She bumps her shoulder into mine on purpose and mutters "loser" loud enough for everyone to hear. Real mature.
With the show over, people finally go back to what they were doing. I turn to Alex and find him already looking at me. Our eyes meet and we both just start laughing.
He grins. "So. Do I get to drive my date home? If she is okay with that?"
I laugh again. "I think she just said yes."
We start walking toward the student parking lot. I figure I should apologize. "Hey. I am sorry about earlier. Putting you on the spot like that."
He shakes his head. "Do not worry about it. I am happy to help. I was going to train that night anyway but taking a night off might be good. You know. De-stress a little."
His car is a Volvo. Pretty new but nothing flashy. It gets lost in the sea of fancy sports cars in the lot. I am honestly relieved he is not one of those rich kids who think they own the place.
On the drive we start talking about his training. That is when I realize we have a lot in common. We both spent time down south. Both fell in love with the ocean. Both got into windsurfing. He even offers to introduce me to his coach and I say yes before I can overthink it.
Time moves too fast. Before I know it we are pulling up in front of my house. He puts the car in park and gives me this big smile. "So I will pick you up here the night of the ball?"
I nod feeling shy. "Sure. Or we could just meet at school. You do not have to come get me."
He laughs. "I want to. It is not like you forced me."
I start stammering out thank yous like an idiot and practically fall out of the car trying to get out gracefully. He waits until I am inside and wave at him through the window before driving off.
Mom is in the living room. She has a book in her hands but she is clearly watching over the top of it. The second I turn around she is off the couch and smirking at me.
"So. Who brought you home?"
I try to fight the smile but I lose. "Alex. A guy from school. He is taking me to homecoming."
I expect her to be excited. Instead her face falls. She looks disappointed. "Alex? I thought Liam was taking you."
I snap at her. "Why would you think that?"
She starts twisting her fingers together. Nervous habit. "Well when I asked him to take you shopping I may have also mentioned that I was worried. You know. Since you did not know anyone at school yet. I did not want you to go alone. So I asked him if he would…"
My mouth falls open. "You what? Mom. Please tell me you did not beg him to take me."
She looks panicked now. "I did not beg! He actually offered before I could even.."
"Stop." I cut her off. I am trying so hard not to yell. "Stop getting involved in my life. I know you mean well but I would rather go to that dance alone than have him take me because he feels sorry for me. He and I are never going to be friends. No matter how much you want it."
She sucks in a breath like I slapped her. "Fine." Her voice is shaky.
I turn and walk to my room.
There is a box on my bed. Wrapped nice. From that designer store Liam took me to.
I sit down and just stare at it. Opening that box means opening up all the memories I have been trying to bury. Memories of him. The same person I think about all day and lose sleep over at night.
Every time I think about him it hurts. Like someone reached into my chest and grabbed my heart and just keeps squeezing. I hate that I let him get inside my head. I hate that I let his face and his fake kindness fool me.
I pick up the box and put it next to the diamond necklace he gave me. After the ball I am giving both back. I am telling him once and for all that this ends here. Then I am done.
The whole week leading up to homecoming the school is buzzing. You can not escape it. People talk about it between classes. During classes. Teachers yell at us to focus but nobody listens.
Honestly it works out for me. Everyone is so wrapped up in the dance that Rossi and her friends have forgotten I exist. I keep my head down. I avoid trouble. School is actually manageable. I just hope it lasts.
The night of the ball they let us out early to get ready. Mom ignores me begging her not to and hires a stylist to come to the house. For two hours I sit in a chair and let this man dress me up like a doll.
Finally he says the words I have been waiting for. "All done. Take a look."
I glance in the mirror and it hits me. He did a really good job. My messy hair is smooth now. Falling past my shoulders. My face is not caked in makeup but my eyes look bigger somehow. My eyelashes stand out. My lips are this peachy pink color that makes them look fuller.
Mom is dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. "Oh honey. You look beautiful. Whoever is taking you is the luckiest guy in the world."
I sigh. "His name is Alex."
"Right. Alex. Well you need to get dressed. We are running late. You do not want to keep him waiting."
They leave so I can change. Alone now I finally open the box and take out the dress for the first time. It fits perfect. Hugs every curve.
I spin in front of the mirror. Then I check the tag and tuck it back in. I am giving this back to him tonight. The dress and the necklace. If he refuses I will mail them. Send him the money. Whatever it takes. I will not owe him anything.
I put on the heels mom bought me and hold the railing for dear life making my way downstairs. Halfway down I hear a laugh. I look up.
Liam is standing at the bottom of the stairs looking up at me with this crooked grin.
"Having trouble?"
I roll my eyes. "I am fine."
His smile gets bigger. He holds his hand out to me. I ignore it and walk right past him. It is hard not to notice how good he looks tonight though. Black suit. Perfect fit. His hair is pushed back showing his whole face. I already knew he was handsome but tonight it hits different. I can barely look at him.
He turns to follow me. "You look nice in that dress." His voice is low.
I stumble for half a second but catch myself. "Thank you."
"Still. Looks like you could use some help with those heels."
"I have help." I stop and look at him. "In fact I think he is waiting at the door right now."
He squints at me. His lips curl into something cold. "Last chance to change your mind."
"About what?"
"Going with me."
I almost laugh in his face. His moods are insane. "Are you seriously asking me right now? Did Rossi ditch you?"
His forehead creases. "Who told you she is my girlfriend?"
"Whatever Liam. Move." I push past him. I am not letting him ruin tonight for me.
The doorbell rings. Perfect timing. I rush to open it.
Alex is standing there with a bunch of tulips. His eyes go wide. "Wow. You look amazing." He means it. I can tell.
"I did not know what your favorite flower was so. Hope these are okay."
My face goes red. Nobody has ever brought me flowers before. Not even Jordan. "Thank you. I love them."
Mom appears behind me and kisses my cheek. "Have fun! Say hi to Thorne for me!" I am so embarrassed I just mumble something and try to escape.
We are about to leave when Liam shows up in the doorway again.
Mom lights up. "Liam! Are you picking up your date?"
I wish she would just ignore him.
He nods casual. "On my way now." He walks toward the door. I watch him careful because I do not trust him. He stops right in front of us.
"Alex." His voice is slow. Deliberate. "Take care of my sister, okay?"
Hearing him call me that feels wrong. Alex looks confused but nods. "Yeah. Of course."
Liam smirks. And I know. I know he is not letting me go that easy.
He grabs my elbow. I yelp.
He bends down toward my neck.
"Liam what the fuck.."
I am about to lose my mind. If he does something to me in front of Alex. In front of my mom. I swear..
I hear a snap. Something tears. He straightens up and holds out the tag from my dress between his teeth. Then he pulls it from his mouth and tosses it at me.
He bit through the string. With his teeth.
"You forgot to take this off." His smile is mean. "Have fun at the ball."
He walks past us. Down the steps. Out to the yard. Leaving us all standing there stunned.