Senior Year Box Set

“They’re all in there helping Pam and Cassidy get ready for tonight,” Dad explained.

That would explain why these two were drinking and hiding out. I was smart enough to not go in there. I’d already dodged a bullet this morning when they tried to draft me to help. They didn’t really want to hear a guy’s perspective.

“Do you have one for me?” I asked.

Dad reached into his cooler and found me a Mountain Dew.

“I’ve been thinking,” I said as I grabbed a lawn chair to join them.

If I’d said that to my guys, they would have had some smart comeback. Both Coach Hope and my dad just waited me out.

“Why do I need security when I go off to college?” I asked.

Unlike what my mom would have done, my dad thought about my question for more than two seconds before shooting me down.

“What brings this up?” Dad asked.

“I talked to Manaia this morning, and he said none of Fritz’s people want to move to Oklahoma. Fritz would have to hire someone to watch over me. That got me thinking about other celebs that have gone off to college. I can’t remember any of them needing a security team to follow them around,” I reasoned.

“Let me think about that,” Dad said.

I expected my dad would have a word with Fritz and get his thoughts on it before talking to my mom.

◊◊◊

My mom stuck her head out the back door and told me to get ready. I looked at my phone and saw I had plenty of time, but I decided to be a good boy and got dressed for the big night.

I chuckled when I found a new outfit lying on my bed. When I looked at the label, I recognized the name as one of the designers Adrienne had a contract with. So I sent her and Tyler a text, thanking them. She sent one back, telling me to make sure I sent them back pictures. I had no doubt my mom would have that covered.

I put it all on and looked at myself in the mirror. Unlike Dakora and their wild fashion concepts, this was an almost classic-looking suit. It was black, and it had been paired with a white shirt and gray tie. Though the suit did appear more youthful because it was cut to hug my body, and the pants were tight in the legs.

I recognized that my outfit had been purposely chosen to not take people’s eyes away from my date. My role was to be the background dressing for Cassidy’s grand outing. I was more than happy to do that for my friend. Honestly, I wanted all eyes to be on her tonight.

I came downstairs and found Don talking to my dad and Coach Hope. Pam and Don Crown didn’t have dates to Prom, so Gina had arranged for them to go together. She’d been busy playing matchmaker this week.

She’d also hooked up Tim with Stacy Clute, my artistic friend. Back in February, Tim had asked me if I was okay with him asking Pam out. But that relationship had quickly fizzled, so Gina felt the need to step in to get them dates.

“I take it we aren’t allowed inside yet,” I said as I greeted Don.

“We were given strict orders,” Dad admitted.

“I figured it would give me a chance to put the fear of God into you before you took my little girl to Prom,” Coach Hope teased.

“I’ve been good … lately,” I added.

“What about that girl in Lemont?” Don asked.

“What girl is that, David?” Coach Hope asked.

Don flinched when he heard Coach Hope’s reaction, which amused the old men.

“You know me. I’m every father’s worst nightmare.”

My mom had impeccable timing.

“You can come in now.”

“Don’t forget to grab the camera,” I reminded Dad.

“Thanks. I forgot about pictures,” Coach Hope admitted.

As we entered the kitchen, Ashley took me aside while Scarlet grabbed Don to make sure we looked okay. I rolled my eyes because I could actually dress myself, but I let her fuss. Scarlet took Don to the living room first.

They’d planned for a grand entrance with Don at the bottom of the stairs. It reminded me of the time Beth Anderson had done something similar when we had one of our big dates. Just like when that happened, Don was gobsmacked when he saw Pam as she made her grand entrance. My California surfer girl knew how to clean up. She was gorgeous. Her mom and my dad got busy snapping pictures as she came down the stairs and then more pics of the happy couple.

Now it was Cassidy’s turn.

When I saw her, she took my breath away. They’d listened to me this morning, and her makeup had been applied lightly. It was perfect. Her eyes locked with mine, and the smile that came over her face told me I was the luckiest man alive.

We did the picture ritual and finally escaped.

I’d sprung for a limo for Cassidy’s big night. Don had borrowed his parents’ car. Going as friends on last-minute notice didn’t warrant a limo. I just hoped he would let her order more than just something off the dollar menu at the BK Lounge. Maybe he would even allow her to get some chicken nuggets.

Once we got into the back of the limo, Cassidy turned to me.

“Where are you taking me for dinner?”

“It’s a surprise.”

She looked at me skeptically.

“You don’t know, do you?”

Busted. That was why I had Lexi.

“Just relax. The driver seems to know where we’re going.”