After they paid, the couples got back in the Charger and headed for school. When they got there, the sun was just going down. Sloan parked in her normal spot next to a fence at the back corner of the parking lot.
“You don’t have to park here, you know? You can move up. It’s prom, not school.” Mackenzie said from the back seat.
“I know. Just habit.”
“Habit.” Mackenzie scoffed and rolled her eyes. “You just don’t want your new car dinged.”
“And there’s that.” She laughed and put the car in park. They got out and Mackenzie and her date, Sloan couldn’t even remember his name, walked on toward the gym, which was up the hill and to the right, opposite the school.
“Nervous?” Ray asked by her side. They both looked at the gym all lit up and decorated for prom.
“A little,” she admitted. “I mean, who wants to fall?”
“You won’t. I won’t let anything happen to you.” He took her hand. “Ready to have fun?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Together they navigated the parking lot until they got to where the sidewalk began. Movement from the corner of her eyes caught her attention, and she had to hold in a scream.
“Don’t.” The movement held up his hands to keep her from freaking out. “It’s just me.”
“Aaron!” She let go of Ray’s hand and ran into Aaron’s arms. Burying her head in his neck, she closed her eyes and enjoyed being held by him.
“You didn’t think I’d miss your big night, did you?”
Yeah, she did. “It’s good you came, but…” She eased up and saw what he was wearing. “Why are you in a tux?”
He smirked. Oh man, did he look good! The suit fit him perfectly. That decided it. All men should only wear suits. His was black like his brother’s, only he had on a red tie, the same color as Sloan’s dress. Sneaky.
“Did you have this planned?”
“Maybe.” He smiled and offered his arm. She gladly took it then faced Ray, who sighed.
“Might as well enjoy it.” Ray smiled offering his other arm.
Just like she’d pictured it a million times, the three of them walked up the sidewalk to the gym together. It was nice. Perfect. The way tonight should be.
When they got to the ticket counter, Aaron whispered in her ear that he’d be right back and disappeared around the gym. It wasn’t like he was supposed to be there. Ray presented their tickets to the ticket ladies and inside they went.
The inside of the gym was beautiful. Streamers of gold, silver, black, and white made a tent from the center of the basketball court to each side. Underneath, balloons littered the dance floor and a makeshift fountain sat in the middle of the floor. Ray helped Sloan down the steps to the court and patted her hand when they got to the bottom. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s amazing.” She smiled, taking it all in. Despite everything, she was glad she’d come. A lady in a black dress caught her eye across the floor. She looked her way and nodded. Detective Mary Morgan. And she looked stunning. Her hair was off her neck and in an elegant French twist. Very chaperone appropriate. They couldn’t speak, of course. Her stalker could get tipped off. But Sloan felt so much better knowing someone had her back, someone with a gun.
“Wanna dance?” Ray asked. Sloan didn’t think he’d noticed the detective, and if he had, he didn’t mention it.
“With me or Mackenzie?” she kidded and elbowed him in the stomach.
“You… for now. Until Aaron finds a way in.” He smiled and held out his hand.
Thankfully it was a slow song, and they could sway with the best of them. A second song came on. And a third. And a fourth. She hadn’t seen Aaron anywhere.
“Don’t worry. He’ll figure out how to get in,” Ray reassured her during their latest trip around the dance floor.
“I know. Just nerves, I guess.” She laid her head on Ray’s shoulder, but didn’t stop looking for Aaron. At the end of the song, Sloan heard a text alert coming from her bag. She walked to the side of the room and pulled the phone out. Sure enough. It was from Aaron.
“He probably couldn’t get in.” Ray laughed by her side. “I bet he’s ticked.”
She bet he was too.
Plan B. Can you come to my car? I have another plan to get inside and dance with you. Don’t give my brother all of your attention. I’m parked in the bottom parking lot next to the school.
“What is it?” Ray asked.
She smirked and threw the phone back in her pocket. “Aaron. He can’t get in and wants me to meet him for Plan B.”
“See? Told you he was ticked.” Ray smiled. It was rare when things didn’t go Aaron’s way. Sloan could see Ray enjoyed it more than he probably should. “Want me to walk with you?”
Sloan eyed Mackenzie from across the room. She was staring at Ray with a longing look written all over her face. “No. I think you need to dance.”
“What?” he asked and Sloan turned him to face Mackenzie. He got that googly-eyed look again. “You’re sure?”