His exaggerated speech succeeded in making me smile.
“That’s better,” he said. “Gloom just doesn’t suit you.” He straightened in his chair.
“Bethany, I know I’m not your first choice, but would you allow me the honor of accompanying you to the prom to help you out of your current predicament?”
It might have been a genuine gesture, but I didn’t feel comfortable accepting.
“I’m not sure,” I said. “Thanks for offering, but I’d have to discuss it with Xavier first.”
Jake nodded. “Of course. Just know that the offer is on the table should you care to accept it.”
When I broached the subject with Xavier, he didn’t hesitate: “Of course you should go with someone else.”
Xavier was leaning back on the couch, facing the TV. I could tell he was bored—for someone used to being so active, daytime television was a poor substitute. He wore a gray sweatshirt, and his ankle was propped up on a pillow. He looked restless and kept shifting positions. He didn’t complain, but I knew his head was still pounding from the impact of the collision. “It’s a dance,” he continued with a reassuring smile. “You’re going to need a partner seeing as I’m useless to you.”
“Okay,” I said slowly. “And how do you feel about Jake Thorn as my partner?”
“Really?” Xavier’s smile vanished, and his blue eyes narrowed almost indiscernibly.
“There’s something about that kid I don’t like.”
“Well, he’s the one who’s offered.”
Xavier sighed. “Beth, any guy would jump at the chance to be your date.”
“But Jake’s my friend.”
“Are you sure about that?” Xavier asked.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing, just that you haven’t known him for very long. Something about him doesn’t feel right.”
“Xavier . . .” I took his hand and pressed it against my cheek. “It’s just one night.”
“I know, Beth,” he said. “And I want you to have the full prom experience; I just wish it was another guy . . . any other guy.”
“It doesn’t matter who I go with, I’ll still be thinking of you the whole time,” I said.
“That’s good, try and sweet-talk me into this,” Xavier said, but he was smiling now. “If you’re sure about Jake, then go with him. Just don’t act as if he’s me.”
“As if anyone could measure up to you.”
He leaned down to kiss me, and as usual, one kiss wasn’t enough. We fell back onto the couch, my hands running through his hair, his arms locked around my waist, our bodies pressed together. At the same moment we both caught sight of his plastered ankle sticking up at a strange angle and burst into laughter.
Substitute
“Excellent!” said Jake when I told him the news. “We’re going to make a stunning couple.”
“Mmm.” I nodded.
There was still a nagging doubt at the back of my mind, a feeling of foreboding that caused a slight shiver to run down my spine. When I was lying safe in Xavier’s arms, the idea hadn’t seemed so bad, but in the cold light of day I was beginning to regret my decision. I couldn’t explain my uneasiness, so I chose to ignore it. Besides, I couldn’t back out now and disappoint
Jake.
“You won’t regret this,” he said in a silky voice, as if reading my thoughts. “I’ll show you a good time. Shall I pick you up at seven?”
I hesitated a moment before answering. “Make it seven thirty.”
Molly’s jaw dropped in disbelief when she heard about the change of plans.
“What is it with you?” she said, throwing her hands up in exasperation. “You’re just a magnet for the hottest guys in school. I can’t believe you were going to turn him down.”
“He’s not Xavier,” I said sulkily. “It won’t be the same.”
I knew I was starting to sound like a broken record, but my disappointment was overwhelming.
“But Jake’s not a bad substitute!”
I gave Molly a stern look and she sighed.
“I suppose he’ll just have to do,” she amended. “You’ll have to suffer in silence with your male model . . . I feel for you.”
“Oh, stop it, Molly.”
“Seriously, Beth, Jake’s a great guy. Half the girls at school have fallen in love with him.
He’s giving Xavier a run for his money.”
I snorted.
“All right, I know no one can measure up to Xavier Woods in your eyes, but he’d be upset if he thought you weren’t going to enjoy yourself.”
I didn’t try to argue with that.
Knowing that prom fever would hit and hardly anyone in the senior year would turn up for classes, the school had given us Friday afternoon off to get ready. Naturally, nobody could focus on work during the morning and most of the teachers didn’t even bother trying to be heard over the excited chatter that flew around the classrooms.
Molly and her friends had been busy the previous night and showed up at school looking like toasted almonds from their spray tans. They had French manicures and fresh highlights in their hair. Taylah’s hair, which couldn’t possibly get any blonder, was starting to look a little talcum powder white.
When the bell rang at eleven o’clock, Molly grabbed my wrist and hauled me out of the classroom. Her pace didn’t slow, nor did she release me until we were safely strapped into the backseat of Taylah’s car. I could tell from the expressions on their faces that they meant business.
“First stop, makeup,” Molly said in her best commando voice. She stuck her head between the two front seats. “Let’s roll!”
We drove down to Main Street and pulled up in front of Swan Aesthetics, one of the two local beauticians. The shop smelled of vanilla, and mirrors lined the walls along with displays of the latest beauty products. The owners had opted for a bohemian, back-to-nature feel, and there were beads hanging from the doorways, incense burning in little jeweled holders, and the calming sounds of a rain forest filtered from hidden speakers. In the waiting room were bright floor cushions and bowls filled with potpourri. Herbal teas were available from urns set on a low table.
The girls who greeted us didn’t look at all in touch with the natural world, with their platinum blond hair, tight T-shirts, and theatrical makeup. Molly seemed to be on very friendly terms with them, and they embraced her warmly when we went in. She introduced them as