by Muse, M. W.
“I’ll get it,” Olive yelled as she came running down the stairs. She’d helped Legacy into her dress and with the final touches. She opened the door and when Legacy saw Adin in a tuxedo fit for the red carpet, she had to stifle her shock. She knew he was a very handsome man, but oh gods, he was sex on a stick that she could just eat up. He turned and saw her. His eyes popped and then he smiled as he walked up to her.
“You look breathtaking.” He gently pulled her into his arms and kissed her cheek.
“None of that again, Dinny,” Rose said. “I will threaten you with your life if you crowd her like you did for homecoming.” She chuckled to lessen the sting of her words.
“Yes, ma’am.” Adin stood to the side and wrapped his arm around her back. They stood there for the obligatory photos until Legacy shooed them away.
“We have to get going. We’re meeting Calli and Zach for dinner. We have reservations.”
After the women finished groaning and took some more pictures anyway, she and Adin left and headed to the Italian restaurant where they were supposed to meet the other couple. They chatted on the drive to their destination. Well, Adin gushed over how beautiful she was, and she did her best not to blush. When they arrived, he parked by Zach’s car, and they strode into the restaurant hand-in-hand.
“Hey, man,” Zach said, fist extended for the guy fist bump thing. When Legacy stepped from behind Adin, Zach whistled. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks. Where’s Calli?” Legacy asked as she glanced around the entryway.
“Ladies’ room.” He turned to the side. “Right down that hall if you want to go see her. She said she was going to freshen up her makeup.” He looked at Adin and put his hand over his heart. “But I told her she couldn’t do anything to help perfection.”
“Aww, good thing I love her best friend and feel the same about how beautiful Legacy is, otherwise, I’d have to take your man card away for that.” The guys chuckled, and Legacy rolled her eyes before she made her way down the hall to the rest room.
She pushed opened the door and squealed. “Shut up! You look freaking amazing!”
Calli jumped, startled by Legacy’s sudden girlie entrance, and turned to face her. “Geez, you scared the crap out of me!”
“I wouldn’t do that right now if I were you. You’d ruin that gorgeous dress.” Legacy walked over to her and touched the material.
“That’s gross.”
“No, if I had to guess, I’d say that’s silk.”
Calli laughed. “Yes, my dress is silk. What you said is…oh never mind.” She stepped to the side and twirled. “You like?”
“I love. It has an antique look without it being too Gatsbylike.”
She touched her glittering necklace. “My parents got this on loan for me from their jeweler. Isn’t it glamorous? I was threatened to within an inch of my life if something happens to it.”
“Those are diamonds?” Legacy screeched. “I’d be a nervous wreck if I had on bling like that.”
“This necklace is locked on my neck. The only way it’s coming off is with a key or a machete.” She rubbed her hand along the ice cooling her neck. “And yes, my parents said they’d chop off my head to get to it if necessary.” She chuckled.
“You’re parents crack me up. C’mon, our dates are waiting.” Legacy turned and started walking out.
“Zach wants to take me to a hotel tonight.”
Legacy froze. After the third command she gave her legs to move, she finally turned to face her. “Huh?”
“You heard me.”
Legacy took two steps toward her. “I’d ask how you feel about that, but from the sound of your voice, I think I know the answer to that.”
Calli sighed. “It’s not like we haven’t done other things, but I just don’t want to take that step with him. Not now.”
Legacy nodded and cleared her throat. “Because of River.”
“Yes.” Calli crossed her arms. “That jerk makes me madder than hell, but I can’t stop thinking about him. I know he doesn’t want anything to do with me, and I should want to move on with Zach, but I just think…good lord, I guess I think if I hook up with Zach now, I’ll ruin any possible chance I’ll ever have with River. He was furious over Zach coming to Florida when we were on spring break. Just think how he’d act if he knew I got horizontal with the guy.” Her shoulders slumped. “I’m pathetic. I’m pining over a guy who doesn’t want anything to do with me. This isn’t me.”
Legacy closed the distance between them. “You care about River. But more importantly, you don’t feel the same way about Zach. If you don’t care about him, you don’t need to sleep with him. And I’m telling you this regardless of River’s feelings.”
“I feel like I’ve made a mess of things, but it’s River’s fault. I just don’t understand him.”
“Join the club, sister.” Legacy debated her next words as she rubbed Calli’s arm. This wasn’t something she’d said before because there really wasn’t a point. Now she wondered if maybe it might make things a little easier for Calli. “Listen, River said something to me awhile ago about making some kind of deal. From the way he acted, he hadn’t meant to say anything. I get the feeling you were involved somehow. I tried questioning him, but he clammed up. It’s just a hunch and things picked up between you and Zach, so I haven’t thought about it much. Plus, I’ve barely talked to River since spring break except for our little field trip to the hospital.”
“So you think there’s a valid reason why he stopped pursuing me?” Calli frowned.
“I don’t know. I do know he acts like you mean more to him than he lets on. I’m not saying you should throw yourself at him. Whatever his reasoning for pushing you away, it might not be something he can overcome. But then again, it might.”
“That’s not helpful.”
Legacy half-smiled at her. “I know. I guess what I’m trying to say is if you don’t want Zach the way you want River, maybe you should give him a little time to deal with whatever he’s got going on and not rush anything with Zach.”
“Maybe.” Calli took a deep breath and then smiled. “C’mon. I didn’t have this dress designed just to stand in a bathroom all night.”
Legacy chuckled. “Well then, let’s go wow our dates with our exposed cleavage and knowledge of sports.”
“You just read my mind.”
* * * * *
The ballroom of the hottest hotel in town was decked out. Now Legacy understood a little more about Calli’s dress. She turned toward her BFF with a raised eyebrow.
“What?” Calli asked with false innocence. Legacy knew much better. “Okay, so Ellen just happened to mention that Thad’s brother was on the prom committee this year, so I just happened to mention how sweet a roaring twenties themed party would be.”
“Because you just so happened to have a dress that would fit the occasion.”
Calli winked at her and turned to face the room again. Legacy chuckled at her BFF. Honestly, she wasn’t surprised. The fact that the juniors had kept the theme a secret from the seniors had surprised her, though. But that thought was cut short once Adin pulled her with him toward the dance floor.
“You gonna show me your moves?” she asked.
He laughed as he wrapped his arms around her. He dipped his head lower so that his mouth met her ear. “Any moves I have for you are better saved for when we’re alone.”
“Not into exhibitionism, are we?” she teased.
“Hell no. I want you all to myself.”
“Mmmm… that’s good, because you have all of me.”
They danced nonstop through several different songs. The first two were slow, the next three were fast. When another slow song started and Adin pulled her to him, she shook her head. “I need a drink.”
“I could use a break.” She doubted that, but it was sweet of him to say. He guided her to the refreshments, and they both got some punch before taking a seat. She didn’t mean to groan once she got off her feet, but it slip
ped out. “Sweetheart, we could’ve stopped earlier if your feet are hurting. I don’t know how you girls wear those things.”
She looked down at her silver, strappy sandals. “These are very cute, and I got them on sale. But don’t be surprised if you catch me walking around the house in them from time to time. They were still too much for just a one-event wear.”
“Only if you promise not to have anything else on when you wear them.” He wagged his eyebrows.
“You are so—” She stopped immediately when she saw River walk in. “Did you know he was coming?” she asked when she nodded in his direction.
Adin turned. “Nope. I asked him about it at the hospital when they were running those tests on you. He said he hadn’t asked anybody.”
“So he came alone.” That made her sad. She started to get up, but then a very busty, slutty girl stepped out from behind him. “What the hell? He brought Laurel! She’s such a skank.” Her gaze snapped to River. He was staring at her with a smug expression. What an ass! What was he trying to prove bringing that chick here? The donkey’s butt started walking.
“Looks like he’s headed this way,” Adin murmured. Legacy looked to the side, trying to find Calli. When she spotted her BFF, she breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, Calli’s back was to them, so she hadn’t witnessed River’s latest spectacle. She turned toward Adin just in time to see River step up to their table.
“Good evening, you two. You’re looking just as beautiful as ever, Legacy,” River said smoothly.
She glared at him. “I preferred the hurricane,” she muttered. Adin choked on a laugh. River’s eyes narrowed. She didn’t care. She kept eye contact with him, daring him to say something. When he stayed silent, she knew she wouldn’t be able to any longer. “I’d ask you to introduce us to your date, but her reputation precedes her.” She then looked at the whore and realized the ditz was clueless to the insult she’d been dealt. Okay then, Legacy would have to be blunt. “I guess you’ve already worked your way through the football team, so it’s only natural to spread your legs for the basketball team.”
“Legacy!” Adin whispered. “Sorry, dude.”
“Mind if we sit?” River said through gritted teeth, but otherwise ignoring her comment.
“I do. I’m not sitting with that…that…that bitch,” Laurel said.
“Original,” Legacy muttered. But with an IQ that matched her age, she wasn’t surprised that the heifer couldn’t come up with something better on the fly.
River turned toward his date. “You can sit somewhere else if you want.” He pulled out a chair and sat, making it known that if Laurel did as he’d suggested, she’d be doing it alone. The girl huffed, but took the seat next to him. Just perfect. This was so not how Legacy wanted to spent her senior prom. Calli would be devastated when she realized River was here with a date, especially since he was being a prick about it. Gods, just being in this situation was making her stomach turn.
She rubbed her belly and turned to Adin. “Can you get me some cheese and crackers?”
He frowned at her. “You’re hungry already?”
She swallowed to push down the rising bile. “No. Just not feeling well.” She took a sip of the punch in an effort to help curb the oncoming queasiness, but then had to fight her gag reflex. “And water.” She put down the offending beverage.
“I’ll be right back.” He hopped up, but stood there. “You want anything, River? Or um, I’m sorry, we haven’t been introduced.”
“My bad.” River frowned. “Adin, this is Laurel. Laurel, Adin.”
“Nice to meet you,” she purred. Yep, Legacy was going to vomit. Then she was going to pull out that chick’s cheap hair extensions. “I’d love some punch. If it’s not too much of a bother. You’re so sweet for asking.” She cut her gaze to River and then looked at Adin again. Even Legacy could see that the skank was irritated with her date.
“I’ll get it for you,” River said, standing. The two guys left the table, so now Legacy was alone with the leering leech. Thankfully, she used some of her scarce brain cells to fold her arms and not start a conversation. That just earned her half a brownie point. Brownies. Her stomach churned again.
A chair moved on the other side of her, startling her. “Surprised to see you here, Laurel,” Calli said as she sat down. Zach took the seat beside her.
Laurel scoffed. “I have a date. I’m a senior. It’s my prom. Why wouldn’t I be here?”
Calli half-smiled, but it seemed more like a gesture one would give to placate an errant toddler. “I meant here. At this table. I saw Phoebe sitting on the other side of the dance floor.” She said it in an enticing tone. Legacy glanced at Laurel. She looked sad as she glanced in the direction Calli had indicated. Then she sighed. “River wanted to sit here.”
“River?” Calli’s mouth fell open. Legacy wanted to wince, but refrained. “You came here with River. River Rysoar?”
“Yes, she did,” River said from the side. Legacy looked in the direction he’d come from and watched as he took his seat next to Laurel. “Here’s your drink.” He smiled at her and gently brushed a lock of her hair to the side of her face. Barf.
“Oh,” Calli said, and looked down. But she wasn’t able to hide the sad expression fast enough. Legacy looked at Zach, but he was watching River with a speculative look. He seemed to be sizing up River, but at least he hadn’t witnessed Calli’s dejected response. Legacy looked at Calli and noticed her taking a deep breath. She lifted her head and smiled. “I’m glad you came.”
“After I thought about it, I decided I didn’t want to miss this teenage rite of passage.”
Calli nodded slowly. “That’s good.”
“Yeah.” River leaned back and put his arm around Laurel. “And if I’m going to partake in the night’s events, I figured I might as well enjoy it all. I mean this is the only prom I’m going to get. I should experience everything this night has to offer.” He slid the back of his hand along Laurel’s exposed neck, making it completely obvious just what he’d planned on partaking in. He was going to hook up with Laurel before the night was up.
Calli’s initial gasp quickly morphed into anger. “You effin’ jerk!” She jumped to her feet. “I hope she gives you something that’ll make your dick rot off,” she seethed then turned to Zach. “I’m ready to go to our room now.”
River roared and stood so fast that the chair fell behind him. “You’re planning on fucking that asshat?”
“Hey, pot, meet kettle. Don’t you dare call me out on something you have every intention of doing yourself!” Calli screeched.
Legacy’s gaze kept shifting between the two of them as the fight continued. She wondered if any two people who’d never been a couple before fought with jealous rage like this. It was like watching a tennis match. A really messed up one.
“I thought you’d have more respect for yourself than that. I guess I was completely wrong about you!”
“Screw you!”
“I won’t have to! I’ll be screwing her!” He pointed at Laurel, and Legacy would have been pissed for her if she liked the girl. No one deserved to be treated like a piece of ass.
Calli looked down to a bewildered Zach. He was just as dazed as the rest of them. “Let’s go. Now.” She grabbed his and practically pulled him to his feet. She looked at Legacy. “We’ll talk later.” She stomped off, dragging Zach behind her, but not before she looked at River one last time over her shoulder and said, “And there’s no body of water around to stop me.”
River roared and took a step, but Adin was up and in front of him before he could advance on them. “No. Let her go, man.”
River was panting, spitting mad. Laurel was completely oblivious. Adin was playing intermediary. And Legacy’s stomachache was intensifying. The stress of the situation hadn’t helped at all. She stood up. “Excuse me for a minute.”
River looked at her. “Stop her,” he seethed.
She gagged and covered her mouth. She shook her head and started to t
ell him she was going to the restroom, but she gagged again. She took off running the direction of the ladies room. He could figure it out on his own.
She’d barely made it in there and into the privacy of a stall before she regurgitated her Italian dinner. So many thoughts raced through her mind, one of which was the fact that it had tasted so much better going down and she hadn’t brought a toothbrush with her. When she finally got finished evacuating her insides, she rinsed out her mouth and dabbed some water on her face to cool it. He makeup job didn’t matter anymore. She walked out and immediately saw Adin and River standing by the bathroom door.
“How are you feeling?”
“Like crap,” she said as she went into Adin’s opened arms. He hugged her to him. “Let’s go home. I need to brush my teeth.” So much for a night of magic and romance. At this point, she’d settle for a comfy t-shirt and a fuzzy blanket. She stepped away when Adin dropped his arms. She looked at River. He was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, head down. “You can go back to your date now. I hope she’s everything you want,” she said sarcastically.
“She’s not,” he breathed. He shook his head and finally made eye contact with Legacy. “She got mad that I was worried about you and not waiting on her hand and foot. I told her it wasn’t going to work out and suggested she see if Phoebe could give her a ride home. She said not to bother giving her advice and stormed off.”
Legacy was exhausted both mentally and physically from everything that had happened. She glanced at Adin, making a decision before looking at River again. She sighed. “Want to come home with us?”
River raised an eyebrow. “I’m not into kinky shit.”
Legacy rolled her eyes. “The evening is shot for all of us. Might as well hang out and watch a movie, play video games, or do something else.” She shrugged.
River looked in the direction Calli had stormed off. He wouldn’t find her. Legacy knew River had sealed her fate by his behavior. He gritted his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut before looking at her again. “Sure, sounds fun.”
