Page 122 of All of You

I feel my cheeks flush with a mix of happiness and bashfulness. Langdon has a way of making me feel like the most important person in the world, even in a room filled with people. His words touch my heart in ways I struggle to put into words.

“All of you,” I say.

“All of you,” he replies.

“What’s going on over here? Why aren’t you bitches dancing?” Niko yells over the music while clapping Langdon on the back.

“We just got here,” I say. “We were just checking everything out.”

Hailie and Campbell appear arm and arm and I roll my eyes.Please don’t ruin this night.

“Can I talk to you for a second?” Hailie asks Langdon. I narrow my eyes at her but nodsure, to Langdon. Hesitantly, he steps away with her. Hailie puts a hand on his forearm and Langdon pushes it off. Rage bubbles in my gut.Hands off lady.Campbell slides up next to me.

“Hey. Don’t sweat. She just wants to apologize to him. She’s here with me.”

Glancing at Campbell I force a tight smile. “Ok. Whatever.”

“No dude, we were kinda shitty to you. All of us. And…I’m sorry. No bad blood?” He holds out his hand to me. In a month I will probably never see him again or Hailie. And I guess late is better than never. I lean forward and hug him instead of shaking his hand.

“Sure. No bad blood,” I say.

Hailie shoots me a look but it’s nothing compared to the look Langdon is giving. Ialmostlaugh at the blatant jealousy heclearly feels.

“Langdon,” I say, “wanna dance?”

Hailie grins and before I can stop her she’s tugging me onto the dance floor and soon we’re followed by Langdon, Niko, Campbell, Lyra and Miles. And we’re all having fun. We’re all smiles and energy and laughs.

As the night unfolds, we sway to the music on the dance floor. In between dances, we steal moments of laughter and stolen kisses, creating memories with friends that will last a lifetime.

The hours slip away in a blur of joy and euphoria, making time seem both infinite and fleeting all at once.

As midnight approaches, the DJ announces the last dance of the night—a slow song that resonates deeply.

Thexx.

Langdon pulls me closer, our bodies pressed together as we sway.

“We still good for Miles’ house after?”

I nod against his chest not wanting to lift my head from it. He squeezes me tighter to him.

***

Miles’s parents are staying at a hotel for the night. They said a small after-prom party was allowed. I don’t think they had this in mind. The entire senior class plus dates are here it feels like.

His basement had been converted into a crazy party. Bodies undulating, prom goers in corners making out. Music blaring and lights flashing.

Langdon takes my hand and drags me upstairs.

“What are we doing?”

“Just follow me,” he says. He takes me to the second floor and starts pushing open doors until he finds the one he apparently is looking for.

“Langdon, no. Not in one of their bedrooms,” I chide.

“It’s the guest room. No one sleeps in here. I asked.”

“Gross! You asked Miles?”