Page 94 of Not On Your Life

Diedre releases me as I charge ahead of her. The music from the cafeteria fades, and it’s eerily quiet the closer we get to the gym. How hurt are they?

“Who’s in the closet?” I ask Diedre.

“I don’t know, they didn’t say. They were just yelling for help.”

I pull open the door to the gym and step onto the dark court. I grab my phone out of my bag and hand it to Callie. “I have the principal’s number in there. Call him while I figure out what to do.”

She takes it as we reach the door. It’s quiet. I expected there to be some crying. “Is everyone okay?” I ask as I grab the handle and pull hard. The door swings open with hardly any effort and… there’s no one in the closet.

“Diedre, what—?” I’m shoved from behind into the darkness. “What is going o—?”

Then I hear the click.

I turn back for the door and freeze.

Did I just get locked in the closet? Without my phone? Again?

You have got to be kidding me. When will I learn?

“Girls!” I bang on the door. “Let me out.”

“We’re trying, but the knob is jammed. Hold tight, we’ll go get someone,” Diedre calls.

“The knob was fine two seconds ago.” I snap. “Whatever you’re doing, it’s not funny.” I yank on the door handle but it doesn’t give. What is going on?

“We’ll go find someone.”

“You mean there is an adult other than me out there?” I fumble around in the closet until I locate the light and glare at the back of the door. I’m met with silence. “You better get me out of here, or we are running ladders for the entire practice next week!”

“We’ll get you out, Miss M,” Megan responds.

“Hurry!” I holler back. It’s much worse in here without Connor.

Something that sounds like water rushes through the pipes above my head, and I shudder.

Worst. Prom night. Ever.

Chapter 32

Connor

The girls left with Maddie a couple minutes ago, and I’ve been watching the door for Diedre to return ever since.

I straighten my tie and pretend I’m here to chaperone. I’m not. These kids could be setting off fireworks in the middle of the dancefloor, and I wouldn’t notice or care. My mind has been on nothing but the beautiful brunette stealing the show in that sexy red dress. I’ve been watching her for the last twenty minutes while I got my plan together, and it was all I could do not to walk up to her and steal her away to a dark corner for a kiss.

Well, that ispartof my plan.

“Hey, Mr. Connor,” Diedre says to my left. “It’s done.” She delivers the news like a contract killer.

Warmth floods my chest. They came through.

“Is she mad?”

Diedre nods. “Screaming.”

Good. That’s my favorite.

“Thank you for your service.” I hold out my hand, and she shakes it.