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CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

LENA

“Are you sure this doesn’t look ridiculous?” Dad adjusts his velvet jacket, tugging at the lapels. The deep rosewood shade of it perfectly mimics the details of my mother’s ball gown. I can’t remember the last time I saw him dressed in anything but a linen shirt.

My mom rolls her eyes. “It doesn’t, Roger. It’s great with your complexion, and it matches your new glasses.”

It’s the closest thing to a compliment I’ve heard her give him in years. She sashays down the long hall of my house, leaving me alone with my dad.

He straightens his collar again, gazing out the wall of windows overlooking the dusky coastline before turning to me. “Please tell me she isn’t just trying to shut me up.”

I smile, more than glad he’s here, even if we aren’t spending his birthday lowkey, at home, and in Florida like we’d originally planned. “You’re the most handsome birthday boy I’ve ever seen.”

“Ha! Boy.” He arches a graying brow from under the frame of his round glasses. “You and your flattery. That’s why I miss you when you’re gone.”

I roll my eyes. “I learned from the best.”

He smiles at himself in the mirror before reaching back out for the bubbly my mother poured him an hour ago. No doubt it has lost its chill.

“I’m glad you’re here, Dad.”

He sips and smiles. “Me too, Lena-Love.”

My mother clomps through the room, shoving in her chandelier earrings and dismissing the staff that helped us dress and get ready tonight.

Antonia flits around behind her, wearing a wide-legged plum pant suit that beautifully complements her bronze complexion and fits her personality.

She’s all about function and practicality.

“Oh! When do I get to meet this boyfriend?” My dad drains his glass and sets it down as one of our assistants scoops it up and replaces it with another.

My stomach drops. It’s not the usual I-get-to-see-Decker drop that typically slams into me. It’s harsher, edged with dread, and it takes me a few moments to find an answer. My dad is meeting Decker on the last night I get to spend with him. The last night before our breakup.

“Tonight. He’s going to meet us there.” I lean into the marble mantel, cleaning up a nonexistent eyeliner smudge in the gold-framed mirror above it.

“Actually, there’s been a change of plans.

” My mom emerges from the shadows like some fairytale villain.

“His manager called and said Decker has arranged a private ride for the two of you, and the more times you two are seen mooning over each other, the better. Especially since our attempts to schedule a date earlier this week fell through.”

“I thought I was riding with Dad,” I argue.

“He’s coming with me. You’re going with Decker,” she says with her typical finality.

I square my shoulders. “But I don’t?—”

“It’s fine. I will be with you the whole night.

And the whole weekend. Heck, maybe even the whole month if you’ll have me.

” My dad takes the fresh glass of champagne from our assistant before wrapping an arm around me.

“You spend time with him. It’s not often you get a fancy date night. You work too much. Enjoy your evening.”

“It’s still work,” I say, rolling my eyes as I take his flute of golden bubbles and down it. It feels wrong to call a charity event work, but if my mom planned it, in my eyes, it’s a chore.

He pats me on the back. “It’s only work if you think it is.”

My mom claps her hands, breaking up our conversation. “Well, Jason said Decker should be here any minute. Do you have everything?”

“Everything?” I ask, as I watch people float about the room. By way of answer, someone brings my shoes and gold clutch. One even tries to put my shoes on for me before I step back, thanking them and sending them on their way. I plop on the couch to pull them on myself.

“Your dress will crease,” my mom sneers.

Rolling my eyes, I continue lacing the fat satin ribbons up around my ankles.

They’re a dip dyed lilac that darkens into a deep fuschia to match my dress.

Kings blue nails gleam up at me from the open toes, and I wiggle them, enjoying the freedom.

I love wearing boots, but nothing beats a fresh pedicure and air on my skin.

Decker’s car arrives before I have time to do more than finish a quick glass of champagne and grab my bag.

It’s my second drink of the night, and due to some unforeseen but exciting additions to my upcoming work schedule—which involved a few chaotic last-minute video meetings—I haven’t eaten much since before lunch.

The liquid buzzes through my veins, tingling down my arms and warming my chest as I kiss my dad on the cheek, take a deep breath, and head out the door.

My stomach flip flops as I think about telling Decker my recent work developments.

I know he’ll be just as excited as I am.

Gustav meets me outside, ushering me to the circular drive.

In the dim light of the waning day, I spot Decker looking more handsome than ever, if that’s possible.

His tux is sharp: a classic black with clean lines that accentuate his broad shoulders, his hair pushed back and less tousled than normal.

My eyes trail up his chest, over his black bow tie and Adam’s apple, and land on his fresh-shaven jaw.

A warm sensation pools in my belly at the sight of him.

Although I love his laidback look, seeing him like this nearly knocks me over.

Decker truly is a work of art.

He smiles as I approach, his eyes never leaving me.

A jittery feeling surges inside, and suddenly, I’m more than a little grateful I guzzled those glasses.

He swings open the door like he’s my chauffeur or something, leaning into the backseat and popping back out with an armful of candy-colored flowers.

The bouquet spills over with bright pinks and yellows and faded purples, feminine and bursting with life.

Though I’ve never told him what type I prefer, whatever assortment is in this bouquet is my new favorite.

“I got you these. Antonia texted Jason to tell him you’re wearing pink. So I just kinda went crazy with it.” His eyes crinkle as he passes them to me. “You don’t have to keep them, it’s not like you can take them in with you, but they reminded me of you.”

I press my face into their petals, taking in the sweet scent. The champagne rears its head in a coy question. “Why’s that?”

“Because they’re vibrant and beautiful.” A grin spans his handsome face as he takes my hand and helps me to the front of the SUV. He must notice my confusion because a smirk quickly takes its place. “Just wait.”

When we round the vehicle, I see two plastic boxes sitting on the hood. Decker takes my bouquet and passes it to Gustav, then reaches for the little boxes.

“What’s that?” I crane my neck as he pries one open, and I immediately know what it is. “You bought me a corsage?”

“I did.” He gently lifts my arm into position, stretching the elastic band before sliding the bundle of blooms onto my wrist. It’s like a miniature version of the bouquet that Gustav looks so out of place holding right now.

Decker’s smile pushes into his cheeks, and I’m afraid his face might crack.

Then I realize I’m smiling too. Maybe even harder.

Handing me the other box, he makes a show of brandishing his lapel. “Your turn.”

In my hands is a matching boutonniere. I pop open the case, pulling it out and panicking when I remember I have to pin this on him. “Do you really trust me to pin this? Especially after all the times you’ve annoyed me this week?”

I mean for it to be playful, but his smile wavers. “Good thing I got a magnetic one then, huh?”

I smile brightly, hoping his will return too. Within seconds, his pink cluster of flowers is securely attached via magnet to his silky lapel. When I turn back toward the vehicle, ready to climb in, he catches my arm.

“One more thing.” Carefully, he spins me around and positions my body in front of him so my back is pressed flat against him. Sliding his hands down my arms, his fingers find mine, and my heart pounds as they lace together. His head dips so his lips graze my ear. “Smile for the camera.”

I tilt my head, more than confused, and then there’s a flash. Ives darts around in front of us as Decker uses me for a prop, just like we did all those weeks ago in my living room as we prepared to tell the world about us.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“Oh, sorry. Right. You’ve never been to one.” He clears his throat. “Happy prom!”

A shocked laugh bursts from my throat. “Happy prom?”

“Okay, that’s probably not something people say, but you told me you never went to prom, so I brought you—” He grabs my hand, thanks Ives, and yanks me to the back door before throwing it open. “A prom!”

A purple balloon floats out like he planned it that way, and I watch as it disappears into the evening sky. He helps me climb into the back of the vehicle, which has been completely engulfed by streamers and an assortment of balloons.

“What do you think?” he asks.

“I think…” I try to find the words, but I’m nearly speechless. “I don’t know what to say. I wasn’t expecting…”

His smile falters as I lose the ability to articulate a response. I’m not even sure what I’m thinking.

“I know it’s not actually prom, but I wanted our last night to be memorable. And I wanted to thank you for putting up with me.” He tweaks his lips into a crooked little smile that’s so adorable I want to leap across the seat.

A snarky remark pops to the front of my mind, but I tuck it away.

After this stunt, the least I can do is drop the sarcasm and offer him something sincere.

I try to keep it as professional as possible.

“This means a lot, Decker. It’s so… thoughtful.

I’ve had a lot of fun with you over the past couple of months.

And I’m glad out of everyone Antonia could have set me up with that she picked you. ”