Part 28 (1/2)
Mr. Tredway's jaw is agape and the rest of the cla.s.s laughs at my response while Fallon continues to scowl. Joey does his best to keep a straight face, but I can tell it's getting tougher for him to do that.
”Any-are there any other-questions?” the teacher manages but the bell sounds and everyone files out in a hurry.
”d.a.m.n, Lai,” Joey scoffs as he gathers his papers together. ”Guess you got her to shut up for once. I don't think I've ever seen her that quiet before.”
”What can I say? I have that effect on people.” I shove my papers into my folder and wave to a stunned Mr. Tredway on the way out.
”What happened in there?” Haden asks when I walk out of the room. ”People were saying that it was an interesting cla.s.s.”
”You know Laila,” Joey answers. ”Never pa.s.ses up an opportunity to put someone in their place.” He walks off to meet with Bailey and leaves me alone with Haden.
”Do you want to come with me to the gallery after school? I told Stefon that I'd help him set up for his next exhibit.”
”I can't. I have plans.” I exhale and start to walk toward the cafeteria.
”Wait, plans? With who?” He jogs to my side and wraps an arm around my waist before kissing my cheek. ”Better not cancel on our date tomorrow.”
”I'm going to swim a few laps at the pool for the meet tomorrow and then Mom is picking me up so we can go shopping.”
”You hate shopping,” he quips.
”Trust me, I know I do. But she wants to help me pick a prom dress. Have you gotten your tux yet?”
”I've been waiting for you to tell me what you want me to wear.”
”Black,” I state simply.
”Black? That's it?”
”You like black. You live in black. I'm not going to tell you to wear something that isn't you.”
”You're no help,” he laughs. ”Do I at least get to see your dress?”
”I'll send you a picture, but you don't get to see it on me until prom night.”
”See what?” Ree asks from behind us.
Haden walks ahead of me into the cafeteria and I stay back with Ree.
”He wants to see my prom dress.”
”Did you get it already? I wanna see!”
”I'm going with my mom today after swim. Did you get yours?”
”My dad gave me his credit card and told me to get whatever I want,” she says with a sad smile. ”Sucks not having a mom around.”
”You're welcome to come with us,” I offer, but she shakes her head.
”I have a feeling this is something you two need to do alone, but how 'bout if you help me next week?”
”Count me in,” I agree.
”What's going on?” Bailey asks when we sit at the table with everyone.
”I'm going shopping with Ree next week to find a dress.”
”Mind if I come along? I have my dress already, but I need to get shoes,” Bailey says with a smile directed at Joey.
”Does next Wednesday work for y'all?” Ree asks and we both nod.
”Great.” She grins victoriously. ”I'll see if my dad will let me drive his car that day-ya know, because it's way nicer than mine.”
”At least you have a car,” I say, narrowing my eyes at her playfully. ”I've had to rely on these guys to take me everywhere.”
”Have we ever complained?” Cole asks, feigning offense.
I look at the guys, who are all waiting for my answer. If I acknowledge that they have complained, there's a chance they'll try to cut me off.
”Yes, especially you.” I point at Cole and he shakes his head.
”I'll remember that next time you need someone to take you to practice,” he smirks.
”With the way you drive, that's a chance I'm willing to take,” I reply.
”He's not that bad,” Ree laughs. ”I mean, sure I have a little bit of whiplash from our date the other night, but it's to be expected. Right?”
”Great,” Cole throws his arms up. ”Now you have her in on it. I give up.”
”Good choice,” Braxton answers and pats him on the back. ”You'll never win that battle, because I'm pretty sure we've all had a near-death experience with your driving.”
Cole looks at everyone and flips us off before he finishes eating his lunch.
”I gotta go.” Haden stands up and bends down to kiss me. ”I'll see you tomorrow.”
”Are you going to tell me anything about this date?” I ask as he walks away.
He turns back and smiles. ”Wear comfortable shoes.”
Chapter 24 ~ Finding Fun.
”I'm so proud of you, honey,” Mom gushes when I walk through the door. ”Second place!”
”Thanks, Mom. I wish you could have been there.” I smile and return her hug.