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Sixteen

"Can you guys believe that it's almost prom season? It's literally six weeks away, and I still haven't found a dress." Mila commented as we did homework. 

I ran my fingers through my hair. "Seriously? It felt like the first day of school was yesterday."

"I did the math last night. I'm going to have to do some serious, intense shopping these next week weeks." Mila looked at me.

She grinned. "Are you going to go with Brennan?"

She said his name in a sing-song voice.

My cheeks were getting hot.

Even hearing his name made me happy.

"That's the plan. He's my escort for debutante and all." I responded.

Mila let out an expasrated sigh. "Ry, come on. I know you like him deeper than a friend or an escort."

It was true.

"We spent Valentine's Day together. It's wasn't anything fancy." I began. "We just watched romance movies and ate pizza. His presence was more than enough."

Mila squealed. "I can't wait to see you two together in action this weekend."

Oh, this weekend? Not a big deal, just one of the biggest events of Connecticut high society. This weekend was the 78th Annual Debutante Ball for Hartford, Connecticut's Jewel League Chapter.

Every girl in the city with rich parents was being presented.

Or in my case, rich Italian grandparents.

"I'm going to go get my nails done tomorrow after school." I looked at my naked fingers.

I was thinking french tips or a pale pink that was almost white.

"I cannot wait to see your dress with you all dressed up." Mila spoke.

I nodded my head. "The feeling is mutual. I'm happy that we're doing this together."

"I know right? My nerves are going to be so bad on Saturday. I don't want to trip or mess up during the waltz." she expressed.

-

Any other Friday night, I would be at work, in bed, or hanging out with friends. Now I was in the ballroom with my Nonno who I hadn't seen or really spoken to since Christmas.

The contrast between my grandparents was scary.

My mom's parents were laid-back, down-to-earth, and they didn't really care about material things. My dad's parents were snooty, formal, and very upper east-side New York.

I think the only thing that they had in common was that they were both Catholic.

"Nonno, you're good at the waltz. Did you used to dance with a lot of girls back in your day?" I joked around with him.

He snickered. "Yes, but don't tell your grandmother."

"My lips are sealed." I assured him as we danced.

The practice was about two hours long.

We ran through the entrances, the dances, and had dinner. It was weird to see Brennan interact with my grandparents after so many years. Don't get me wrong, he was good at making conversation.

Life was just weird.

"You know, I'm so happy that Ryan asked you to be her escort. You're such a put-together young man." Nonna smiled at Brennan.

He gave her a small nod. "Thank you. She's an amazing young woman as well."

"Ryan, did you tell Maria and Miguel that you're staying the night at the hotel? I don't want you driving back late or being late for your appointments tomorrow." Nonna asked me.