Chasing Jupiter ✔️

Nine

It's Halloween tonight. There were no races tonight, the main group of us taking Halloween very seriously. So every year on Halloween we have a big party up at the field where races were held. Laci and I always go all out for Halloween. Usually we get matching costumes but this year she was planning to match with Mac.

We were currently up in my bedroom getting ready to leave. I was already in my floor length wine red gown. Laci was currently finishing my hair. I was going as a princess this year.

I hade a different costume planned but a princess felt more fitting this year.

The thought alone made a blush rise to my cheeks. "So what did you and Mac decide to go as?" I turned down the stereo to hear her response. "We're going at Morticia and Gomez from the Addams Family." That was super cute, and so them. "So why a princess J? It wouldn't have anything to do with you're newest crush and his nickname for you now would it?"

As if my cheeks weren't red enough, I blushed harder. I wasn't going to admit it, but she was right. Archer may have had something to do with my choice of costume. After all... He calls me princess. "It has nothing to do with Archer Lace. I just so happened to lose my costume partner." Laci let's out a sarcastic laugh, clearly not believing me. "I don't get it. Why don't you just ask him out?"

Thankfully my phone rang cutting off what would have been and awkward conversation. "Speaking of boyfriends, yours is calling me." I answer the phone. "Hey Mac! What's up?"

"Hey darlin' I was just callin' to let you know that our little project is done and ready for tonight."

Eek! It's done!

"Oh great! Perfect! Can you bring it up with you tonight! I want to get it out up before he gets there." I'm so excited! "Sounds good to me. Say, when do I get my girlfriend back now? Hmm?" I couldn't help but laugh. "Well your girlfriend is currently doing my hair, then we'll be ready. So we'll see you in about 45 minutes. I'll just take her up with me." He let's out an over dramatic okay before telling me he'll see us soon.

Soon Laci finishes pinning up my hair, I place the tiara on my head. She turns me around to look at myself in the mirror. I look perfect. The deep red satin, off shoulder gown that was tight until my midriff then flowed out. I was originally going to wear heels but I decided against it, throwing on a pair of combat boots.

My hair was in ringlets flowing down my back with two fishtail braids pinned back in a makeshift braid like crown. A third braid on the back of my head was twisted into an elegant rose shape. All pulled together with a tiara on the top of my head.

Laci also insisted on doing my makeup. My lips were a beautiful wine red, matching my dress. My eyes were shaped into an red elegant graphic liner, topped with red jewels. And just enough blush to give me that flushed look.

"I am a master!" Laci shouts. "Okay big head calm down, throw your wig on so we can go. Your boy toy is getting separation anxiety." She rolls her eye, fixing the wig on her head. "Just wait, once you and Archer fall in love you'll understand." I groan loudly, grabbing my bag leaving her in my room. "So not going to happen!" I could hear her shout back at me that it was going to happen but I chose to ignore it. I barely got the guy to be friendly with me.

I couldn't fuck it up.

*****

I pull into my parking spot jumping out of the car. Not even bothering to shut if off. I rush over to Mac (as fast as my heels would allow me) "Let me see! Let me see!" I anxiously smack his shoulders pushing him towards his truck. "Calm down killer, it's right here." Mac opens the tailgate of his Dodge Ram revealing an almost identical sign to mine.

Reserved for Archer, Prince of Darkness.

Mac had questioned me when I told him what I wanted the sign to say. I just laughed it off knowing he wouldn't understand. I grab the sign, a permanent smile on my face. "Let's go put it up shall we?" I skip back to my now turned off car, Laci tossing me my keys. I nearly dropped the sign trying to catch them. "Let put it to the right of my spot." He doesn't question me, digging a small hole for the sign.

Once the sign is in the ground I can't help but take out my camera zooming in on the signs. I want to record Archers reaction. I'll have to ask Laci to help me with that.

*****

It's a half hour later when I see Archers cherry red car pulling up the hill. My combat boots long gone, I truly don't know why I even wore shoes when I came up here I don't wear them half the time. I rush over to him as he gets out of his car, only freezing when I see what he's dressed in.

Fucking.
Prince.
Charming.

This had Laci written all over it. "Forget about it and kill your best friend later J." I whisper to myself. Archer looks me over, a huge grin taking over his face. "A princess hey?" I'm thankful it's dark out. He can't see my blush. "Prince charming huh?" His smile falters a bit. Looking embarrassed. "Um. Yeah. Let's change the subject yeah?" He was cute when he was embarrassed. Lord help me I need to stop thinking like that. We're just friends. "I've got a subject change! Come on!"

I grab his hand dragging him with me. When we get close I turn around holding a blindfold up. The same blindfold from our Olive Garden trip to be specific. "Close your eyes Arch." Without questioning me he turns around crouching slightly so I can put it on him.

I give Laci a thumbs up and she starts recording. I take Archers hands again. "Don't worry, I won't let you trip Arch." It may be dark but with our close proximity I can see his cheeks tinge pink. Taking the last couple steps into his new parking spot, I stop him. "So where you parked is fine and dandy-" I walk around behind him grabbing the blindfold untying it. "- but I think a this spot would be better." I pull the material off of his face.

Walking back to his front, Archer has a huge grin on his face. "Did you do this?" I nod, "I had a little help from Mac. But it's official, you're part of our dysfunctional racing family." He wraps his arms around me in a bone crushing hug, spinning me around in a circle. "Hang on..." He pulls away looking at the sign. "Prince of Darkness. Really?" I couldn't help but laugh. "Well what are you waiting for! I believe your car is parked in the wrong spot!"

He didn't need to be told twice.

*****

The party was in full swing, I was making sure to pace myself on the drinking. We didn't want another black out night. The song monster mash was currently playing, Laci and I were dancing like complete dorks. We didn't care though, like I said. We go all out for Halloween.

"I'm gonna go get a drink!" I just nod to her continuing my random dancing alone. It's not like I was really alone, there was a crowd of people dancing around me. Feeling on top of the world I started twirling, my princess dress flaring out all around me. Tripping over a root I scream, bracing myself for the fall.

But it never came. Instead strong arms wrapped around me. I opened my eyes to be met with familiar clover eyes. "Thank you." I breathe out. I doubt he heard me, but he smiled down at me either way. He carefully lifts me up, and that's when we both lose it. We begin laughing at the cliche moment that just happened. "What in a hallmark movie moment was that?" I choke out between fits of giggles.

I hear the song change to none other than Taylor Swift's 'Love Story'. I look back at the DJ booth in confusion to see none other than Laci staring at me with a giddy smile on her face.
I'm going to kill her.

I flipped Laci the bird, as she grins back at me. "Well princess." He holds out his hand. "Can I have this dance?" My cheeks flame red, to afraid to speak I place my hand in his. He pulls me closer as we start to make shift waltz around. I look up at him smiling. My heart nearly exploding out of my chest. He smiles down at me as we dance. We stay like that the rest of the song. Just staring at each other grinning from ear to ear. The next song starts playing but it's clear that neither of us wanted to stop dancing. I laid my head on his chest and wrap my arms around his waist just enjoying this moment with him. I let my thoughts wander to what it would be like if we were more than friends.

It was in that moment I knew I definitely had a crush on Archer Michaels.