Edge of seventeen

Chapter 42

Holy shit, prom was just around the corner, and things were heating up faster than a microwave on full blast. Asher, Wyatt, and I had been buzzing around like crazy, getting ready for what was supposed to be the biggest night of our high school careers. Let me tell you, the prep work was not for the faint of heart. The tuxedo fittings, the endless selfies, and the goddamn corsages—it felt like a full-time job.

"Dude, I still can't believe we're actually doing this," I said to Wyatt as we tried to wrangle our ties into submission. "I feel like I'm dressing up for a fucking Broadway show or something."

Wyatt chuckled, adjusting his bow tie. "Yeah, man, it's pretty wild. But hey, it's our last hurrah before college. We might as well go all out."

"True," I agreed, running my fingers through my hair one last time. "And you know what? I think I'm gonna ask Asher to be my prom date."

Wyatt looked at me like I'd just suggested we rob a bank. "Are you serious? You're gonna ask Asher?"

"Yeah, why not?" I grinned, already thinking about the ridiculousness of it all. "I mean, it's not like I'm actually serious about it. Just gonna flirt with him a bit. See how he reacts."

"Man, you're gonna get yourself into some deep shit with that one," Wyatt said, shaking his head. "But whatever floats your boat."

As I walked over to where Asher was fiddling with his cufflinks, I couldn't help but let the devilish grin spread across my face. "Hey, Asher," I said, casually leaning against the doorframe. "You know, I've been thinking. What if you and I just, like, ditch the whole prom date charade and go together?"

Asher raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Oh really? And what makes you think I'd agree to that?"

"Well, for one," I said, inching closer and lowering my voice to a mock-serious whisper, "I might just have some plans that involve you and me, a dark corner, and some very interesting... extracurricular activities. Not to mention, I'd totally have you bent over a table in no time if you're up for it."

Asher's face turned a shade of red I didn't think was humanly possible. "You're a fucking menace," he said, shoving me lightly. "But seriously, don't make me regret inviting you to this thing."

I laughed, giving him a playful wink. "Relax, man. It's all in good fun. But if you're really up for it, I'm always game for a bit of mischief."

The rest of the day went by in a blur of final preparations. We all met up at Wyatt's house for a quick pre-prom photo session, which felt like we were prepping for some cheesy magazine cover. It was the same old routine—awkward poses, fake smiles, and a lot of "I'm totally not nervous" pep talks.

The limo ride to the venue was filled with a lot of loud music and even louder laughter. Asher and I were joking around the entire time, with him giving me a lot of mock-stern looks as I kept pushing the boundaries with my flirtations. By the time we arrived, the venue looked like something straight out of a fucking fairytale, all glittering lights and elegantly dressed people.

Inside, the atmosphere was electric. Music was pounding, people were dancing, and the air was thick with the sweet smell of perfume and hairspray. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't absolutely fucking loving it. I was with my friends, surrounded by people I actually liked, and for once, I felt like I was living in a goddamn movie.

Asher and I hit the dance floor together, and I didn't miss the opportunity to tease him a little more. "You know," I said, leaning in close so he could hear me over the music, "I've been thinking. I should have totally asked you out for real. Prom date or not, I'm still gonna find a way to get you alone later."

Asher rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his grin. "You're incorrigible. But fine, I'll play along."

"Atta boy," I said, giving him a playful nudge. "Let's make this night unforgettable."

We spent the rest of the night dancing, laughing, and just generally having a blast. I didn't get arrested for any of my filthy comments, which was a win in my book. And when the final song played and the lights dimmed, I looked around and realized something—prom was everything I'd hoped for and more.

Asher and I were still laughing as we headed back to the limo, and for a moment, I let myself believe that maybe, just maybe, everything was falling into place. Sure, things were still complicated and uncertain, but in that moment, I didn't give a fuck. I was surrounded by the people I cared about, and that was enough for me.

As we drove away from the venue, I glanced at Asher and Wyatt, both of them looking as satisfied and exhausted as I felt. The night was winding down, but the memories we made were just beginning.