The One Who Left | In Progress

{ Ch. 21 }

"They're here!" Morg squeals and she and Bri do a mini dance. We were all getting ready at the Jess' house. It was early still, the sunset fading from the pale tangerine to the deep rich violet signifying the turn of evening.

My eyes looking mysterious with a smoky emerald eye-shadow breaking the colour slightly making my eyes pop. "You look beautiful Delilah," Rey fawns and Jess nods enthusiastically. "Some of my best work, if I do say so myself." "You know we still have to go home, right." Maddie smirks, "Mom wants pictures and the guys are supposed to get us separately, remember." Morgan rolls her eyes, "Wet. Blanket."

Maddie shrugs and we each walk out of the room to greet the guys. Lloyd whistles and I smile at the camaraderie - even including Jeremy.
Gunner and Aubrey.
Morgan and Lloyd.
Madison and Jeremy.
Bri and Henry.
Jessabelle and Kael.
Lark stands alone - his date probably at her house and I scoff. He should just admit that he has feelings for Aubrey - it was obvious, I roll my eyes at him. "You girls look gorgeous." Lark murmurs as everyone looks at their dates with hearts in their eyes. Noah and I grin at each other, smiling ever so slightly.
Noah takes me suddenly by surprise, he grabs my arm, causing my eyes to snap to his. "You look beautiful," His dark blue eyes showing sincerity, my heart races. Get it together Dels.

My eyes flash. "Thanks," My eyes travel down his tall, lean form. Noah is wearing a tux that screams 'I'm rich' and I'm pretty sure that was a rolex on his wrist. "You look dashing." His dimples appear from nowhere, the first time I see the usually stoic man - smile."I was aiming for handsome but I'll take what I can get with you," He jokes walking past my muddled state. What did he mean 'he'll take what he can get'?
"Wait Noah," I groan pulling him toward me, "Explain."
"He's just being a self-absorbed ass again." Lark sings and I narrow my gleaming eyes. Overreacting as usual... at least to Lark. "Why do have to make everything about you Noah?" "Imagine if the world was without me?" He plays along confidently. "It would be less vain." I harrumph and I stomp past the conceited jerk. "Wait Dellie, I was just kidding!" Lark protests and I laugh slightly. "We know." That'll teach Lark to shut up every once in a while. Lark looks between Noah and I before complaining again. "Ugh, this is why I hate couples."

"Smile and look bold." Noah mutters as we turn to Kael snapping a picture of all of us together. "You mean be myself?" I raise my brow and Noah laughs looking out at the photographer of the hour, smiling charmingly for the photos and I follow his lead. "Just follow my lead." "Laugh now." Noah says and he kissed my cheek and I flushed red. If you need a database to be hacked, I'm your girl but put me with this man and I become mush. I laugh on cue and he smiles as a camera flashes in his eyes. It was breathtaking. God, grant me restraint.

I nod toward at my basically my sister-in-law. "Jess? Can I get a pic of Kael, Lark and I? I only have our cheesy selfies." I laugh and Morgan squeals again. "Yeah then a family picture of you guys and then a few of the girls and the obviously the guys next..." "Morgan relax." Maddie chuckles placing her hand calmly on a bouncing Morgan. We take a couple more photos before Maddie, Morg and I go back home and do it all over again with our parents.

We eventually end up at the extravagant five star Kilmory Hotel, the Gala taking place in the hotel's ballroom and the dance taking place simultaneously in the banquet hall. The hotel's interior design looks just as expensive as my pretty ballerina, Chanel dress. It was beautifully elegant, made out of silk and a sheer tulle fabric. "Are you ready babe?" Noah whispers in my ear, gripping my waist and I nod.

The plan was simple - get in to the gala, single out Wolfe, lure him away and get his confession - at least that's what Gunner kept saying, even though Noah's eyes told a different story. He didn't want me to go at all. I bat the pesky thought away.

I was going to enjoy my homecoming dance, the end of senior year and have a hell of a lot of fun. I could do this.