Page 132 of As You Walk On

“You did that!” Aleah shouts.

I roll my eyes, cheeks burning, but the grin tugging at my lips feels earned.

“Can we please go inside now?” begs River. “They have pizza rolls! It’s all over Amanda Cox’s Snapchat.”

Overpriced gowns and pizza rolls? Well played, Brook-Oak.

“You becoming a Rolling Tones stan is not healthy for our friendship,” notes Aleah, nudging River. They turn to walk in together.

Bree snatches Darren’s hand, quickly following.

I’m on my first step to do the same when Luca says, smirking, “One more dare, Theo.”

He yanks me into a quick kiss that doesn’t go unnoticed by a passing librarian. I’m not even embarrassed about being caught.

Against my lips, Luca whispers, “I dare you to get on that dance floor with me and have the night of your life.”

“You’re gonna regret that dare,” I warn, pecking him once more before guiding us in the direction of the ballroom.

I can’t believe I’m here. I’m at prom with a boy, holding his hand. It’s like the magic I’ve been chasing for so long is surrounding me. Tonight might not change my life. In hindsight, junior prom could be just another memory I forget until social media hits me with one of those flashback notifications.

I don’t care. I’m finally getting my shot at what everyone else has.

And I know one more thing: this is the easiest dare I’ve ever been given.

So tonight, I’m making my own rules.

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