Perfect Enemies

29

I wanted to be the one he trusted with his secrets. He might have been hiding something, but he was also captivating in a way I couldn’t deny. I was drawn to him. Maybe he was right. Maybe I saw his lies for what they were because my life had been full of secrets as well. I recognized myself in him, and that recognition both repelled me and enticed me. The confusing internal conflict left me vulnerable. I’d continued to seek him out even when he’d told me nothing could happen between us. I wouldn’t make that mistake again. If he could resist the pull between us, so could I. After giving Reyna a hug, I throttled my internal hopeless romantic, boxed up and buried any feelings I had for Kane, then plopped down on the sofa next to Giovanni. “Hey, Gio. Enjoy the movie?” I smiled broadly and leaned into him. In the past, I’d always been careful not to give Gio the wrong impression when I talked to him. He was cute with a sexy boy-next-door look but was a relentless jokester. I liked a good laugh but wasn’t interested in dating the class clown—until now. Maybe a little levity was exactly what I needed. It had taken less time than I’d expected for Giovanni to ask me to the dance. With just a couple of texts over the weekend and a coy look in the hallway Monday morning, I’d secured a date. I spent the next two weeks preparing for the dance and showing Kane the depth of my indifference toward him. A crucial part of my emotional warfare would be finding the perfect dress. Acting indifferent toward him wouldn’t be nearly as satisfying if he wasn’t drowning in desire for me. Everything about that night needed to be just right. After Reyna explained her need to get ready with me, I set up hair and makeup appointments for us. I was pleased to realize I didn’t begrudge her going to the dance with Kane. He was solely responsible for the stilted awkwardness between us. Reyna was just an innocent bystander. I made it clear that I had more important things to worry about than him. A delighted part of me couldn’t help but notice he grew more surly and withdrawn with each passing day. I liked to think I was the cause, but with Kane, there was no telling. On the day of the dance, Giada came to help me with logistics. My mom was a little disappointed when I told her Giada was taking me to the salon, but she was also happy to see her eldest and youngest staying close. I made sure my sister was already at the house when Reyna arrived so we could make a quick exit before my parents noticed. After hair and makeup, she dropped us over at Chloe’s house. I’d managed to convince her that we girls should all get dressed at her place where the guys could come collect us so that Rey was technically with me but not at my house where my parents might see her. The stylist had swept up half of my hair into whimsical braids and left the rest down in long waves. My eyes were heavily shaded with dark eye shadow that made my gray eyes pop, even more so when I slipped on the gown I’d bought. It was perfect for a winter formal—a pale metallic blue satin with shimmering sequins arranged in bursts like fireworks or dandelion puffs from top to bottom. The bodice was fitted with thin spaghetti straps and a plunging neckline all the way to the thin fabric belt ringing the top of the full skirt. I felt like a queen. The designer dress hadn’t been cheap, but it was perfect in every way. Well worth every penny. While we got ready, we talked about our dates and were even allowed a small glass of champagne each from Chloe’s parents. The day had turned out perfectly, but a kernel of dread stayed lodged in my stomach. No matter how hard I tried, I still hated to think of seeing Reyna, or any other girl, in Kane’s arms. To my relief, Gio was the first to arrive at the house. We took a few pictures, only because I’d promised my mom I would. Chloe’s mom urged us to stay and take pictures with the group, but I pretended to forget and ushered Gio from the house. I didn’t want to be there when Kane arrived. A part of me considered staying just because I wanted to witness his amber eyes melt to liquid gold when he saw me in my dress. That was almost worth the pain of seeing him in a suit with his arms wrapped protectively around my best friend. “You look crazy hot, Val.” Gio grinned as he held the car door for me. I smirked. “Thanks, G. You clean up pretty decent yourself.” It was hard to be anything but playful with someone who was always cutting up. Someday, he’d meet a sweet girl who adored his antics, but that girl wasn’t me. Giovanni served a purpose for me, and I tried my best to keep things between us lighthearted so that he wasn’t crushed when I walked away. “What’s the bag for?” He motioned to the duffel I’d set at my feet. “Just a change of clothes and a swimsuit for the after-party. I heard the suite has a hot tub.” The dance was at a nearby hotel where a couple of the guys had rented out the penthouse suite for an after-party. It seemed a bit excessive when this wasn’t even prom, but I wasn’t going to decline the invitation. “Nice. I didn’t think to grab my suit, but I guess boxers work.” He shut the door and hurried to the driver’s side. We talked about our graduation plans on the short drive to the hotel. Conversation with Gio was pleasant. He was easy to talk to and kept the flow going without much effort on my part. His presence was so comfortable that I found my mind wandering. Gio didn’t hold my interest like other more enigmatic individuals. I thought about Kane and how we couldn’t seem to have a single discussion without growing emotional. Our turbulent dynamic had seemed problematic, but after spending more time around Gio in the previous weeks, I questioned that assumption. I could never be in a relationship with someone who didn’t pique my interest. I needed a man who kept me engaged. Someone who brought excitement to each day and anticipation to my nights. Someone like … no, I wouldn’t go there. I forced a smile at my date as he escorted me into the hotel. The elegant ballroom had been decked out in red and white, starting with a balloon tower archway at the entrance. Tables filled one side of the room, each draped in white linen and topped with exquisite bouquets of red roses. The rest of the room was dedicated to a dance floor already packed with gyrating bodies. “Dance or drink?” Gio motioned to the refreshments table. “Let’s dance!” The music was fast-paced and would stay that way for a while. The slow dances usually didn’t kick in until later in the evening, so I was safe for now. Dancing to something slow and sensual would definitely send the wrong message. Besides, letting loose with the music would ease some of the excruciating tension that had been coiling tighter in my muscles with every passing hour.