“I told you he lies,” Riley says, overhearing Viktor’s last words. “And cheats. That’s why he always wins at checkers.” She’s teasing, laughing and joking with the old man who preens at the attention.
“Pretty sure he beat me fair and square,” I offer.
Riley leans toward me, and I catch a whiff of something sweet and vanilla. “That’s what he wants you to think.” Her brows lift and lower conspiratorially.
“Aw, don’t tell all my secrets, honey,” Viktor scolds Riley, but he’s smiling too. He begins making his way around the table, talking to each woman about her hair and makeup like it’s the most interesting thing he’s ever heard. He’s good at making each woman feel special and beautiful.
Riley notices me watching him and bumps me with her shoulder. “Don’t be taking notes on the old flirt.”
“He seems like a nice guy,” I argue.
Her smile is bright and happy, but unshed tears glisten in her eyes. “He is. I’m gonna miss him.”
My brows jump together. “Is he not doing well?” I look back over to the man who’s using a cane, but he seems pretty healthy to me.
Riley shrugs. “He is. But it’s reality. That’s why things like this prom are so important. It gives them something fun and different, a new memory to make and enjoy.”
“I think you enjoy it just as much as they do,” I tell her gently, and she nods in agreement.
I want to kiss her, but Arielle’s sharp voice cuts through the air. “No fraternizing.”
I jump, not used to hearing that level of authority in Arielle’s voice, especially not directed at me. She’ll give me shit, but this is her domain, and she reigns with a loving but forceful hand. But I have no doubt that she’d pop me on the back of the head if I don’t listen to her and follow her rules.
“Yes ma’am,” I sass her back, and the ladies all whisper.
“Ooh, he’s done it now.”
“That one ain’t too bright, is he?”
“Get ’im, girl.”
“Viktor, Noah . . . can I get your help in the other room, please?” Arielle asks.
Viktor confidently winks at the tableful of ladies. “She can’t get enough of me, that one.” They titter and giggle like he’s hilarious.
“Oh, shush.”
“She’d eat you alive, Viktor, and pick her teeth with your skinny bones.”
Even that is said as though it’s a compliment. These people are family, insulting each other the way only people who truly care about each other can.
I quickly peck Riley on the cheek, just to be ornery and piss off my sister, and then follow her out to the activity center room.
“Mrs. Watson!” I say, greeting Riley’s mom. “Mom!” I give my mom and Riley’s mom hugs. “How’s everything going?”
“Call me Rachel,” Mrs. Watson says. One day, maybe I’ll be able to, but not today.
Mom gestures to the room around us. They really have done a spectacular job converting the room. There’s a balloon arch in front of a backdrop for pictures, a long table with desserts and treats laid out, and all of the tables have crisp tablecloths with pretty flower arrangements in the center.
“It looks beautiful,” I tell Mom and Mrs. Watson.
“Thank you,” Mrs. Watson replies. “Did you see the table? Natalie made six different kinds of cake, and I made the veggie trays with veggies from my own garden.”
“Wow! It all looks delicious,” I say, noting the pickles, radishes, tomatoes, and broccoli plates. I also see a plate of individual cheesecakes that stands out. “Are those Jell-O No-Bake cheesecakes with Oreos?”
My mom grins, pleased that I noticed. “Of course they are. Nothing but the best for my son.” We share a private look, knowing that to us, those will always be the best. A reminder of times when that was the biggest treat we could possibly, and only occasionally, afford. Even if now we could have fancy, gourmet cheesecake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, those no-bake ones just hit differently.
“Thanks, Mom.” I clap my hands, looking around again. “Okay, how can I help?”
“You can get over here and climb this ladder,” River says from the corner. “Scaredy cat won’t go up.”
I look over to see River and Eli grinning and goofing off as they hang twinkle lights from the ceiling, which isn’t even that high to begin with.
“I didn’t come dressed to work,” Eli argues reasonably, considering he’s wearing slacks, a button-up with a bowtie, and loafers with no socks. He’s not what I would’ve pictured for Arielle, but if he makes her happy, that’s all that matters to me. Well, and that he treats her right. She deserves only the best.
I excuse myself to help with the lights, and as I walk off, Viktor converts his cane into sitting mode and lowers himself slowly, already talking about his own senior prom.
I’m elected to climb the ladder and hang the lights as River and Eli feed the strand and pins up to me. “You ready for tonight?” River asks me after looking around to check for any eavesdropping ears.
“I am,” I tell him honestly. “I’ve never been surer of anything. Not even myself, and I’m a cocky bastard,” I joke, and River wiggles the ladder in warning.
“Yeehaw,” I whoop, holding onto the ladder like it’s a bucking bull trying to get me off even though River is barely shifting it, not wanting to actually knock me off but rather knock my ego down a peg or two. “Is everything ready?”
“Yes, everything’s set,” Eli tells me. He and Arielle, along with River and Mrs. Watson, have been great helps at getting everything set up for tonight.
For the prom, but also for Riley’s surprise.
“You look gorgeous, Sunshine,” I tell Riley a few hours later. She’s wearing her white Docs, but her yellow socks are lacy and go up over her knees. With the floaty white dress she’s wearing, there’s a tiny sliver of pale thigh peeking out that is driving me absolutely crazy.
We sway slowly on the dance floor to an old song I’ve never heard, surrounded by people. All the residents are here with the staff chaperoning as they watch for any arising health issues, but also, a lot of the patients’ family members came to celebrate ‘prom’ too. It’s sweet to see the old ladies get fussed over by their grown kids, telling them how pretty they look and seeing how the younger versions of themselves glow from inside.
“Not so bad yourself,” Riley says. A moment later, her eyes leave mine to scan the floor. “Do you think Becky’s okay?” She nibbles at her lip. “Maybe she needs a water or a cookie?”
I follow Riley’s gaze, where Becky is sitting in a chair, absently rubbing her growing belly while she watches her husband, Simon, dance with Loretta. I met the whole Crew earlier when they arrived to support Arielle and Riley with whatever was needed. “I think Simon is taking good care of her, and he will get her anything she needs or wants.”
Riley’s eyes return to me, her chin ducking sheepishly. “I know. I just worry.”
“No, you want everyone to be happy. And that’s beautiful.” I see River waving from the door, catching my attention, and then talking to the videographer who’s filming tonight’s event, pointing her to Riley and me.