I wrapped up my shift, walked Jameer out to my car, where warm, humid spring was in full effect. I passed him a small box from my passenger seat. He slid it open, revealing a simple black bow tie.

I said, “Now show me your ways.”

Prom was right around the corner, and there would be no more clip-ons for me.

The limo driver took my twisting, inefficient route as instructed. We picked up Qwan first, rocking his black pants, purple paisley jacket, and black-on-black Jordan Elevens. Angie next, her purple sequined mermaid dress expertly coordinated with his ensemble. Her mom made them do the picture thing for like a hundred hours. Then we were off again because Shianne was losing her shit over us taking so long.

Shianne: If you don’t get me out of here before Zoey wakes up from her nap, I swear to God!

We did the picture thing, too. My classic black spy tuxedo (“Rainey, Del Rainey”) contrasted with her flowy peach-colored gown. Zoey did wake up, but seemed hypnotized by the light sparkling off Angie’s outfit, so she joined us in a few photos, snug on her mother’s hip, grinning toothlessly as we got immortalized in our formal wear splendor.

Mister and Missus Griffiths were kind enough to distract Zoey with some applesauce while we escaped to the ride, and we completed the trip to the golf resort clubhouse where Green Creek High’s prom cranked, classmates dancing even before they entered the building.

Inside, the juniors and seniors mingled, formed dance circles, mobbed the food and drink table, while chaperones tried to maintain control like survivors fending off zombies on The Walking Dead.

The ladies separated from us, greeting friends and friends-of-friends for selfies and IG stories, while me and Qwan made our rounds. We ran into Jameer almost immediately, looking dapper in a maroon tux with black lapels. He was playing wallflower, and I thought I’d encourage him to join us, but I backed off when a senior by the name of Carlos Lumbly brought Jameer a cup of punch with an easy smile that suggested more than casual buddies. I’d have some questions for Jameer later, but I knew better than to throw salt in his game.

Taylor Burkin was in attendance with some out-of-town dude. All the Baby-Getter drama had long tapered off but she was still a hot topic because of Colossus. In the wake of everything, girls started avoiding him like the plague. And with Taylor being so public with her complaints, his parents came down hard on him to own up to his responsibilities, if for no other reason than to save face. Seeing her here drew mad whispers because he wasn’t in attendance.

Word on the street: he was home. Babysitting.

Center of the dance floor was Kiera, battling some college freshman she’d met while touring Old Dominion University. They were going hard, popping in and out of each other’s faces, pulling cheers and “ooooohhhhs” from the onlookers and instigators. Really getting it in.