“There’s more.” Taking her hand, I lead her out to the balcony. The music pumps and we’ve got a view of the foam party going on below. I pull her close and wrap my arms around her waist. “It wouldn’t be prom if you didn’t get to check out my awesome dance moves.”

She rolls her eyes at me but places her arms around my neck and we sway to the music. “Were you always this cocky?”

“Always.”

She lays her head on my chest and I wonder if she can feel my heart pounding inside. “Thank you for this. It’s better than any high school prom could have possibly been.”

“Only one thing that could make this night better.” She lets out a little snort, clearly thinking I mean better by bringing my penis into the equation, but nah, I already mentioned I didn’t bring her here for that. Summoning more courage than it takes to pull a spin move on Z, I drop to one knee all dramatic like.

“What are you—”

“Relax, sweetheart. I have a proposal for you, but not the kind you’re thinking.”

At least not yet. Took Zack Morris five seasons to seal the deal with Kelly, I don’t have any intention of waiting that long, but I want that NBA contract first. Preferably in LA. Not just because the Lakers is my dream, but because it’s where she wants to be too. Not quite sure how we’re gonna work that out yet, but I’ve got an entire year to figure it out and I think my dedication to getting what I want is clear.

“O-kay.” My fearless girl looks nervous.

“Prom tonight.” I pull out the key to my family’s vacation house in Puerto Vallarta from my pocket. “Spring break trip tomorrow after the show?”

“Really??!!”

I expected a whole slew of questions about logistics for Christian – and I’ve thought of them all, but it’s just excitement she wears as she jumps up and down. A whole lot of things she gave up to be the most amazing mom and still work toward her dreams. But I’m gonna give them all to her, one Thursday at a time.

And every day in between.

Thank you for reading The Fadeaway. You can read Gabby and Zeke’s story in The Tip-Off.

PLAYLIST

• Taki Taki by DJ Snake feat. Selena Gomez, Cardi B, Ozuna
• F**kin’ Problems by A$AP Rocky feat. Drake, 2 Chainz, Kendrick Lamar
• Home With You by Madison Beer
• Bed by Nicki Minaj feat. Ariana Grande
• Shots by LMFAO feat. Lil Jon
• Whine Up by Kat DeLuna feat. Elephant Man
• Solo by Clean Bandit feat. Demi Lovato
• Gold Digger by Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx
• In My Feelings by Drake
• Fine China by Future
• SWISH by Tyga
• Boo’d Up by Ella Mai
• Jackie Chan by Tiësto & Dzeko feat. Preme & Post Malone
• No Limit Remix by G-Eazy feat. A$AP Rocky, French Montana, Juicy J, Belly
• Post To Be by Omarion feat. Chris Brown & Jhene Aiko
• My Chick Bad by Ludacris feat. Nicki Minaj
• The Fall by Bryce Vine
• Lost in the Fire by Gesaffelstein feat. The Weeknd
• Without Me by Halsey
• Sunflower by Post Malone, Swae Lee
• Remind Me to Forget by Kygo feat. Miguel
• Wow. by Post Malone
• Close to Me by Ellie Goulding feat. Diplo, Swae Lee
• Ruin My Life by Zara Larsson