Graham, who’d been sipping discreetly from a flask since they’d arrived, took another nip from the bottle and tucked it back in his tuxedo jacket. “Where’s your date, Isaacs?”

His date. Right. He had one of those. “Not sure.” Evie had disappeared with her friends a few minutes ago. He had a feeling she was leaving the gym in protest over the idea of people being awarded royalty status for popularity. “I think the bathroom.”

Graham snorted. “She’s going to miss the big show.”

“I think she’ll survive,” Ash said, his gaze on Kincaid, his mind still reeling.

Mrs. McCreedy, the computer science teacher, stepped up to the mic and tapped it repeatedly to get everyone’s attention. The obnoxious sound took a few seconds to work, but the crowd eventually quieted down so she could announce the candidates for king and queen. All faces turned toward the stage. Kincaid, ignoring Ash completely, started to bounce a little on her toes and sent Graham an oh-my-God-it’s-time look. Ash would’ve smiled at her unbridled enthusiasm if he hadn’t been so freaking pissed at her.

“Thank you for your attention.” Mrs. McCreedy went on to list all the candidates in quick succession, only pausing briefly to allow clapping, and then gave a pointed look to the DJ to cue him for the fake drumroll. The school’s peppy fight song came on instead, and a soft rumble of laughter went through the crowd. The DJ quickly fixed the mistake, and Mrs. McCreedy opened the envelope. She paused for dramatic effect and then beamed a big smile at the filled gym. “And the Class of 2005 has selected Justin Altemont and Kincaid Breslin as this year’s king and queen! Congratulations, Justin and Kincaid!”

Half-hearted applause broke out from some and a few enthusiastic whoops from Justin’s friends. A cheesy royal march song came on, but Ash was too busy watching the couple standing next to him to pay attention to anything else. Kincaid’s face was all smiles as people turned to congratulate her. She made a little squee of excitement and then pecked Graham on the cheek. “I won!”

Graham’s smile was big, but Ash knew him well enough to see that it was forced. Graham was supposed to be king. Not Justin. Especially not Justin. Graham leaned down and gave Kincaid a quick kiss. “Congratulations, babe.”

“Come on, King and Queen,” Mrs. McCreedy called out. “Come accept your crowns and give us a dance!”

Kincaid did a little spin, as though the excitement was too much to contain, and hugged Graham. “I’ll be right back.”

Graham didn’t release her immediately. He put a hand on her forearm. “Don’t dance with him,” he said, his voice hard. “You know how he is with you.”

Kincaid rolled her eyes and shoved him playfully in the shoulder. “Oh, come on, don’t be silly. It’s tradition. It’ll be quick. Love you!”

Kincaid slipped out of Graham’s hold and hurried off, completely oblivious to the stewing man she’d left behind. Normally, Ash would’ve put a hand on Graham’s shoulder and talked him down, but after what Kincaid had shared with him, he suddenly didn’t want to intervene. He wanted to see what would happen. Needed to see.