Two years ago
The clip-on bow tie was a great decision. I quickly adjusted it and ran my hand through my hair. I looked like a penguin, but when a hot junior girl asks you to prom and you’re only a sophomore, you wore a tux whether you wanted to or not. WCHS did the combo prom thing—juniors and seniors. The whole lax team was going tonight, even Collin, and he was only a freshman. But he was a freshman who plays varsity, and lacrosse at our school was equal to football. If you were on either team you were at the top of the social pile. Like, the top-top.
Even though I was on top, I couldn’t wait till it was over and we could party our faces off at the after-party. Dancing was stupid, and I hated smiling for pictures. Gwen kept saying that was the whole purpose of the prom. Since she had the best boobs, I figured I could take one for the team and slow dance a few times.
I pounded on the bathroom door. “I gotta pee. Get the hell out, Oscar!”
The door opened slowly, and I was face-to-face with my brother. He was almost taller than me, which pissed me off. His eyes swept up and down the length of me, ending with raised eyebrows. “Where’s your boutonniere?”
“She hasn’t given it to me yet, duh.”
Oscar nodded and exhaled. “You look good, Vance.” His eyes were locked onto mine. Whatever. I didn’t need his approval.
Dad shouted from the base of the stairs, “Growler’s here.”
Oscar stepped aside and swept his arm out like he was allowing me into the bathroom. I wanted to smack the smart-ass grin from his face. I pushed past him and gave him a little shove.
Some nerdy chick from my gym class asked Oscar to this prom, but he turned her down. He didn’t tell me. I overheard her telling her dork friend while we stretched our hammies on the mats. I could tell she was saying it kind of loud so that I’d hear. Everyone knows Oscar’s my brother. Unfortunately.
I acted like I didn’t hear anything and continued reaching for my toes. Why he turned her down is unclear to me. Even though she wasn’t someone I’d go for, she wasn’t that bad. Pretty good body and nerd-genius smart, just like Oscar.
Well, I was glad he wasn’t going. It would’ve ruined the night for me. He would’ve just sat in a corner and sucked the fun out of the entire room. Having him around was annoying, but mostly it was embarrassing. It would’ve been great if I had a brother who liked me and was into the same stuff. What did I get? Uh, not that.
I barreled down the steps. My dad, Oscar, and Growler stood near the door. “Don’t get too plowed, buddy,” my dad said. He grabbed my shoulder and squeezed.
“We won’t, Mr. Irving,” Growler said. “Just a good buzz.”
Oscar crossed his arms and dropped his eyes.
“Too bad you’re not coming, Oscar. You could’ve increased the IQ in our limo by a thousand percent,” Growler said.
I squinted. What was Growler doing? Tonight wasn’t about Oscar. Growler hadn’t tried to rope him in with us for a long time.
Oscar’s cheeks flushed. “I doubt it.”
We had to leave before Growler made some stupid plea for Oscar to come.
My dad took a long swig of his beer. “The limo’s at your date’s house, Vance?”
I looked at the clock on the wall behind my brother. “Aw, man. We’re gonna be late. And yes, the limo’s at Gwen’s. Waiting. They’re gonna be pissed.”
“Who cares? What, you think they’d leave without you two?” My dad shook his head and snorted. “You’re the life of the party.”