Billy headed for the door while I grabbed my sweater.
"Knock 'em dead tonight," my dad said.
I couldn't tell him that our dates were, in fact, undead.
"I was hoping I'd get to meet Stormy, too," my dad added.
"That's what happens when you have a son," I said, opening the front door.
My dad let me borrow the car, and we headed over to the Mansion. I was hoping that Billy would chicken out upon arriving at the haunted-looking house, but he didn't. I think since he was with me he felt more at ease, or maybe he felt like he was becoming a man or something.
I made him knock on the door.
Jameson opened it slowly, like in a creepy silent movie. Billy was as nervous seeing Jameson as he was for his date. I couldn't help but feel anxious for him.
I put my hand on Billy's shoulder. "I know she'll be happy to see you," I said.
He turned back to me like I'd said the kindest words anyon ct wheie had ever said to him. At once, he stood up a little straighter and appeared at ease.
"Good evening, Mr. Billy," Jameson said.
"Good evening, Jameson," Billy said proudly.
"Please come in. I know Miss Athena is almost ready."
"Who is Athena?" Billy whispered to me.
"That's Stormy's real name," I replied.
"Oh. That's really pretty."
Just then Alexander came down the stairs. He was so hot in his dark jacket and silken dress pants, I could feel my knees quiver just catching sight of him. I couldn't believe that someone so handsome was indeed my boyfriend. His face brightened when he saw me.
"You look beautiful," he said.
He came over and gave me a tender kiss on the cheek. I wanted to swoon into his arms and have him carry me away. I had to remind myself that this was Billy and Stormy's dance and not mine.
Stormy descended the creaky old staircase in the dress I'd given her. The black corset minidress had sheer lace sleeves that just covered her pale shoulders and ruffled black and purple lace that made up the skirt. She wore knee-high black tights and witchy boots with purple laceups that matched the ties and lacing on her corset. Her hair was up in a small bun with several curls cascading down her cheeks. She was radiant.
Billy politely handed her the flower box.
"For me?" she asked sweetly.
"Yes, we picked it out just for you," Billy answered, his voice quavering slightly.
Stormy opened it, and her eyes lit up. "It is beautiful!" she said.
Billy shifted in his stance, a huge smile on his face.
I helped her get the corsage out of the box and slipped it on her wrist.
"And I have something for you, too," Alexander said to me. He grabbed a small box off of the hallway table. "I hope you like it." I opened it to find a brilliant blue flower. "It totally matches my dress!" I said. I gave him a quick kiss. "It's perfect. How did you know?"
"I had a little help from a friend," he replied.
My brother smiled proudly.
I took it out of the box and tried my best to pin it on my dress.