When the song ended, we parted ways, and the DJ announced it was time for the last dance. Haskell found me hiding over by the punch bowl. I didn’t want him to know how upset I was about his dance with Scarlett, but just ask any girl—if their man danced with his ex at their prom, the night would be totally ruined. “Dance with me,” he said. I resisted, but he was persistent…so I gave in. As the cliché lyrics blared over the crummy speakers, Haskell looked into my eyes and said, “I love you, Lennox.”

Before I had time to react, he leaned in and kissed me. I got that fluttery feeling in my stomach—the same one I got when we kissed on our first date. “I love you too, Haskell,” I said, sounding extremely sure.

I guess even cynics can find romance at a lame high school dance.