"Okay, now stand a little closer. Perfect! Now smile like you're actually having fun," Liv instructed, her camera clicking rapidly as she snapped pictures of Josh and me.
Josh rolled his eyes but obliged, slipping his arm around my waist and pulling me closer.
"Do we really need a thousand photos, Liv?" I asked her.
"Yes, we do," she said firmly. "This is a momentous occasion. So stop being a dick."
I laughed just as she took a photo.
It was the day of our last prom. Josh and I were going together as a couple, though we decided wearing matching suits would be too tacky. Liv and Jake were going together, also as a couple, something I had a hard time getting used to.
We were at the McKenzie's house for photos. Miles and his parents were currently at Yale helping his sister move out of the dorms, and they entrusted us to not burn down their house in the meantime.
Liv had been fussing over us for the past half hour, trying to make sure every detail was perfect. I wore a simple black suit with a royal blue tie that matched my eyes, while Josh wore a gray suit and a red tie. I'm sure you don't have to ask, but yes, Josh looked hot as hell, though I may be slightly biased.
Josh's parents had agreed to let him stay at home on the condition that he remained sober. Their fear for him, worrying that he would do something drastic to himself, had put things into perspective. It was rocky, but they were trying, and Josh seemed happy and healthy. More happy than I had ever seen him, in fact.
I hadn't moved back home yet. My mom and I were slowly rebuilding our relationship, but it was a process. We met for lunch sometimes and talked on the phone. My dad was still a work in progress, but I hoped he could come around one day.
Josh and I decided to try to make it work between us. I knew it wouldn't be easy. I knew that we would still encounter people who didn't like us for who we were, but I also knew we would never have to hide again.
Miles, Janessa, Margot, Harper, and Sky had gone to Aspen Heights' prom the previous weekend. Sky was Miles' date, and I had to admit they made a great couple. Janessa, Margot, and Harper had gone together as friends.
We still had GSA meetings whenever possible. Grant and Margot had been recently discussing coming out to their families. No matter what happened, we would be there for each other.
"Okay, last one," Liv announced. "Kiss for the camera!"
Josh laughed and leaned in, pressing his lips to my cheek. I could feel my face heat up as Liv took a photo, both of them laughing at my embarrassment.
Liv and Jake were already in full glam mode, except for Jake's bowtie, which he was attempting to tie for the tenth time.
"Need some help?" I asked him now that Liv was satisfied she had 1,000 photos of Josh and me.
Jake groaned. "Why do they make this shit so impossible?"
I laughed and stepped in, tying his bow tie for him.
"Thanks, dude," he told me, then wrapped his arms around me in a hug.
Caught off guard, it took me a moment to hug him back. "Um, okay. You're welcome?"
When he pulled away, Jake was grinning at me. "I just love you, man."
Instead of saying thank you like I normally would when Jake got all weird with me, I rolled my eyes and said, "Love you too, Jake."
Then, Liv handed me her camera. "Your turn."
Liv became the boss of both Jake and I as she directed us for the photos of the two of them. This went on for an absurdly long time, then, finally, we were ready to go.
Jake, using his parents' money, had rented us all a limo to take to prom. We climbed into the back, Liv scolding Jake for stepping on her dress. Josh sat down close next to me and took my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
Josh turned to me, his brown eyes crinkled in the corners as he smiled at me. "I love you, Connor."
I smiled back at him, lacing my fingers through his. "I love you, too."
For once, the future didn't terrify me. Because as I looked into Josh's eyes, I saw all of the tomorrows we'd share together, stretching out infinitely, a vast universe of possibilities we were free to experience.
I couldn't wait.