The first twenty minutes were awkward. Georgia’s friends looked surprised to see someone older standing beside her, and one boy whispered something that made another laugh. I pretended not to notice, but Georgia saw everything. She offered me an opportunity to leave, but I told her I wasn’t going to abandon her just because someone was being immature. We joined a group photograph and eventually sat near the refreshments while the DJ played songs I barely recognized. Georgia began telling me about her mother, Lauren, and how she had always imagined sharing prom with her. Sheldon rarely talked about Lauren, but Georgia said he still kept her photograph on his desk. She believed her father thought planning everything would protect the people he loved. Unfortunately, it didn’t always work that way.<\/p>\n
Later, a slow song began, and Georgia asked whether I wanted to dance. I warned her that I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. She laughed and reminded me that half the room probably didn’t either. Taking my hand, she led me onto the floor. We moved awkwardly beneath the lights, and for a few minutes I forgot about the warehouse, the money, and Sheldon’s hidden intentions. Then I noticed someone standing near the gym entrance. It was Sheldon. He wasn’t supposed to be there. His expression carried pride, worry, and something that looked suspiciously like regret. Georgia noticed him too, and her fingers tightened around mine. \u201cHe’s watching,\u201d she whispered. I gently released her hand and told her to let him see us enjoying ourselves.<\/p>\n
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