Chapter 19 DEBBY
The door burst open just before Debby could react and Joe stormed in, Rachel was right behind him. And before Kyle could even turn, Joe’s fist slammed into Kyle’s face.
Debby gasped.
Kyle stumbled backward, clutching his jaw.
“What the hell?!” Debby moved between them.
The doorway was crowded with people. Onlookers.
Rachel had obviously spread the news.
But what did she say?
Debby whipped around and knelt beside Kyle, her hand gently touching his face. “Are you okay?”
Kyle winced but gave a small nod.
Before she could say more, Joe lunged at Kyle again.
“You betrayed me!”
Debby spun around, her fury igniting.
“Betrayed you?” she snapped. “How exactly did he betray you, Joe? Huh?”
Joe’s chest heaved. “He knew I liked you! He acted like he didn’t care, and now—” He pointed a shaking finger at Kyle. “Now this?”
Debby’s blood boiled.
“Oh, give me a break,” she shot back. “Did you ever tell me you liked me? No, you didn’t! So how is that a betrayal?”
Joe’s face darkened. “He knew.”
“So what?” Debby demanded. “Was he supposed to step aside because you had a silent crush?”
Joe clenched his fists. “You don’t understand.”
Debby laughed coldly. “Oh, I understand perfectly.”
She took a step forward and jabbed a finger into Joe’s chest.
“You didn’t even have the guts to tell me how you felt,” she hissed. “But you had no problem placing a bet on me?”
Joe’s face paled. Guilt flickered in his eyes.
Debby didn’t let up. “You thought I was just some game, huh? A prize to be won?”
Joe’s lips parted, but no words came out. Then, he spun around and bolted out of the room.
Kyle cursed under his breath.
Debby let out a slow breath and turned back to Kyle. “Are you okay?”
Kyle rubbed his jaw and sighed. “Yeah.”
She helped him up and guided him to a seat. She could see the troubled look in his eyes.
“You’re feeling bad about Joe, aren’t you?” she murmured.
Kyle didn’t answer.
Debby crouched down in front of him, taking his hands.
“There’s nothing wrong with two friends liking the same woman,” she said gently. “What matters is who she chooses.”
Kyle’s eyes met hers and she smiled softly.
“And I choose you.”
Kyle’s head jerked upright. His eyes widened. “Debby… Are you serious?”
She nodded.
A slow, breathtaking smile spread across Kyle’s face. Without a word, he pulled her up and into his arms. The people at the door erupted into whispers and murmurs.
But Debby didn’t care.
Kyle pulled back and grinned, grabbing her hands as they stepped out of the room.
The crowd followed them.
The music was still playing, the lights flashing, but all eyes were now on them.
Kyle suddenly stopped.
Debby turned to him, confused. “What—”
Before she could finish, Kyle took both of her hands.
And then, he went down on one knee.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. The music stopped and a heavy silence fell over the room.
Debby’s heart pounded.
Kyle’s grip tightened around her hands.
“I know we’ve only known each other for a few days,” he began, his voice clear and strong. “But it feels like I’ve known you my whole life.”
Debby’s breath hitched.
Kyle continued. “I know we’re both healing from things in our past. And I know we need time. But isn’t it better to heal together? With someone who understands you more than anyone else?”
Debby’s throat tightened.
“I always told myself I believed in love,” he said. “But with you, I finally understand what it means to love unconditionally.”
The room was completely still.
“I don’t want to just be the guy you’re dating.” His thumb grazed the back of her hand.
“I want to prove to you that love can be great. That it can be everything you ever dreamed of.”
His lips curved into a small, hopeful smile. “Will you give me that chance?”
Debby felt her knees go weak.
Kyle’s voice was gentle but firm as he added. “Will you be my prom date? And… will you be my girlfriend?”
A chorus of gasps swept through the crowd.
Debby’s eyes darted around. Rachel was glaring daggers at her. Susan, on the other hand, was shriek-laughing and nodding like a maniac.
Debby’s head spun. She had just broken up with her ex less than two weeks ago. Was she really ready for this?
Just then a new presence entered the room. Debby’s eyes flickered toward the entrance and she froze when she recognized him
Dave. Her ex-boyfriend.
The crowd turned toward him and the air shifted.
Debby’s stomach knotted. But then—something inside her clicked.
She turned back to Kyle. His hopeful eyes never wavered.
Her lips parted and then she smiled. With a strong, clear voice, she replied to him. “Yes.”
The room erupted into screams, shouts and applause.
Rachel stormed off.
Kyle swept Debby into his arms and kissed her right in front of everyone.
