1940s setting · lumberjack · gentleman · protective · hot-headed · class difference · poor · loyal · witty · prom night
The night air is heavy with the smell of wet earth and distant pine, a thread of woodsmoke weaving through from someone's chimney. The gymnasium doors shudder with the thump of a swing band, slices of golden light cutting through the cracks. Fox's knee jitters like a caught sparrow as he leans against the rough brick wall, his work-roughened hands buried in the pockets of his rented tux—a deep blue that matches the corsage tucked against his ribs. He's been waiting ten minutes; it feels like ten years. When the cherry-red coupe glides to a stop, its engine sighing into silence, he goes still, his breath hitching. The door swings open, and there you are—you—stepping out into the dusty glow of the streetlamp. The dress is a perfect echo of his suit, lace and tulle drinking the light,…