No one speaks as we read it in its entirety. Whoever put this together did a superb job with the captions and the picture placement. Quinn’s whole team has a contribution, but it’s her paper that’s front and center.
“Well, little Quinnie Jackson, how’s it feel to be famous?” Nate breaks the silence.
“Nate,” Quinn’s voice cracks. “You promised never to call me that.”
“It slipped. Standing here, looking at this, I’m so damn proud. It seemed appropriate.” His own voice is thick with emotion, which breaks Quinn.
She turns and hugs him, her body shaking. He hugs her back then transfers her to Dean’s arms. He supports her easily, rubbing his hands up and down her back and whispering his own praises.
She steps away from Dean and looks at all of us but focuses on Jamie. “Jamie, that’s your one and only. I’m not usually a crier. I’m more of a ball-buster.”
Bryce nods his agreement, and we all laugh.
“Okay, time to move on.” Quinn looks around, her eyes landing on the far wall. She grabs my hands and drags me across the room to stand in front of the blue team’s large display.
Once again, we’re quiet as we read all the captions. Bryce slips his arm around my waist and shifts me in front of him.
“Devon.” Nate steps up to us and squeezes my shoulder. “This is beyond incredible. I’m so fucking happy for you.”
“Stop! Nate, stop making us cry.” Quinn slaps his shoulder lazily.
He grins at her then kisses my forehead.
“There you are!” Crystal runs up and almost tackles Quinn and me.
We hug her back, squealing with excitement. When I move, I notice Morgan standing there, his face beaming. I give him a short hug and then introduce him.
We go around the room as a group, inspecting every display and congratulating our classmates. Eric and Kenny join us with their dates, and we move to the main room, claiming a full table.
Bill Thames comes by our table and surprises us by sitting down. Dean scowls when Quinn introduces him as her boyfriend. Bryce notices, too.
“Something I should know?” he says in my ear.
“He doesn’t want to be just the boyfriend anymore,” I answer quietly.
His eyes grow wide, and he nods in understanding.
When Bill leaves to work his way through the room, we resume discussing the upcoming summer internships and Olympics.
The whole table goes quiet, and several people look over my shoulder. Jamie’s eyes bulge and her mouth drops. I turn to see Shana walking toward the table with a wide smile and her arms outstretched.
Bryce gets up to pull out my chair, and I fall into her embrace. She gives me a firm hug then steps back to Professor Grant’s side.
She looks at the table and throws her hands to her hips. “What? Is Devon the only one who still loves me? Come here!” She waves at the table, and Crystal, Eric, and Kenny jump up and come over, leaning into their own hugs.
“I’m so damn proud of you guys,” she tells us and then glares at Quinn. “And you! I understand I lost you to Bill for the summer. What do I have to do to change your mind?”
Quinn’s face turns deep pink, and she slices her eyes to Dean, who kisses her hand sweetly. She looks back to Shana with a sparkle in her eye.
“Atlanta’s where I’m meant to be,” she answers.
Shana smiles widely and nods with understanding.
My heart swells at all the love and friendship surrounding the table. For the first time in a long time, everything is perfect in my world.
Chapter 31
Devon,