A High School Homecoming Twist on Date Night

I’m really excited to bring you today’s post, featuring a homecoming twist on date night, for two reasons:

1. I get to give you a sneak peek into Fireman’s Lesson in Love, which is going to be published by Elk Lake this fall.
2. I get to participate in a fun round robin event with other romance authors, thanks to Aminata Coote.

After their meet-cute in a coffee shop, Max Winters and Audrey Morland run into each other at the high school later that same evening. They’ve both been assigned to work the dance (Audrey as faculty chaperone, Max as an adjunct EMT.

As these scenes show, their feelings for each other grow rapidly, but so do the challenges they have to face along their romantic journey. This is just a hint of what is to come. So, without further ado, here’s a look Audrey and Max’s first date.

An Unseen Force Tugged at Max’s Heart

After an uneventful game, Max hoped the dance would be equally boring. At least in terms of people needing emergency help. He looked forward to spending some quality one-on-one time with Audrey Morland.

He didn’t talk to her again after his impulsive confrontation. Best to keep his distance. Not come on too strong. What if he’d crossed that line when he approached her in the café earlier? He shook his head. Audrey was still willing to talk to him. Not too turned off and fortunately still interested.

Max surveyed the gym. Some new decorations, but some the same they’d used when he was in school, including the giant disco ball. Why didn’t they take that monstrosity down and trash it?

Adam Levine’s voice filled Max’s ears and mind. For a moment, he was at his senior homecoming dance, wrapping his arm around Dana’s waist and leading her out to the floor. High school sweethearts stayed together forever. He and Dana had only been a couple for fifteen years, not counting the brief split when she went off to college and grad school. But she returned to Chokeberry Falls, and they picked up right where they left off. Or so he thought.

“The first cut is the deepest.” A line from another song they played that night drifted through his mind, and he tried to shake the thought away. Maybe that was true about the first one, but every cut healed. Time for this one to scab over, and he knew what would help. Winning the new schoolteacher’s heart. But how?

He kept an eye on the door as students and chaperones filtered in from the football field. When Audrey Morland made her grand entrance, his breath caught in his throat. Max wasted no time in moving across the crowded, dimly lit room to her side.

She smiled when their eyes met, and his insides warmed. “Hello again.”

“Hi,” he said.

“You didn’t have to save anyone’s life during the game this evening, did you?”

He shook his head. “Nope. All was calm and quiet. Not even an injury on the field.”

She laughed. What would it be like to listen to that laugh for the rest of his life? “No, I don’t think the other team got a chance to touch any of our players.”

He nodded. “Sure seemed that way. I’m glad the boys won. A terrible thing to lose your own homecoming game. The coach would never let them live it down.”

She shook her head. “Probably not.” The corners of her mouth fell as she scanned the room.

The unseen force tugged at Max’s heartstrings again. “Is everything okay?”

She turned her head and blinked. Had she forgotten he was there? Not likely. Not in the middle of their conversation. “Oh yes, everything’s fine. I’m sorry. I just remembered something that happened earlier today to one of my favorite students.” She smiled and shifted her feet. “I’m not supposed to admit I have a favorite student, am I?”

He laughed. “I think that only goes for parents. You’re not supposed to have a favorite child. But teachers can have favorite students.” Her shoulders relaxed at his words, but he mentally berated himself. What did he know about how teachers should feel about their students? “Would you like to dance?”

Her eyes narrowed in response to his question. Had he offended her?

He took a step back in defeat.

Then his heart leapt in his chest as her face brightened. “I would… like to. But I’m warning you, I haven’t danced in a long time. I’m not exactly light on my feet. I might step on a few toes.”

He chuckled. “Not to worry. I happen to be the world’s worst dancer. I’ll make you look like a pro. And I’m an expert at dodging danger.”

She clasped his hand in hers, and warmth pulsed through his body at her touch. This felt right. Familiar. Like Audrey had always been the woman he was supposed to do life with.

Two Puzzle Pieces Finding Their Match After a Long Separation

Barely registering the energy that passed between them as she and Max moved toward the dance floor, Audrey searched the gym for Vivienne and David. She didn’t trust those two. Not anymore. Not one bit.

The worst was over for now. Josh was far away from here, enjoying the movies with Orly. But Vivienne’s angry words to Josh’s retreating back indicated she had more up her sleeve, and David would be a willing accomplice to anything Vivienne suggested. That type of girl always had unreasonable control over men. Not that Audrey had much personal experience in that area, except when it came to watching other people in action.

After Eric, being around guys always felt so awkward. Until she met Max. Talking to him this morning was easy. Or it would have been, if she hadn’t been so grouchy because she was running late. She wasn’t at her best early on in their acquaintance. But he had been so patient and caring. He made it easier for her to relax and feel comfortable with revealing who she truly was as a person.

By the time he approached her at the game this evening, she was in a calmer frame of mind. Now here he was standing in front of her, waiting to wrap his arms around her. As the musical strains softened from an energetic tune to an easy-flowing love ballad, she leaned into his strength and warmth. They moved together as if they were two puzzle pieces finding their match after a long separation. A perfect fit.

Why was dancing with him so easy? Why did talking to him feel so natural? They weren’t talking with words anymore. They were letting their bodies take care of all the communication. And, if Audrey’s mind was giving an accurate representation of what Max’s body was telling her, it was a message she hadn’t received from a man in a very long time. She had to admit it intrigued her.

“Audrey?” Max murmured into her hair.

She hummed against his chest.

“That man over there wants your attention.”

She raised up on tiptoes and pushed away from him. “What man?”

Her gaze drifted in the direction he pointed. One of the senior class sponsors, Mr. Sheridan, waved from his position across the gym under a low-hanging blue and silver streamer.

“Oh. I guess I should go see what he wants. Excuse me?”

“Of course. I’ll wait over there for you.” He indicated a spot near the restrooms.

She flashed a smile before turning and walking toward the older man.

“Hi, Mr. Sheridan,” she greeted her colleague with a smile. Her mood had improved over the course of the evening, due in large part to Max’s attention.

“Ms. Morland.” He offered her a curt nod. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

She tilted her head. “Yes, I am.”

“I know Mr. Perryman said it was fine for you to bring a date.”

“Oh, I didn’t—.” Audrey stopped herself, realizing how silly those words would sound, knowing Mr. Sheridan spied her dancing with Max Winters.

“You understand you are here as a chaperone.”

 “Yes, of course.”

“That means, Ms. Morland, you cannot dance.”

She blinked. “I’m sorry?”

He sighed. “You can’t be watching the students if you’re out on the floor with them.”

He thinks I’m being obtuse. Or worse, belligerent. What kind of logic is that? Audrey kept the argument inside and waited for him to speak his piece.

“You need to be on the sidelines, like the rest of the chaperones.”

Audrey glanced around the room. The other chaperones and their dates, even Mrs. Sheridan, stood along the walls, their facial expressions grim. Nope. No one was having any fun. Heat flamed in her cheeks, and her shoulders slumped, as if she were a child being scolded for stepping out of line.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Sheridan. I didn’t realize.”

“All right, Ms. Morland. Now, you go on back and enjoy your date. But make sure you do so off the dance floor.” With a wave of his arm, he shooed her away like an annoying yapping puppy.

Audrey’s mouth set in a firm line. “Yes, sir.” Should she salute? Better not antagonize him. Best to walk away.

Back to her date. She liked the sound of those words.

He Hadn’t Blown It Yet

Max couldn’t take his eyes off Audrey as she crossed the room toward him. Whatever this was, he hadn’t blown it yet. Not quite a date, but it wasn’t not a date either. All the same, he’d take it.

Calm down, he warned his over-eager limbic system. They were two people acquainting themselves with each other. Nothing more. He shouldn’t set himself up to expect more from Audrey than what she gave him this evening. He had no right to ask for anything else.

From her facial expression and body language, he’d bet she didn’t want to give him any more than what she already had. Her eyes focused on the floor as she trudged in his direction. A frown marred her perfect facial features.

Should he say something? She was close enough to hear him now. The strange force tugged at his heart again. What was it about this woman that brought his need to rescue and protect rising to the surface?

“Everything okay?” He tapped her elbow.

She gazed up at him, her eyes registering confusion. “I can’t dance with you anymore.”     

Finger still on her arm, he blinked. “Excuse me?”

She shifted her weight. “That man, Mr. Sheridan, says the chaperones aren’t supposed to dance. I guess we’re not only supposed to keep the kids from having too much fun. We have to restrain ourselves, as well.”

Max exhaled and released his hold on her as he took a step back. “Wow. I’m not sure what to say.”

Audrey shook her head. “No. I don’t think there’s anything to say. This is too ridiculous.” She glanced at the floor and then met his gaze again. “I’m sorry to have to cut our dancing short. I really was having fun.”

“So was I. I’m glad I got stuck with the work detail tonight. And I’m glad I ran into you.”

She beamed at him.

Warmth swelled in his chest. “Are you thirsty? Want some punch or water or something? Or are you not supposed to drink anything?”

She laughed, the sound of wind chimes tinkling in a spring breeze, but her gaze returned to where Mr. Sheridan’s suspicious eyes sent laser beams in their direction. “I think we’re allowed to drink something—as long as it’s not spiked with anything harder than sugar.”

Max shook his head. “No way would I want to give you something harder. I’m having way too much fun talking to you, and I don’t think the conversation would be nearly as interesting with you tipsy.”

Not giving her time to respond, he headed toward the punch table. Was her gaze following his movement across the room as his had followed hers a few minutes before? He snapped his fingers. “God, please don’t let this night end.”

Sweet of Him to Double Check for Punch Tampering

A few minutes later, Max returned, proffering a small clear cup with a bright red, frothy drink inside. Audrey accepted the libation, and a memory flashed through her mind. Eric’s hand wrapping around hers as she held a plastic cup with a little more than punch inside. She shivered. “I don’t drink alcohol.”

Max’s face blanched, and he shook his head. “What? No. This is straight out of the punch bowl, and I sniffed it to make sure none of the kids spiked it.”

Audrey took a sip of the punch. Cold, tart and sweet. The sugar shock helped bring her back to the present. What did they use to make it? Hawaiian Punch? “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply anything. I was afraid I gave you the impression I’m a heavy drinker. You know, from our conversation before you headed off after the punch. I was joking about the punch being spiked with something. And about my being willing to drink it if it was. Because I don’t. Drink, that is. Not anymore.” Trying to hide her embarrassment, she took another sip of the thick liquid. Sweet of him to double check for punch tampering. No pun intended.

Color returned to his cheeks as his facial features relaxed. “I don’t drink alcohol either. Never been a fan of the stuff. I watched what it did to my friends when they drank when I was a teenager, and I never wanted that to happen to me. It still has a hold on some of my friends today.”

Audrey tilted her head. What must Max have been like as a teenager? Straight-laced and dependable, no doubt. Like he was now, according to the vibe he gave off. Her personal history had been marred by a string of flighty decisions and experimentation with all sorts of things she wouldn’t want her students involved in. She certainly wouldn’t want them to learn of her past mistakes. They’d either lose all respect for her, or they’d use her as a scapegoat, justifying their current mistakes based on her past ones.

Her dad always said, “The past has passed, and best let it lie.” He was right, for more than one reason.

Some people wouldn’t let you leave the past behind, however. Lucky no one in Chokeberry Falls knew about some of the things she had done, especially that one thing. Would they even think about entrusting her with their children’s education?  

She closed her eyes and massaged her temple. “Everybody deserves a chance at a fresh start.”

Max’s hand brushed against her arm. Heat coursed through her body at his touch.

Running her finger along the rough surface of her clutch, she gave him a half-smile. “Did I say that out loud?”

Max nodded, his hazel eyes shining with understanding. “You’re right, though. Everybody does deserve a fresh start. I pray that my friends who still struggle with alcohol addiction will one day walk into their own fresh start. God can break every chain that binds us.”

Audrey tilted her head. How passionately Max talked about God. So different from her father’s quiet faith, which he rarely shared with her. Was that what people meant when they talked about having a personal relationship with God? The relationship was tailored according to each individual’s needs and personality? The idea intrigued her. She should visit the Free Grace Baptist Church and find out for herself. Dad would be pleased to see her there. Macie too.

What about Max? Would he be happy to see her at church? Would he sit with her?

Mr. Perryman’s amplified voice broke into Audrey’s thoughts and her conversation with Max. “May I have your attention, please?” When did he return from his meeting? Had he been at the game, and she didn’t see him?

The music stopped, and the teenagers turned to stare at their principal, who stood on the raised platform next to the hired DJ.

He cleared his throat. “It is now time to announce our homecoming queen and king.”

Audrey’s insides churned. Could the homecoming queen and king be anyone other than—?

“Vivienne Gabaldi and David Morris.” Principal Perryman’s next words confirmed her interrupted thoughts.

A few girls in the audience squealed, and everyone applauded as Vivienne and her new boy toy made their way onto the platform to receive their crowns. She wore a sleeveless lavender gown with a slit all the way up to her thigh. He wore a dark suit with a lavender tie and handkerchief sticking out of his pocket. The perfect couple.

On the outside, anyway. Audrey had seen glimpses of the truth in the gym earlier. Thank goodness Josh had also seen it before it was too late. Vivienne would have eaten him alive if given the chance.

Audrey stared at the girl whose beauty was all external, based on the way her hooded eyes glinted with coldness and disdain.

Vivienne caught Audrey looking at her, and her face fell. In a heartbeat, though, the charming smile was once again plastered on. She adjusted her crown. As she brought her hands back to her side, she formed a gun with the fingers of her right hand and aimed straight at her teacher.

Audrey gasped.

Max grasped her arm and turned her to face him. “Are you okay?”

She turned her gaze back to the platform. Vivienne’s arms were both down at her sides now. She clutched a bouquet of white roses in her hand. The picture of innocence and happiness.

Had Audrey imagined the fake gun being pointed at her? She glanced around the room. All other eyes were still on the platform. Everyone smiling. Like nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

She shook her head to try to clear the image of Vivienne’s fingers from her mind.

Max repeated his earlier question. “Audrey, are you okay?”

She pursed her lips. “I—I think I need some air.” She cut her gaze to where Mr. Sheridan stood, talking to his wife and some other teachers. Was it okay for her to leave early? The dance would be over soon.

“You want me to find you a chair and bring you some water?” Max’s hand was still on her arm.

Holding her forehead in her hand, she swayed. “No, I need to get out of here. Go home. I’m more tired than I thought I would be after this long day.”

His brow furrowed. “I’ll walk you to your car. Maybe I should follow you home? Make sure you arrive safely?”

“No need for that. I only live a couple miles away. I’ll be fine.” What would the neighbors think if they saw a strange man pull into Audrey’s driveway? Would he expect her to invite him in? Her current mood was less than hospitable. Not even close to romantic. Her head throbbed, and her heart beat a frantic tattoo in her chest. Why was she still standing here in this gym that was growing stuffier by the second?

Max took the half-empty punch cup from Audrey’s hand and nudged her toward the door. “Come on. Let’s get you home.”

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I hope you’ve enjoyed this early look at my latest novel featuring a homecoming twist on date night. Watch out for finger guns from unruly adolescents, if you decide to give this one a try.

If you want to stay in touch with me to find out when Fireman’s Lesson in Love releases, connect with me on Substack.

Every five days, I release a new podcast episode for free subscribers, where I discuss all things related to writing, life, and faith, all in under five minutes.

Each month paid subscribers get:

• mini educational sessions to help improve your writing and your mental, spiritual, and physical wellness
• a new flash fiction or short story to read
• live Q&A sessions with yours truly

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Don’t forget to check out the next date night idea by author Maria T. Henriksen. Her post will go live tomorrow, February 19, 2025, at her website.