Prom Night Dread

Wes Bennett faces prom night with a heavy heart, knowing the girl he's loved forever, Liz Buxbaum, is attending with Michael—the boy she's always adored. The event is a blur of forced smiles and aching glances, as Wes tries to distract himself with his date, Alex, but can't escape the sight of Liz in her beautiful dress, laughing with someone else. Every moment is a reminder of what he's lost, and the night feels like a cruel confirmation that Liz is slipping away from him for good.

Unbearable Jealousy

As Wes watches Liz and Michael together, jealousy consumes him. He's tormented by the thought that Michael now sees the special qualities in Liz that Wes has cherished in secret for years. The pain is physical, and every smile Liz gives Michael feels like a betrayal. Wes's internal struggle is raw—he wants to be happy for Liz, but can't help feeling possessive and left behind, especially as he remembers their shared moments and the dress she wore for him, now forever linked to someone else.

The Secret Area

After the dance, Wes and Alex retreat to their "Secret Area," a private spot where they can avoid the after-prom party and the people they're both trying to forget. The atmosphere is lighter, with jokes and shared stories, but the underlying sadness remains. The Secret Area represents a safe haven, a place to process their disappointments and find comfort in each other's company, away from the pressures and heartbreak of prom night.

Awkward Encounters

Wes and Alex are startled to find Liz sneaking around the Secret Area, wearing Wes's sweatshirt and acting suspiciously. Liz fumbles through a series of obvious lies about chasing her cat and losing a lucky penny, her nervousness betraying deeper feelings. The encounter is awkward and unresolved, leaving Wes more confused and desperate for answers, as he senses Liz is hiding something important.

The Lucky Penny Lie

Liz's rambling about a lost penny is a thinly veiled metaphor for her feelings about Wes—realizing too late how much he means to her. Wes, frustrated and hurt, can't decipher her true intentions, and the moment passes without resolution. The penny becomes a symbol of overlooked love and regret, highlighting the miscommunication and emotional distance between them.

S'mores and Soundtracks

After Liz leaves, Wes discovers evidence of her affection: s'mores ingredients, a broken CD labeled "The Wes and Liz Soundtrack," and a heart drawn in tomato sauce. These tokens reveal Liz's attempt to reach out and express her feelings, but the message is muddled by her awkwardness and the circumstances. Wes is left reeling, torn between hope and confusion about what Liz truly wants.

The Note on the Door

Wes finds a note from Liz taped to his door, inviting him back to the Secret Area. The gesture suggests she's been waiting for him, and Wes's excitement is tempered by anxiety—he's desperate for clarity and a chance to salvage their relationship. The note is a turning point, signaling that Liz may feel the same way he does, if only they can finally communicate honestly.

Waiting in the Car

When Wes returns home, he finds Liz sitting in her car, unable to face him. Her reluctance to get out and talk underscores her vulnerability and fear of rejection. Wes, impatient and determined, confronts her, setting the stage for a long-overdue conversation about their feelings and the misunderstandings that have kept them apart.

Emotional Confrontation

The confrontation between Wes and Liz is charged with emotion. Wes demands honesty, tired of games and mixed signals, while Liz struggles to articulate her feelings. Both are hurt and defensive, but beneath the anger lies a deep longing for connection. The conversation is messy and real, exposing their insecurities and the pain of almost losing each other.

Confessions and Realizations

Liz admits that Michael isn't the one she wants—Wes is. She confesses that being with Michael can't compare to the simple joys she shares with Wes, like eating burgers or making s'mores. Wes, in turn, reveals that Alex is just a friend, and that Liz has always been the one for him. Their mutual confessions dissolve the barriers between them, allowing them to see each other clearly for the first time.

The Kiss Under Streetlight

Overwhelmed by relief and happiness, Wes and Liz share a passionate kiss under the streetlight, finally giving in to the feelings they've both tried to suppress. The moment is electric, filled with laughter, longing, and the sense that they've found something truly special. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the kiss marks the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship.

Parental Interruption

Just as Wes and Liz are lost in their embrace, Liz's father and stepmother interrupt, calling her inside. The intrusion is both embarrassing and endearing, grounding their romance in the reality of family life. Despite the interruption, the connection between Wes and Liz remains unshaken, and their playful banter with her parents adds warmth and humor to the scene.

Midnight Messages

Back in their separate rooms, Wes and Liz exchange playful, heartfelt text messages. Their conversation is filled with jokes, flirtation, and genuine affection, as they make plans for a date the next day. The texts reveal how comfortable and happy they are together, and how much they've missed being each other's confidant and favorite person.

The Perfect Day Ahead

Wes proposes an early morning donut date, unable to wait to see Liz again. Their excitement is palpable, and they joke about spending the whole day together. The anticipation of their "big, fat, endless date" symbolizes a fresh start, free from misunderstandings and unspoken feelings. Both are eager to make up for lost time and embrace the happiness they've found in each other.

From Enemies to Lovers

Wes and Liz reflect on their history, acknowledging the "enemies to lovers" trope that has defined their relationship. Their playful teasing and shared memories highlight how far they've come—from childhood rivals to best friends to something more. The transformation is both satisfying and authentic, rooted in years of shared experiences and growing affection.

New Beginnings

The story ends with Wes and Liz looking forward to their future, confident in their love and excited for what's to come. Their journey has been messy and imperfect, but they've learned to communicate, trust, and appreciate each other. The promise of new adventures and endless days together leaves them—and the reader—filled with hope and joy.

Characters

Wes Bennett

Wes is the emotional heart of the story, a boy who's loved Liz for as long as he can remember. He's introspective, prone to jealousy, and struggles with vulnerability, but his loyalty and depth of feeling set him apart. Wes's journey is one of self-discovery—learning to express his emotions honestly and fight for what he wants. His relationship with Liz is complicated by years of friendship, rivalry, and unspoken love, but ultimately, he grows into someone capable of both giving and receiving love without fear.

Liz Buxbaum

Liz is Wes's lifelong friend and secret crush, a girl who hides her true feelings behind sarcasm and awkward humor. She's torn between her old crush on Michael and her deep, unacknowledged love for Wes. Liz's journey is about recognizing her own desires and finding the courage to be vulnerable. Her metaphors and clumsy attempts at confession reveal her fear of rejection, but her eventual honesty paves the way for a genuine connection with Wes.

Alex

Alex is Wes's prom date and confidante, dealing with her own unrequited crush on Adam. She provides emotional support and levity, helping Wes process his feelings for Liz. Alex's presence highlights the importance of friendship and the shared experience of teenage heartbreak, serving as a mirror for Wes's struggles.

Michael Young

Michael is the boy Liz has always liked, but he remains largely in the background. His role is to catalyze the realization that Liz's feelings for Wes are deeper and more meaningful. Michael is not a villain, but his presence forces both Wes and Liz to confront their true emotions.

Helena

Helena adds warmth and comic timing, especially during the parental interruption scene. She advocates for Liz's happiness and provides a bridge between Liz and her father, making the family dynamic more relatable and endearing.

Mr. Buxbaum

Liz's dad is a classic, slightly overbearing parent who cares deeply for his daughter. His interruptions are both embarrassing and affectionate, grounding the story in the realities of teenage life and family expectations.

Adam

Adam is mostly referenced through Alex's stories, serving as a parallel to Wes's feelings for Liz. His presence underscores the theme of longing and the pain of loving someone who doesn't notice you.

The Secret Area

While not a character, the Secret Area functions as a character in its own right—a place where Wes and Liz confront their feelings and share their most honest moments. It represents safety, nostalgia, and the possibility of new beginnings.

Plot Devices

Miscommunication and Missed Signals

The story relies heavily on miscommunication—Liz's awkward metaphors, Wes's jealousy, and both characters' reluctance to be honest. These missed signals create tension and delay their eventual union, but also allow for character growth as they learn to express themselves more clearly.

Symbolism of the Penny

Liz's story about losing a lucky penny is a symbolic confession of her feelings for Wes. The penny represents something ordinary yet invaluable, mirroring how Liz has taken Wes for granted until she realizes his true worth. This metaphor deepens the emotional resonance of their reconciliation.

The Secret Area as Sanctuary

The Secret Area is a recurring setting where key emotional moments occur. It serves as a sanctuary from the outside world, allowing Wes and Liz to drop their defenses and confront their feelings honestly. The setting reinforces the theme of finding safety and truth in intimacy.

Parental Interruption for Comic Relief

The interruption by Liz's parents during the climactic kiss adds humor and realism, reminding the characters (and readers) that love stories unfold within the messiness of everyday life. This device balances the intensity of the romance with lightheartedness.

Text Messages as Modern Connection

The late-night text exchange between Wes and Liz showcases how technology facilitates vulnerability and connection in contemporary relationships. Their playful, honest messages reveal their personalities and solidify their bond, making their romance feel authentic and relatable.

Analysis

"Better than the Prom" is a heartfelt, witty exploration of teenage love, longing, and the messy journey from friendship to romance. Lynn Painter captures the emotional turbulence of adolescence—the fear of rejection, the pain of unrequited love, and the joy of finally being seen and chosen. The story's strength lies in its authentic dialogue, relatable characters, and clever use of metaphor and setting. By centering the narrative on miscommunication and the courage to be vulnerable, Painter reminds readers that love often hides in plain sight, waiting for us to recognize its value. The book's modern touches—texting, pop culture references, and awkward humor—make it accessible and engaging, while its core message about honesty, self-worth, and the transformative power of love resonates across generations. Ultimately, "Better than the Prom" is a celebration of imperfect people finding perfect moments together, and the hope that comes with new beginnings.

Last updated: May 7, 2025