Bayside Opposites by Stacy Claflin

Author:Stacy Claflin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Stacy Claflin

Thirteen

Madisyn spun around in front of the tri-fold full-length mirror, studying every angle she could. The dress was stunning, and the deep blue really made her light blue eyes pop. Her hair cascaded down her back in freshly-curled waves.

“Are you ready to go?” Her mom appeared behind her, wearing a dress she claimed was an exact replica of what the First Lady had worn just two weeks earlier.

“I wish you’d let Nate drive me.”

Her expression tightened. “We’re arriving as a family.”

“Oh, is Layne coming?” Madisyn didn’t bother keeping the snark out of her tone. Her parents had been wearing on her all day as they prepared for the ball.

“Of course not. She’s pregnant and throwing up every hour. She can’t be expected to come all the way from Dallas.” Mom fixed her hair while she stared at her reflection.

“What if I was going with Reese?” Madisyn quipped. “Then would we go as a family?”

Mom snapped her head toward her daughter, her eyes wide with surprise. “Do you want to? There’s still time—he has plenty of tuxes and could be ready to pick you up at a moment’s notice.”

Madisyn buried her face in her palms. “No. I was just asking if you’d let him drive me.”

“You know we would. Stop being obstinate.”

Blinking back tears, she turned to her mom. “Yet you won’t let me ride with Nate. Why can’t you support a single decision I’ve made?”

Her mom’s mouth gaped, and for once she was without words.

“I graduated from SPU, your alma-mater, with two degrees. I’d think you’d be proud, and that you’d trust me to make the decisions that I want. Do you want me to live a happy life or a miserable one?”

“I-I… of course I want you to be happy.”

“Then why are you trying to force me into a relationship with a man I have no interest in?”

“I’m not forcing anything. You’re going to the ball as Nathan Roberts’ date. Reese isn’t even going to be there.” She sounded like she was choking back a sob.

“Mom, you know what I mean. You keep forcing the topic. You won’t let me drive to the dance with my date, but you would if I was going with Reese.”

She glanced around, took a deep breath, and stepped closer to Madisyn. “Your father is putting a lot of pressure on me, Mads. A lot. He really wants our family and the Rutherfords—”

“I know how Dad feels, but can I at least get a little support from you?”

Mom stepped so close they were nearly touching and lowered her voice. “He’s been yelling a lot lately. More than usual. I’m surprised he’s kept his cool around you this long, but I told him I would try to convince you. I’m trying to protect you, Mads.”

Madisyn’s hands turned cold. She shook as anger engulfed her. “Is he threatening you? Be honest.”

“No.” Mom put her hand on Madisyn’s arm. “Just know I want you happy above all else. No amount of money is worth a miserable marriage.” Tears shone in her eyes.

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