Page 86 of Beyond the Temptation: Vol 2

“Right.” I nod. Yet those three weeks seem like an eternity at this point.

My mother walks out onto our front porch, looking perfect from her cream heels all the way up to her twisted updo that doesn’t have a stray hair out of place.

“Good afternoon, Madison,” she says cheerfully.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Sullivan,” Maddie answers.

“How are your parents, dear?” my mother questions.

“They’re great. Thank you.”

“Wonderful. Do tell them I said hello.” My mother gifts Maddie with one of her fake smiles.

“I will.” Maddie nods.

My mother turns her attention to me. Lowering her gaze, she presses her lips into a line as she scans my attire of cutoffs and a tank top. “If you are going to have company, dear, getting dressed would be recommended.”

“I am dressed, Mom.”

“In something suitable.” She gives a curt nod. “Anyway, I was wondering if you changed your mind about coming with me to the council meeting?”

“No, Mom. I have too much going on right now. I have no interest in the city council.” I take a sip of my iced tea.

“Yes, clearly, you are incredibly busy,” she says in a terse tone. “Well, your father and I are going to go to dinner with some friends after the meeting. So we won’t be home until late.”

“Okay,” I say in response.

“It was good to see you, Madison,” my mother says before turning on her heels and heading back inside.

“You too, Mrs. Sullivan,” Maddie says to my mother’s retreating form.

When the front door has closed, the two of us burst out in laughter. “You really should try not to dress like a whore when I come over,” Maddie says through a fit of giggles.

“I can’t help it. I’ve always aspired to be a hooker.” I laugh, feeling lighter.

Maddie lowers her voice. “Seriously, how can she always have such a stick up her butt?”

“I don’t know.” I shake my head. “But it’s always there.”

“We’re looking for a place as soon as school gets out.” Maddie pins me with a warning stare.

“Agreed. I promise,” I say with a chuckle.

“So, do you want to do something tonight?” Maddie asks.

“No, I have a lot of papers to grade. I think I’m just going to stay in.”

“All right. Well, I have to run home and put on something suitable. I’m showing a house in an hour.” Maddie stands from the porch swing.

“Have fun. Make sure to make someone’s dream come true, Ms. Tate,” I say in jest.

“That’s the plan.” She shoots me a wink before skipping off the porch. “Let’s go to Charleston tomorrow. I need some new summer attire.”

“Me, too,” I agree. “Sounds like a plan. See you tomorrow.”

“Bye.” Maddie smiles before jumping into her shiny navy Mustang convertible.

“Bye.” I wave as the loud engine of her sports car sounds, and she pulls out of the drive.

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