Page 75 of Picture Perfect

Where are you?

Answer your phone now, Addy.

Your father and I demand to know when you'll return.

Each message is a cold finger tracing my spine, reminding me of the life I'm momentarily escaping. I try to keep my face neutral, but I can feel Chess's eyes on me, noting the shift in my demeanor.

"Everything okay?" His voice is low, threaded with concern that seems genuine.

"Uh, yeah." I force a smile that doesn't reach my eyes. "Just my mom. She wants to know when I'll be home."

"Speaking of home," Mason begins, a slight hesitation in his voice as if he's weighing his words carefully. "We've been invited over for dinner again tonight at your house."

"Really?" I manage to murmur, tucking away my phone. The device feels heavy with Cheryl's demands.

"Yes. Your parents seem keen to nurture the budding friendship between you, Gen, and Rhett."

"Right."

Dre catches my glance and gives me a subtle nod, as if to say, 'We've got your back.' It's strange how the simple presence of these people around me can make the prospect of facing another night at the Winthrop residence seem bearable.

I just wish I knew what they wanted from me.

??????

The moment the car's tires crunch over the gravel of our driveway, I feel it—the impending interrogation. As soon as I step out, Cheryl is at the door, arms folded, her eyes narrowing into slits that could cut glass.

"Addy," she begins, her voice a mix of faux concern and underlying steel, "you were gone far too long."

William looms behind her, his presence like a silent storm cloud ready to burst. "Yes, your... friends," he says, the word 'friends' oozing disdain, "seem to have quite an influence on you. We don't like you spending nights away from home."

No, I don't imagine you do.

I tuck a strand of blonde hair behind my ear, steadying myself. "I'm sorry. We were getting back so late, and you had told Gen it was okay," I reply, trying to keep my voice even. They can't know how much their scrutiny cracks the armor I've built around my heart.

"And how was I supposed to say no to the girl? You should have known better, Adelaide."

"You told me to give them whatever they wanted? Gen wanted me to join her at the party and stay over afterward."

"Really?" Cheryl pounces on my words. "That's not what Wesley suggested."

"Doesn't matter what Wesley suggests," I shoot back before I can stop myself.

"Adelaide," William says sharply, "this behavior is unbecoming. You're a Winthrop—you must act accordingly."

I nod, though every fiber in me wants to rebel. "Understood."

"Go to your room. We'll discuss consequences later," Cheryl commands with a dismissive wave. "Be prepared for dinner by 4:30 sharp. The Whitmans and their riffraff will be joining us this evening. Your dress is on your bed. Do not disappoint."

As I ascend the staircase, I can almost feel the weight of their stares drilling into my back. My room is supposed to be a sanctuary, but as I push the door open, I'm greeted by the last person I want to see—Wesley, standing there like he's the king of my personal space.

"Thought you could sneak back in, huh?" His voice drips with accusation and something uglier.

"Get out, Wesley," I demand, my hands balling into fists.

"They know you're whoring yourself out to all three of those heathens." He steps closer, his height meant to intimidate.

"Just as I was told," I snap, green eyes blazing despite the tremor in my words.

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