Page 182 of As They Are
“You’re right,” I replied. “I don’t think I do.”
The implication was heavy. If I didn’t have what it took, then it meant the show was over. Madison had always talked like we’d be doing this forever. This was my first hint to her that I was done.
“You’ll get there,” Madison said. “Especially once we’re back in Nashville.”
“I don’t wanna be back in Nashville.”
“And neither do the people,” Mollie added. “You know the ratings. People aretalking.”
“Yes, they are. But it’s about the storylineIcreated. That little video did nothing. They want you with Jude.”
“I’m sure if another one got posted, people would see why she’s choosing Henry.”
“Another won’t pop up.”
Mollie raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure? I had fun posting the first one.”
Madison’s nostrils flared, and what Mollie had said hit me at the same time it did her.
I blinked. “Wait, the video. You posted that? Were you at the library?”
She snickered. “I wanted to take some inspiration from my best friend and see the inside before it was all done. And then I saw who Wren has the most chemistry with.”
“I don’t take advice from nobodies,” Madison hissed. “I know what’s best.”
“Sure. Sure. We’ll see about that.”
“It’smyshow.”
“I have a say too,” I said.
Madison’s jaw tightened and she shook her head, beginning to stomp away.
“Really?” Mollie called after her. “You’re giving up that easily?”
“You won’t listen anyway. Besides”—she turned with a smile that looked anything but kind on her face—“I have a finale to prepare for.”
33
HENRY
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Marjorie Brown: I’ve been in such a good mood that I deserve to be taken down a few notches. Got anything mean for me? You know you want to ...
Comments:
Kerry Winsor: @Marjorie BrownI’m not over you calling me fat!
Mark Bell: Or the time you made me lose a drinking game in my own bar.
SherriffMike Finch: You also will not update your tags. Good grief, woman, you’re gonna get a ticket from anyone else!
Hu Gh: This is a fun game. You suck.
Marjorie Brown: I did NOT consent to this! Henrietta did this when I left my phone unlocked. She’s not as nice as you think she is!!!
The whole townsquare was alight with celebration. Kerry had arranged for banners and balloons to be brought out, and as the person who’d maintained the square, I’d told her where to put them all. She’d gone one step further, deeming that we should make a collective to ensure Strawberry Springs stayed beautiful, and I’d somehow agreed.
