Page 64 of The Jackpot Screwer
The men paved the way for us, moving people to one side with Dad actually saying, “Lady with a baby, coming through,” at one point, which earned him a poke from me. Finally, we were right in front of the stage that had been set up in the middle of the field. Hunter and Ellie were there, as were Alaska, Jennifer and Minnesota who we were supposed to have spent the day with. I was surprised to see Nancy Andrews amongst them and what was more surprising was that she was holding onto Minnesota’s hand—so the aunts had been right.
“Where did you get to?” Ellie asked, leaving Hunter’s side and coming to me. “Every time I saw you, you disappeared. Why didn’t you spend the day with us? We’ve had loads of fun.”
“Me too,” I replied truthfully, because I truly had.
It’d been nice spending time with the older folks, even though we’d spent far too much time and money trying to dunk the Delaney twins. The in jokes and banter that only lifelong friendships could get away with, had been entertaining to be around. It had also been good to witness Mom and Dad enjoying each other’s company.
“Not sure I’m looking forward to this, though.” I nodded toward Talia who was standing just two steps away from the stage. “I don’t want to watch her being crowned.”
Ellie shrugged. “She may not.”
“I think she may, there’s no competition.”
We both looked over to see that Talia was the only person standing with Grady, as she looked expectantly at the sash and crown.
“It’s so annoying,” I huffed. “I really wanted to make it a hat trick of wins before retiring.”
“Oh my God,” Ellie cried. “I’d forgotten that you’d won it twice before. But you don’t have to retire. There’s always next year.”
“What? No way. How the hell can I run for Easter Queen with stretch marks, saggy titties and bags under my eyes from lack of sleep?” I shook my head. “Nope, the Easter Queen does not come complete with nipple pads, a stroller and baby puke on her shirt.”
“You really are an idiot.” Ellie rolled her eyes and then turned to the stage. “Oh, God, they’re about to announce it. This is so exciting.”
I looked at her and frowned. Since when had Ellie been so interested in the Easter Queen?
As Ellie clapped and bounced excitedly, Hunter grinned and pulled her against his side, kissing her temple. Seeing them wind themselves around each other, helped my spirits rise. At least my best friend was getting the man she deserved and loved. All I could hope was that Carter and I remained friends for the baby’s sake.
“Okay, ladies and gentlemen,” Grady called over the microphone. “It’s time to announce your Easter Queen.”
Talia took a step forward and started to wave regally at the crowd and it took all my effort not to puke.
“I’m not sure I can watch this,” I whispered to Ellie.
“Stay,” she hissed back. “Be the better person.”
With a shake of my head and a sigh, I kept my spot beside her and waited for Talia’s name to be called out.
“With the biggest vote we’ve ever had,” Grady continued. “I can happily say…”
“Oh no, someone broke my mom’s record,” I gasped.
“Shush,” Ellie replied. “Just listen.”
“I can happily say that with nine thousand and twenty votes, our winner this year is…” The unified sound of all the spectators inhaling with expectation combined with the drum roll of the town band. “Bronte Jackson.”
There were cheers and squeals as Ellie pulled me into her side, only for me to then be dragged from her arms into Dad’s so he and Mom could smother me with kisses. Jefferson and Hunter shouted their congratulations and Alaska began chanting my name, while Henry and Melinda whooped. I was hugged and kissed and couldn’t quite believe I’d won. It was a small town, dated, cliched contest but I was overjoyed to have won it.
“Bronte,” Grady finally called. “Please come up to the stage.”
The crowd parted and I made my way to Grady, ready to receive my sash and crown. Totally shocked but undeniably elated.
“Congratulations, Bronte.” Grady said as he hugged me. “A huge vote. And congratulations to your runner up, with the other two votes…”
I turned and flashed a false smile at Talia, not caring that I was being a sore winner.
“Mrs. Callahan.”
The crowd gasped collectively, and Mrs. Callahan stepped on the stage next to me while Talia turned and pushed away through the onlookers.
