Page 56 of Effortless

“Yes?”

“Your clothes are on the floor by the door.”

“Thanks, darling.”

“You’re welcome.”

“He’s not going to be happy, Hadley.”

“He’ll survive.”

When Mom turns around I smile as if everything is perfectly normal.

“Well?” she grumps. “Is it as bad as I think it is?”

“You look great, Mom.”

She rolls her eyes and grabs the brush off the dresser. “Right. I look ridiculous.”

I glance down at myself in my shorts and Nashville sweatshirt. “Do I look ridiculous to you?”

“No, because this is what you are used to wearing. This isn’t me.”

“It could be. Are you comfortable?”

“That’s not the point.”

That means yes. “It is exactly the point. You don’t have to dress to impress every single day. Wear what’s comfortable and makes you feel good. I bet those leggings make your butt look great,” I add with a grin.

“Hadley!” she gasps.

“It’s true. Look.”

“I will do no such thing.”

“Lift your shirt and turn around.”

“This is absurd.”

“Do it.”

She does what I ask and I snap a picture of her.

“See? Look at your booty pop.”

“My what do what?”

I laugh. “It means look how good your butt looks.”

She looks at the screen before she can hide it, and I see a ghost of a smile cross her face.

“I suppose it looks okay.”

I shake my head. She’s so transparent.

“Do you have any mascara or concealer?”

“Yup. I’ll warn you. It’s from the drug store so it’s not your usual brand but it works.”

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