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I turn in that direction, praying the large masculine presence behind me won’t stick around for the showdown that’s about to take place.
I can only watch as the woman who is my mother approaches. Her blond hair is delicately swept up, her pearl necklace in place, and her soft blue ball gown crisp as usual.
My mother and I could not be more different regarding practically everything. From our looks to our personalities to how we think I should live my life.
“Andrea, what are you doing out here, and what in the world are you wearing? That is not the dress that I sent over for you. This…” She reaches out, gesturing with her hand. “This dress is–”
“Stunning.” I hear a low voice come from just behind me.
The shock on my mother's face probably matches mine, and it might be the very first time we’ve ever encountered common ground. I have no doubt it’ll only last a second. The thought makes me smile as I turn to peer over my shoulder at Sean, who I find standing just inches from me, his brow furrowed.
“You look incredible.” His eyes meet mine before floating over my head to my mother.
“Andrea. Who is this man?” Her quick question has my head whipping around, but her panic continues. “You’re…Briceis here. He’s sitting at our table. It’s full, so there’s no room for your…friend.”
“Mother,” I cut in, intending to tell her that Sean is not my date, but then I hear my name again.
“Andie.” Jonesy joins our growing little group. “You all set?”
I try to smile as he leans in to hug me, but the comfort is fleeting. “I will be now that you’re here.”
“Good. The ladies are just behind me.” Ignoring my mom, Jonesy looks at Sean, one eyebrow arching up as he offers his hand. “Jonesy.”
“Sean.” He sticks his hand out in return.
Jonesy looks back at me with a questioning look, and I stand there like an idiot, letting whatever conclusion be drawn for now.
“Andrea,” my mother snaps, but a little more quietly this time. “What exactly is going on here?”
“Jonesy and a couple of other friends are helping me out this evening.” I really hope she’ll let this be, buuuuutttt I know better.
“What kind of help? I picked out the piece you’ll be playing.Thatis what you’re performing tonight.”
Jonsey lets out a tiny chuckle while I hold back my own smirk. “I’ll find you in a few.” He squeezes my forearm before leaving me.
I’d really like Sean not to witness this bit of humiliation, but for some reason, his large presence is anchored in place.
When I don’t respond, she gets even more agitated, lowering her voice and stepping in just a little closer. “Andrea, there are very important people here tonight. Your father’s colleagues, our friends, people of the community…They’re expecting you to play–”
I cut her off. “I don’t care if Santa Claus himself is here. I’m doing this my way or not at all. Your choice, Mother.” I pin her with a look so she understands I mean what I say.
She pulls back, stiffening, but doesn’t say anything. In her silence, a hot flash envelops my body, and sweat starts to collect under my arms. I wonder if it’s possibly radiating from the big guy behind me. I peek to find he’s stepped even closer, almost pressed against me.
What…is going on?
This guy was concerned about being seen with me before but clearly doesn’t have an issue when it’s my public dress-down.
“Darling, there you are.” I close my eyes but hold in my groan as my head falls back. I stop it just before it meets Sean's chest. My dad rolls up to our little hallway party and puts an arm around my mother. “Andrea, I didn’t see you come in.” He leans in to kiss my cheek.
My father is a tall man with gray hair and has always been the absent, easier-going of the two. The problem is, my mother runs the show. I guess it makes sense, given his time was spent with a scalpel in his hand rather than at home or with me. I’ve understood it’s part of the career and consumes his life.
He looks at Sean, who’s still standing with me.
“Dr. Taninbaugh.” My dad sticks out his hand, and Sean accepts it.
“Sean Greyson.”
As if Sean standing here is really of no matter to him, he returns to my mother. “Donna, people are arriving. We need to get back in there. Also, what’s this I hear about Andrea singing at a Tigers game?” My dad frowns as my mother’s face takes on a whole new dimension of horror.
