Page 86 of Under the Influence

“Trey and Lauren Clark.”

Wait? Jovie’s Parents?

“You know that what he’s asking you to do isn’t okay?” I ask. “You have to know that, right?”

She doesn’t say much but fidgets around in her chair, smoothing her pencil skirt down, “We’ve settled our differences, Alaina.”

“Have you, though? Just because you’re the pastor’s wife doesn’t mean you can’t have your own identity. Who he is”—I pause and grit—“Is not who you are. You can stop playing the part whenever you want. It’s not healthy.”

She reaches for my hand, squeezing it gently, “You are a smart one, darling. I hope you are always true to yourself.”

I wish she’d be true to herself too. She deserves more, but if she is dumb enough to stay here with him and be his porcelain doll, then that is on her. I’ve spent three years showing them that I can see right through the bullshit.

Earlier I promised Drayton I’d be over for dinner, he said his mom likes to cook on Sundays, so I take a quick shower and debate what to wear.

Do I dress like I usually would? Do I wear a dress?

I’ve met Daria before and been around them a few times, but this seems more formal. It is just dinner with the parents but sending me straight to the chopping block is what it feels like. Would Nash be there? His father?

I take a deep breath, pulling a black wrap dress over my head. I spend a little extra time on my silver hair, too, curling it into waves that fall down my back. I slip into some ankle boots, and by the time I make it down the stairs, I hear Drayton’s voice in my kitchen.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I wasn’t ready for him to meet my mother. I round the bottom of the staircase and feel my face begin to turn pale when I see my mother’s smile. A genuine grin from ear to ear.

Drayton stops laughing when he zeros in on me, his eyes trailing down my body, “Wow, Lainey. You look incredible.”

My mom smacks his arm, “Pick your jaw up off the floor and keep your hands to yourself. Do you understand me, young man?”

Drayton smiles, his eyes never leaving my body, “Yes, ma’am.”

“Mom, this is Drayton Lewis.” I stop, unsure of what to say. Is he my friend, my boyfriend?

“Her boyfriend,” he finishes. “I’m her boyfriend. It’s nice to meet you.”

I feel my heart do a little flip against my ribcage.

My mom smiles at Drayton like she’s never seen a clean-cut kid before in her life. That’s when it hits me, and the irritation fills my entire body. She’s just happy that he’s not Madden.

Judgemental bitch.

I grab Drayton’s hand and drag him quickly toward the door, “I’ll be home later.”

We make it to Drayton’s Jeep, and I slam myself inside, wanting to scream. I pull a cigarette out of my purse and light it up.

“Is everything okay?” Drayton asks, the engine whirring to life.

“Yeah. It’s fine. I’m sorry about my mom.”

“Alaina is a pretty name,” he smiles, and I stare out the window. I remember how the name sounds coming off my father’s lips. I hate it.

“Alaina is gone.”

“Where did she go?” he teases.

“Nash locked her in a closet two years ago. Poor gal never got out.”

He doesn’t have to respond because he knows what I mean. We talked about what happened, about why Nash hates me.