Page 55 of Truth or Dare

“You can’t live your parents’ life, Pres. She needs to understand that.”

I let out a deep breath, the weight of his words settling in. “I know. Just be prepared, because I might be grounded.”

He chuckled softly, the sound easing my tension a bit. “We’ll figure it out.”

I heard the familiar rumble of the garage door as it creaked open, my heart racing again. “I have to go; they’re home.”

“Good luck. Call me after,” he said, his voice steady.

“I love you, Huddy,” I replied, feeling a warmth spread through me.

“Love you too,” he echoed, and I hung up, taking a deep breath as I braced myself for whatever was waiting on the other side of the door.

My mother narrowed her eyes,her expression a mixture of disbelief and frustration. “So let me get this straight—you broke up with Evan and quit cheerleading all in one day?”

I nodded, tugging nervously at a frayed string on the hem of my sweatshirt. “Yeah.”

“And you’re dating Hudson Evert? Is that it, or do you want to tell me you robbed a convenience store or burned down a church?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

“Evelyn,” my father interjected, his tone calm but firm. “It’s not that bad. Personally, I think Presley is old enough to make her own decisions. If she didn’t want to continue with cheerleading, she has a right to quit.”

I made a mental note to thank my father in private later; he always seemed to be my anchor during these storms.

My mother let out a frustrated breath, running a hand through her hair. “Peter, she had one more month. I don’t understand what the big deal is.”

I frowned, memories flooding my mind. My mother had been everything at Ryland—head cheerleader, homecoming queen two years in a row, spring queen, and dated only the most popular guys.

My father had been the star quarterback, crowned homecoming king and spring king, winning the state championship his senior year. It was disgusting how popular they still were, even twenty-five years later. I could hear teachers reminiscing about them, gushing over what a cute couple they’d made. It made me nauseous.

I steeled myself, meeting my mother’s intense gaze. “The big deal is that I don’t want to do it anymore. I can find better things to do with my time.”

“Like what?” she shot back, arms crossed.

“Like joining some clubs. I’ve wanted to do yearbook.”

“You could still do that and finish cheerleading,” she insisted.

I leaned my head back against the top of the couch, feeling exhausted. “Are we done? I’m not perfect like you. I’m sorry.”

My mother reached out, grabbing my hand gently. “It’s not about being perfect. It never was.”

Tears stung my eyes as I blinked back the emotion. “Then why does it feel like it is?”

“Honey, I just wanted you to enjoy your high school experience,” she said softly, her voice tinged with concern.

I lifted my head, a surge of defiance coursing through me. “I am.”

“And what happened with Evan?” she asked, concern etched on her face.

I glanced at my father, who had been quietly observing. “He was an asshole. He changed since the summer.”

She shifted closer, her tone becoming more serious. “Did he pressure you?”

A wave of panic washed over me. If my father knew what I’d done with Hudson, I could only imagine the heart attack it would give him. “No, that wasn’t the reason. It was just time. He’s interested in everything but treating me the way he should. I’m done.”

“And Hudson?” my father asked, his curiosity piqued.

I couldn’t help the smile that broke across my face. “He’s different, and it’s not puppy love.”

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