Page 16 of Small Town Sash

"Wrong. That's exactly who we want to see. The Hadley who devours pizza like a champ." Jenesa's gaze was steady and sincere.

"Be you. Whoever that is," Candace said, reaching over and giving Hadley's hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Even if 'me' doesn't fit the crown?" Hadley's voice was small, but hopeful.

"Especially then," Jenesa's affirmation rang clear.

"Because 'you' is unique. And that's your real power." Avery nodded, nearly toppling her chair in her enthusiasm.

"Thanks, guys," Hadley felt a warmth spreading through her chest, a stark contrast to the coolness of her mother's calculated plans. "For believing I can be more than just a crown and sash."

"That's what friends are for, and that's what we want to be," Candace added her smile, along with the others that were as encouraging as a standing ovation.

"Best. Pageant prep. Ever," Hadley beamed, feeling for the first time that maybe she could wear the crown on her own terms.

As the night continued, plates of half-eaten food lay forgotten as Candace, Jenesa, and Avery swapped tales that had nothing to do with beauty pageants or tiaras.

"Okay, okay," Hadley gasped between chuckles, "your turn, Candace. Worst date?"

"Easy," Candace said, eyes glinting with mischief. "Guy took me to a taxidermy exhibit. Said it was 'educational.'"

"Yikes," Jenesa grimaced.

"Wait, it gets better," Candace continued. "He whispered sweet nothings to me by quoting death rates of the animals."

"Romantic," Avery deadpanned, and they all burst into fresh peals of laughter.

"Enough about bad romance," Jenesa declared, pushing her chair back. "It's time to dance."

"Here?" Hadley blinked, scanning the bustling restaurant.

"No, silly," Avery winked. "At the Coffee Loft. They have line dancing tonight."

"Line dancing?" Hadley's heart leaped in trepidation and excitement.

"Trust us," Candace said, standing up and tossing a few bills on the table. "It's a hoot."

They navigated through the crowded eatery and out into the balmy evening air that hinted at the promise of fun. The neon sign of the Coffee Loft buzzed in welcome, and with each step, Hadley felt an unfamiliar lightness.

Out back in the garden, the rhythmic thumping of boots against a makeshift wooden dance floor filled the space. The instructor, a lady with enthusiasm oozing from every pore, called out steps over the twangy music. They joined the group, falling into the pattern of grapevines and heel taps.

"Step, turn, step together, step," the instructor shouted.

"Whoops," Hadley stumbled slightly, but Candace caught her elbow.

"Laugh it off. I'm the worst at this," Avery shouted over the music, spinning past them with a grin as she, too, tripped and nearly toppled to the ground.

"Got it," Hadley found the beat, her body moving almost without thought once she found her own rhythm. She was clumsy, sure, but she was doing it. And it was...fun. It was so different from the dancing she did for pageants, where every part of it was perfectly choreographed for the viewers.

"Look at you go," Candace cheered, clapping hands with Hadley as they passed in the weave of dancers.

"Never thought I'd be here doing this," Hadley said, breathless with joy.

"Where? On your feet?" Jenesa teased.

"Having fun, feeling...free." Hadley's blue eyes sparkled, reflecting the colorful lights crisscrossing the dance floor.

"Get used to it," Candace whooped, swinging her hips to the beat. "This is just the beginning."

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