Page 30 of Small Town Sash

Braden returned the look, his own eyes softening. "Well, we showed her," he said under his breath.

Hadley laughed softly. "Yeah," she agreed. "We did."

They stood side by side as Mrs. Shomacker made a hasty retreat amidst a chorus of chuckles and whispers. Braden watched Hadley wring her hands, the aftermath of Mrs. Shomacker's latest rumor mill churning visibly through her. Thestage was empty now, a stark contrast to the earlier hustle of the final practice, and the quietness seemed to amplify her stress.

"Sushi?" Braden queried after several beats of silence.

"Hmm?"

"Dinner? Us? Sushi? My treat. You can demolish some raw fish, and I'll suffer through it with a smile."

Hadley's eyes flicked up, the blue in them stormy. "Braden, you know we can't."

"Can't eat?" He cocked his head, feigning innocence.

"Can't be seen out together," she corrected, a sad smile touching her lips. "Not now. It would just...feed the fire."

"Ah, right." Braden stuffed his hands into his pockets, feeling the weight of disappointment settle in his chest. "The optics."

"Exactly." She sighed. "Optics."

"Did I tell you that I despise optics," he muttered. Then, more seriously, "Look, Hadley, I just want to make things easier for you."

"By taking me out?" She raised an eyebrow. "In this small town? That's like trying to douse a bonfire with gasoline."

"Point taken." Braden kicked at a loose floorboard on the stage, sending a hollow thump echoing through the empty auditorium. "You're under enough pressure as it is, huh?"

"Pressure," she scoffed gently. "That's one word for it."

"Then forget I asked." His voice softened. "Just remember, I'm here for you. Whatever you need."

"Thank you, Braden." Her smile reached her eyes this time, a touch of the old sparkle returning. "But what I need is to not complicate my life any further."

"Complicated, simple..." He shrugged. "I'm good either way. Just say the word."

"Word is 'thanks,'" she replied, a playful note creeping back into her tone. "But I'll keep that in mind."

"Good." He nodded, satisfied for the moment. "Now go home and get some rest. Beauty queens need their beauty sleep, right?"

"Right." Hadley chuckled, but there was fatigue behind the sound. "See you tomorrow, Braden."

"Tomorrow," he echoed, watching her go. He knew better than to push it. Hadley had a crown to win, and he wouldn't be the reason she lost her shot.

Two hours later, the thud of darts and the clink of glasses filled the dimly lit Rusty Hinge. Braden's hand hovered, unsteady, as he aimed for the well-worn dartboard.

"Come on, man," Sawyer chuckled, slapping him on the back. "You've got this."

Braden released the dart with a flick of his wrist. It sailed through the air and barely hit the outside ring.

"Looks like your aim's off tonight, buddy," Mike, another friend wisecracked, raising his bottle in a mock toast.

"Maybe it's not the aim," Braden muttered, retrieving the wayward dart. "Maybe it's the target."

The group erupted into laughter, but it didn't reach Braden's eyes. He forced a smile, though it felt as hollow as the laughter that surrounded him.

"All right, enough fun for one night," he said, setting down the dart. "I'm heading back to the B&B."

"Already?" Sawyer called out. "It's early."

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