Page 33 of Small Town Sash

"Wilders never quit," her mother called after her, and Hadley forced a smile. As she stepped onto the stage, she felt the weightof eyes on her, judgmental and expectant. Her newfound sense of self-worth seemed to slip through her fingers like sand.

"Spotlight's on you, Hadley," the stage director announced, oblivious to the internal battle raging within her.

"Let's give them a show," she replied, forcing the words out. And with a deep breath, she started her walk to the center stage, each step a silent challenge to the whispers and the doubts, a declaration that she wouldn't be brought down so easily. Not today.

"Is that music I hear?" Braden asked, squinting at the stage. Dash, the golden retriever, pricked up his ears.

On stage, Hadley opened her mouth to sing, and all eyes were on her. What her mother didn't know was that she chose a different song and submitted it secretly for this competition. As the words of the new song came out, all eyes were on her. The song spoke of independence and finding oneself; each word was a whispered plea from her soul for everyone to see her differently. It was different from what most pageant contestants chose to sing, and that's exactly why she picked it.

"Wow, incredible," she heard Braden say from the judges' panel.

"She's more than just a pretty face," someone else added, encouraging her to continue and finish with her grand finale of vocal flurries.

Backstage, one of the girls muttered jealously, "I didn't know she could sing like that."

"Neither did I," admitted another.

On stage, Hadley took a bow as the scattered audience began to clap. Hadley couldn't help but grin at them all. Her heart pounded in her chest. Even though it was only a handful of people, it felt like she just performed at the Grand Ole Opry.

Lily huffed in disbelief. "Who knew she had that in her."

"Just because she can sing doesn't mean she can win," Mrs. Shomacker challenged, but even she couldn't hide a hint of envy over Hadley's performance.

Backstage, Hadley allowed herself a moment of victory. She'd done it. Contrary to her mother's plans and Mrs. Shomacker's doubts, she'd shown them all that there was more to her than just being a beauty queen.

"Great job, Hadley," one of the few friendly contestants shouted, offering an awkward thumbs-up.

"Thanks," Hadley replied, managing a small smile. A real one this time.

Mrs. Balster, who had been watching from the shadows nearby, clapped her hands together. "My word," she said, real pride in her voice. "I didn't think you had it in you."

"Neither did I." Hadley winked back at her.

Mrs. Shomacker continued to complain and muttered something about 'the nerve of some people.' Hadley tried to ignore it, but the other woman continued to go on to anyone who would listen and said that Hadley was using her connection to Braden to win the pageant.

Hadley stepped out of the auditorium, her head still spinning from the intense practice. She couldn't wait to get away from all the pageant drama and visit her friends at the B&B. They always knew how to lift her spirits and make her forget about all the pressure she was under.

A few minutes later, Hadley's heels clicked on the hardwood floor of the B&B's quaint parlor as she paced, a frown etched between her perfectly arched brows.

"Trouble in the pageant world?" Avery asked, looking up from her spot on the couch next to Hunter. She was sprawled out with Hunter's K9 partner, with Duchess's head resting on her lap. Cleo, her cat, was snuggled in on the other side.

Hadley's frown deepened as she watched her friend stroke the border collie's fur. "Just Mrs. Shomacker being her usual self," Hadley shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant.

Hunter snorted. "What's she done this time? Poisoned someone's coffee?"

"No," Hadley laughed, "Just spreading rumors about me and...Braden."

"Ah," Avery paused, her hand stilling in Duchess's fur. "What do the rumors say?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"They say I'm using my relationship with Braden to win the pageant," Hadley admitted, cheeks flushing.

Hunter threw back his head and laughed. "Well, then it must be true," he teased.

Hadley playfully swatted his arm. "It's not funny, Hunter. I could get disqualified if the mayor hears about this."

"And would that be that bad?" he questioned with a shrug.

"It sure would. I've put a lot of time into this, and my mom would be heartbroken."

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