Page 35 of Small Town Sash

Returning to practice, Hadley's movements were mechanical, her mind elsewhere. Every slip, every missed beat whispered Braden's name. Her connection to him had become a liability, a lightning rod for rumors and ridicule, but she still couldn't shake the need to check where he was every so often.

She watched as Braden laughed with one of the stagehands, his easygoing nature a stark contrast to the storm brewing within her. A decision formed, clear as crystal, yet heavy as stone.

"Keep your distance from him," she whispered to herself as if the words could shield her from the gossip. "It's the best way to let the rumors die."

With a deep breath, Hadley focused on her dance moves, determined to perfect her portion of the routine and stand out in all the right ways for once.

Her eyes focused on the back wall, her black hair bouncing along with each turn, twist, and step. She tried to stay focused and determined, but it was hard with so many thoughts swirling around in her head.

"Looking good, Hadley," came a voice from behind her. It was Candace, clad in a beige blouse and black pants. "I have your new dress and wanted to get it over to you and make sure you had it for your session."

"Thanks, Candace," Hadley managed to say between breaths as she came over. "I was about to call you to see if it was ready."

"I think you're going to love it. Your design was amazing and so original," Candace praised as she handed over the garment bag.

Hadley stopped and turned to face her friend. "I wish I could talk longer, but if I don't practice harder and get this just right..."

"No." Candace cut her off. "You're already doing great, Hadley. Believe it or not, you need rest, too."

Hadley sighed and nodded. "Yeah, I guess so."

Candace gave her an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "No matter what happens, you're going to kill it out there."

Hadley watched as her friend left, then gleefully opened up the garment bag to reveal her creation.

The dress inside was an ethereal dream, the fabric was soft cream chiffon that seemed to glow in the stage lights. It had a fitted bodice and a flared-out skirt that would twirl beautifully with each spin she made. The tiniest silver sequins adorned the waistline and trailed down the hem, adding a touch of magic.

Hadley's eyes welled up with tears at the sight. For once, it wasn't about being the prettiest or the most eye-catching. This was something she created, something she was proud of.

"Did I hear right? You made that!" Tina's voice echoed from behind. "Why would you do such a thing? You're not a designer." She chuckled. "I guess the good news is, if you wear that, you're going to help me win."

Hadley turned to face Tina with a defiant smile. "We'll just have to see about that." She carefully zipped up the garment bag, clutching it close. "You may underestimate me, Tina, but I'm more than just a pretty face."

Stifled laughter echoed from behind as Mrs. Matilda Shomacker ambled into the scene. "Oh ho ho," she chuckled, her large belly jiggling with mirth. "This is going to be a beauty pageant I won't forget. I can't wait to see everyone's reaction when you wear that ridiculous dress."

Unable to take their ridicule any longer, Hadley rushed from the backstage. She was just leaving the auditorium when Braden stopped her. "Are you okay?" he asked with concern.

"I'm fine," she brushed off his question. "Just another day in pageant hell." She didn't wait for his response, instead rushing away.

It seemed no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't manage to change what people thought of her. Even designing her own dress was an epic fail. She threw the garment bag into the back of her car with a huff. Maybe she should just give up and do what her mother told her. It had worked in the past. Maybe it was time to accept reality and stop trying to change her life. She was justa simple beauty queen, and she was never going to be more than that, no matter how hard she tried.

Chapter Ten

Braden paced the length of the B&B's quaint parlor, his fingers drumming a staccato rhythm against his thigh. Dash watched from the couch, tilting his head at the unusual restlessness of his partner.

"This isn't easy, boy," Braden muttered. "I know Hadley told me not to get involved, but I can't just sit back and watch other people tear her reputation to shreds. It isn't right."

Dash barked in agreement. Or maybe it was disagreement. Communicating with dogs was a tricky business.

Braden stopped pacing. "You're right, Dash," he sighed, sinking into a plush armchair. "Maybe I'm just overthinking this."

He moved to the window, and to his surprise, he saw Mrs. Shomacker outside talking to her granddaughter on their patio. His gaze was pinned to the view of the two of them, conspiring in hushed tones with Tina Jones and her mother. "Something's not right."

"Talking to the dog now?" Jenesa teased, appearing at the doorway, her curvy frame leaning nonchalantly against the frame.

"Ever feel like you're in a game of Clue?" Braden questioned without turning.

"Mrs. Shomacker in the conservatory with the candlestick?"

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