Page 94 of Breaking Rules
Chapter Twenty-Seven
MONTANA
Iponiedup to the lead singer. “Can I steal the mic for a minute?”
“We were about to take a break,” he said as he bowed. “The floor is yours.”
My stomach did a few flips as I held the mic stand, facing hundreds of people. One of my duties tonight was to introduce my mom. Lucy had spoken to my mom earlier that week to ask her if she would be interested in an author signing for her many fans in the area with the caveat that all proceeds from her books sold at the signing would be donated to the Feed The Hungry charity. With that in mind, Lucy thought it would be good for me to announce the details of the book signing at the ball and say a little about my mom.
“Your excitement about how proud you are of your mom will energize the crowd,” Lucy had said.
“Can I have your attention?” My voice shook.
Conversations ceased as people drew their attention to me. I had no fear when it came to most things in life, but public speaking wasn’t on that list.
I searched the crowd and found Mom. She and Lucy were sitting at a table to my left. Mom smiled, her pretty face lighting up.
I took in a quiet breath, hoping to calm the nervous nellies in my stomach. “My name is Montana Smith.”
Mom sat up straighter as she placed her hand in front of her stomach then swiped up as though she was trying to tell me to take a breath. So I rolled my shoulders back and inhaled.
Then I slowly scanned the room before I locked eyes with Train. My stomach went haywire. He winked and gave me a wolfish grin.
I licked my dry lips. “I’m excited to announce, for those booklovers in the room, my awesome mom. Mom, will you join me?”
She smoothed her hands down her dress as she came up on the makeshift stage.
Someone whistled.
“I would like you to meet Georgia Smith, aka Casey Stewart.” As I talked, I kept my sights on her. “She’s aNew York Timesbest-selling author and a best-selling mom. I’m proud of you, Mom.”
Her eyes filled with tears.
“I know I’ve been a rebellious brat since I started junior high. And over the years, I acted out more than most teenagers.”
“That’s what we do,” Derek teased from somewhere on my right.
Some people laughed. Parents shook their heads.
I’d had time to think over the last several days. The bubble I’d had around me for so long burst the night I caught Nina and Ferris in that alley. In some ways, I owed them a thank you. I’d always had anI don’t careattitude even when I made my mom angry. I’d always felt that she deserved to be hurt for ignoring me. And whether it was Nina, Ferris, the warm year-round weather, Train, my new friends, or spending quality time with Mom, I suddenly saw things in a new light.
I grabbed her hand. “So, Mom, I’m sorry for putting you through years of stress. I’ve always known the difference between right and wrong. It’s just taken me until now to admit it. And even though I’ve kept my promise to you since we moved here, I’ve never truly apologized to you.”
She patted her eyes.
“Anyway, I’m getting offtrack.” I faced the crowd. “Lucy Everly and I wanted to let you know that my mom will be signing books next Saturday afternoon right here at this golf club. The proceeds from that signing will go to benefit the same charity, Feed The Hungry, and Lucy will have more to say about the charity in a bit.”
The room erupted in applause.
“Also,” I said, finding Train, “I owe my boyfriend, Train, an apology.”
His eyes were wide.
“Lou told me that things are not always what they seem. And he was right.”
“Hell yeah.” Lou pumped his fist in the air next to Train.
My gaze was unwavering from the boy who’d snagged my attention the first day of school. “I should’ve trusted that you were only trying to find answers to clear my name.”
