She glanced around, clearly looking to see if someone was watching us. No one was, unfortunately.
“We need to talk,” she said sternly, taking me by the arm and steering me toward the ballroom’s private terrace. The night was cool, which was likely why we were the only two people out there. I attempted to stop near the doors where the wind wasn’t quite so brutal, but Monica tightened her grip and pulled me toward the center.
“What are you doing?” I asked when she pulled me about a foot to the left as though positioning me on my mark.
Right before my eyes, she fell into character. I mean, I don’t think she realized I would notice the change in her demeanor, but she was my mother. I’d watched her perform many different roles over the years, and when she was preparing, she did this little head shake thing and relaxed her shoulders before tipping her chin up.
Exactly what she did now before she said, “I don’t know what it is you think you’re doing, but it needs to stop.”
Although her words were directed at me, her attention appeared elsewhere. She continued to glance at the doors as though she was expecting someone to appear.
I stared at her, confused. “What are you talking about?”
“This sham of a marriage.” Monica’s gaze shot to the doors, back to me. “It’s obvious why you’re doing it.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Enlighten me.”
Again, to the doors, then back to me. “I don’t even think your marriage is legal, Laikyn.”
“What? Of course it’s legal. We had a ceremony and everything.”
She looked skeptical, but again, she seemed more worried about someone coming.
“What is this really about?” I asked, leaning over in an attempt to get her to pay attention to me.
Before she could say anything, Rule and Jinx appeared, their expressions dark.
“You’re excused,” Monica told them with a flutter of her hand. “She doesn’t need your interference.”
I found it interesting that my mother was so enraged by their appearance. In fact, I found her entire demeanor tonight interesting. There was no doubt in my mind she was up to something, but I couldn’t imagine what. Well, besides the obvious. She had to have a damn good reason to be marrying Devon Ledger. With her, it always came back to two things: money or fame. Sometimes both.
“I think it’s time you come home, Laikyn,” Monica said, turning toward me and squaring her shoulders.
Gone was the scolding, frustrated woman from a moment ago. In her place, the well-trained actress who knew how to put on a good show, effortlessly stepping into the new scene.
“I’m not coming home.”
She sighed heavily and put her hand over her heart. Monica leaned in, worry etched at the corner of her eyes. She was putting on a damn good performance; I would give her that.
“Oh, Laikyn, honey.” She put her hand gently on my wrist. “I know you’re having fun playing grown-up for a bit. It’s the first time you’ve been able to since…”
“Since…?” I prompted.
Cue dramatic sigh.
Lord, help me.
Monica shook her head, forcing herself to keep going, playing it off as though it pained her to do so. “I don’t think you’re well enough to make the decisions you’ve been making.”
“Excuse me?” I looked at Jinx and Rule, then back to Monica. “You don’t think I’mwell?”
“We can get you help.”
“First of all, who’swe?” I frowned. “And two, help forwhat?”
“It’s obvious your … incident … a few years ago has caused some … mental instability.”
She was fucking serious.
