We took our seats and watched more and more people trickle inside. A bell rang soon after we sat down, signaling the start of the speeches. My mother appeared on the side of the stage, Leighton and David behind her. Her advisor Leon was handing her his notes while running a fluff roller over her suit. My cousin Zeke was standing off to the side talking on his phone. I knew my uncle and aunt were here somewhere, as was my other cousin Rosie, Zeke’s sister.
It felt like Groundhog Day; her routine the same every single time. I also knew all the speeches, as did most of the people here tonight. But I guess they weren’t here to listen to her talk but to show their support.
“Ma’am, you’re needed at the podium,” one of my mother’s lackeys, who was standing behind my chair, said.
I was biting my lip, the only sign that I was anything but calm. I took my time getting up, making sure to smooth out non-existent wrinkles once I was standing. I locked eyes with Mason who was watching me, looking ready to take me away if I said the word. But I wouldn’t ever ask that of him. I’d already painted a big enough target on his back.
I put a hand on his shoulder. “This shouldn’t take long.”
Before he had a chance to respond, I walked to the stage. I joined the group and lifted my chin. I only had to do this one more time, and I could wash my hands of this farce.
My mother didn’t acknowledge me, neither did Zeke. But since my cousin and I had been at odds since we were kids, it wasn’t surprising.
We followed a composed Clementine Connor onto the stage and took our assigned places. We had done this so many times before, that nobody faltered; it looked like a choreographed performance.
My mother started her speech and I tuned out, the only way to stay awake during these things. I had once nodded off, not having slept well the night before. The wrath that rained down on me from that little slip up was one I would never forget. Lucky for me, we weren’t sitting down this time so there was no chance of my eyes closing. At least I hoped not.
I looked up when a murmur went through the room and noticed everyone was staring at me, including my mother.
“Stella, are you coming?” she prompted, and I looked at her outstretched hand, realizing she wanted me to join her. That one was new. It made my stomach clench and bile rose in my throat.
If she was changing up the script, she had an ace up her sleeve. This wouldn’t mean anything good for me.
David appeared next to me and took my arm, escorting me to the front of the stage. The strangeness continued when my mother smiled at me and put her arm around my shoulders. What. The. Hell.
“Here they are,” my mother said and I watched her, confused as to where this was going. She was still smiling her fake smile. “As many of you know, my daughter and David are friends. They have always had a special bond, and since he has come back to town their romance has rekindled. I’m proud to officially welcome David to our family.” My eyes went wide, and I was sure they were going to pop out of my head. Unless my head was going to explode first.
I tried to step away from my mother and David, but his hold was unrelenting. “May I introduce to you the future Mrs. Sterling,” my mother announced, finally letting me go, only for me to end up in a tight hug from David.
My heart dropped and my mouth went dry. What the hell indeed? Was he out of his mind?
“Just go with it,” David whispered into my ear before he kissed me. He was lucky I was stunned speechless and immobile, or I would have kicked him in the balls right after I bit off his tongue that sneaked out.
I leaned back and he released his hold on me. It was all about keeping up appearances after all, and a struggle by the newly engaged couple wouldn’t look too great to voters.
There was applause, and then we were finally allowed to get off the stage. David tried to talk to me, but I held up my hand, stopping his fumbled explanations. We were standing next to the stage and people were still looking at us so I smiled and leaned closer.
“This is insane. Fuck you for going along with this. I thought you were better than her,” I hissed and walked away, leaving a flustered David behind.
I made it to the table and hoped Mason was ready to get out of there. No way was I going to stay another minute. But when I looked at the seat he was supposed to be sitting in, it was empty. And there was no sign of Mason.
“Get back to your seat. Now,” my mother hissed while waving to someone.
I was still stunned from what had just happened on stage. And where did Mason go?
“I’m not going to say it again,” my mother’s voice jolted me out of my dazed state.
For lack of a better idea, I did as I was told and sat down. Who knew how much longer my feet were going to keep me up anyway. I should never have obeyed and attended this fiasco.
David dropped into the seat next to me and took my hand.
“I know you don’t understand what’s going on, but I couldn’t tell you before the announcement. It was your mother’s decision, and I agreed that this was best for the campaign. Just don’t make a scene, and we can talk about it tonight after everyone leaves.”
I pulled my hand back and he let go when he
