Out of Time (Out of Line #2)(24)
Author: Jen McLaughlin

She looked at me with a raised brow. “Of course they are. I wouldn’t have pulled them out if they weren’t.”

“I’ll take them.” I smiled at her, my eyes still on the pants. “Thanks, Mom.”

“You’re welcome, dear.” She pursed her lips and looked at me, her eyes narrowed. I stiffened. Last time she looked at me like that, I’d been forced to get a haircut because it was fresh and fun. I’d hated it. “Shall we get you some biker boots to go with it?”

I tensed. She sounded suspicious. As if she knew I was riding a bike now. She couldn’t possibly know that. I forced myself to relax and smile. “Um, sure. Why not? They’re fashionable now. Maybe with some laces that go all the way up?”

She tapped a finger on her lip. “Your tastes have changed.”

“I’ve grown up.” I looked over my shoulder, searching the crowd outside for Finn. Still no sign of him. I turned back to Mom. “Is that so bad?”

She smiled and headed for the register. “Of course not. As a matter of fact, I think I like the changes. You look happier.”

That’s because I was. I had Finn. “I am, Mom. Really, really happy.”

“Good. And I’m glad you’re free of all the stresses from our life out here.” Mom stood in line, tapping her foot as she waited. “Last week, we hosted three senators and a governor for dinner. Everything was rolling along smoothly, but then, wouldn’t you know it? Christy got the flu and couldn’t make the dinner. We had to scramble for a replacement chef at the last second, and Dad was on a rampage.”

I flinched. I was all too familiar with the stresses that came with being a Wallington. “Who did you find?”

“The Stapletons loaned us theirs. He was delightful.” Mom looked over her shoulder, her eyes lighting up. “Hey, you remember them, right? They have a son who’s a couple of years older than you. His name’s Riley.”

I scanned my memory. I vaguely remembered a guy a few years older than me at Dad’s last gala, but to be honest, most of those events passed in a blur. “Blond hair, green eyes, and tall?”

“Mmhm.” She smiled even bigger. “You remember him.”

“Yeah, sure.” I shrugged. “He seemed nice enough.”

“Well, he wants to go sailing with you over the summer break.” Mom stepped forward in the line a little bit more. “They visited the night of the disaster, and we got to talking about you. You’ll never believe it, but he goes to school upstate, near San Francisco.”

I tensed. Why hadn’t I realized where this was going? “Mom…”

“Oh relax, dear.” She patted my arm. “It’s a sailing expedition, not a betrothal.”

I choked on a laugh. “I know, but I’m not looking for a boyfriend right now.” Because I already have one. “Besides, why would he be thinking about taking me out? He doesn’t even really know me.”

“Your father and his are in the same political party, as you know, so it’s an advantageous move for both families.” She sighed and hugged the clothes tighter to her chest. “You do know at one point, you’ll have to come home and play the game. Be the daughter your father needs you to be. Right?”

I stiffened and swallowed hard. In other words, I was expected to come home and marry a Stapleton like a good little girl. Yeah. That wasn’t going to happen. I didn’t need a Stapleton. I had a Coram. This was exactly what Finn had been worried about. And I’d laughed it off, as if it didn’t matter and would never come into play.

I’d been wrong. It did matter. Finn was smart to plan ahead.

“Mom, I’m not marrying someone to further Dad’s career,” I said, my voice low. “I love you, and I love him, but no.”

“You’re not going to marry a man for your father. That’s not what I meant.” She shrugged. “But you’ll marry someone who will be a benefit to the family, I’m sure. Someone who is worthy of standing beside a Wallington. You should take more pride in who you are.”

“I have plenty of pride.” I crossed my arms. “But you have too much. We’re no different than anyone else.”

“I didn’t say we were. You’re putting words in my mouth.” Mom sighed. “It’s hard to see the big picture when you’re so young.” She reached out and squeezed my arm, her eyes kind, even though her words made me want to scream. “You have time. There’s no rush for you to accept this all right here.”

I clenched my teeth. I wouldn’t be accepting it ever. “Mom.”

“It’s about more than what we want out of life. There’s your father’s career, the presidential campaign, the opportunities…you’re just too young to see that.” Mom dropped her arm. “Looks like it’s my turn to pay.”

Mom stepped forward and chatted up the store employee, acting for all the world as if she hadn’t just dropped a bombshell on me and walked away. I fidgeted and looked over my shoulder. Dad was out there talking to the suits, but still no Finn.

Not able to stand it another second, I pulled out my phone and texted him. Everything okay, Susan?

My phone buzzed and my heart sped up. Yeah, I’m fine. What are you up to?

I peeked at Mom, making sure she wasn’t watching me. Luckily, she was too busy chatting. Shopping with my mom.

Oh boy. Sounds…fun? Okay. I can’t lie. Not really. You know I’m not much of a shopper.

I held back a smile. Yeah, I know.

Are you going to buy something pretty?

I grinned. Like…?

I don’t know. A skirt for church? Maybe we could share it.

I snorted, then glanced up cautiously. Mom was almost finished. Uh-oh. We’re done paying. I have to go.

Okay. Hey, the sun is finally shining.

I looked out the window and smiled. It really is.

I shoved my phone back in my pocket just in time for Mom to stop yakking to the cashier. She looked at me, taking in my flushed cheeks more than likely. She arched a dainty brow. “What were you doing, dear?” she asked.

I scrambled for something to say and blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “Looking at used cars.”

“Cars?” Mom blinked at me. “Do you want one?”

I nodded frantically, wiping my sweaty palms on my thighs. “Yeah, someday. Something inexpensive to get around in, you know? I spend a lot in cab fare.”