Page 57 of Pinch

Haddy

My mom hates pageants. She was forced to be in them as a girl, and she couldn’t believe I wanted to do it. It was like I’d betrayed her.

Gavin

But someone took you to those competitions, bought your dresses, paid your admission fees…

Haddy

She doesn’t need your help. She already has Dad

Gavin

So what was it? Besides the fact that you’re naturally beautiful… and you have really good posture.

Haddy

We train for that. Ever heard of books on the head?

Taking a second,I inhale, looking around the science lab to where my poster of Heddy Lamar and Natalie Portman is hanging.

Nowhere is it written that you can’t be a beauty queen and a scientist.

Haddy

My grandmother was Miss Georgia World. When I was little, I found a box filled with all her old pageant pictures, and she seemed so confident and controlled. I wanted to be like that.

Gavin

She must be really proud of you.

Haddy

She died before I was born. I never knew her, but my mom said she would’ve been thrilled. The way she said it… I got the impression they didn’t get along.

Gavin

I’m sorry.

Haddy

It’s family stuff. You know. Kind of how your parents didn’t want you to play hockey.

Gavin

They’re just over-protective, but they support me. I think it’s really cool that you’re a beauty queen. Especially when you turn around and start explaining paedomorphic salamanders. Hot.

Haddy

Thanks, Gav

Hesitating a moment, I study my phone screen. I think about a video I watched earlier of the team getting off the bus that transported them from their hotel to the arena.

My interest grew as each of the massive players filed off dressed in designer suits, smiling at the camera, occasionally winking or pointing.

Maverick looked really good, but when Gavin stepped out, my mouth went dry.

His expression was so focused. His dark brows were lowered over his ice blue eyes, and he looked like a runway model in a gray suit with his dark hair slicked away from his face. I couldn’t take my eyes off him.