Page 116 of Scandalous Contract

“Am I awkward?”

I relaxed a little. For a second, I thought she was going to say she’d heard an old rumor about me or something.

“Of course you’re not awkward, love.”

“You’re just saying that because you’re my mom.”

“No, I’m saying that because it’s true.” I hesitated. “Nothing is wrong with you, India.”

And even if there was, I’d still love her with every inch of me.

“Sweetie, where is this coming from?” I asked.

“I just. I have friends and stuff. But, outside of them, I’m not very good at talking to people.”

“Is this about boys?”

“No, ma. I’m not worried about any boys right now. I... I have a speech class. And I have a good grade in it. But the professor told me that I don’t make eye contact when I’m giving a speech, and my voice shakes. And then last week, I was at the library with my friends. Some more girls joined us, and I shrank into myself. I didn’t know what to say to them or how to respond to their questions. They looked at me like I was awkward. I’m not this way with Aubrey or the girls on my floor. But that’s because I’ve made it past that stage with them. I can talk to them now without feeling nervous. But when I meet new people... I...”

“You clam up.”

“Yes! And when people learn I’m your daughter, the Weather Diva on social media and the TV, they expect me to be all...”

“Outgoing and talkative.”

“Yes. That’s why I want to work and be around different people. I don’t want to be all awkward. I want to be like you.”

I chuckled. “India, you’re right. Working with different people will help you lose some of that shyness. And talking with different people will help with your communication skills. But being awkward isn’t a bad thing. We all have our quirks. I can talk about the weather because it’s my passion. But I once went to a restaurant convention with Ronnie and felt like a cow in a tornado. I was lost. I had no idea what to say to those people.”

“Youdidn’t know what to say?”

“Nope. Ask Ronnie. He’ll tell you. I stayed in the corner, sipping my drink most of the night. Ronnie had to force me to mingle. It was horrible. And I haven’t always been the Weather Diva. In high school, I was called nerdy because I liked anime.”

“Anime is cool.”

“My friends didn’t think so. But I didn’t care. And neither should you. You’re probably the youngest among your new friends. So, it’s normal to feel different, like maybe they’re more outgoing than you. But I guarantee they have their quirks, too. And I’m sure they’re just as nervous as you. Some of us are better at hiding it than others.”

“You think so, ma?”

“I know so. We’re all awkward in different ways. But we all shine in the way we were meant to. Trust me, India. You have a bright light. Awkward or not, you will always shine.”

My baby sniffled.

“You always make me feel better, ma. Thank you, my awesome mother goose.”

“You’re welcome, my flame-haired baby goose.”

Laughing, I entered my bedroom, climbed into bed, and talked to my daughter for an hour. After our conversation, I decided to take a nap. The nap lasted far longer than I’d planned. When I woke up, it was dark outside.

I guess I was more exhausted than I thought. I checked my phone for any missed calls. I had two. Both were from Hudson.Ugh!Why was he calling me? I was not about to call his ass back. There were also two front-yard camera notifications.

I pulled them up. They both saidvehicle in front yard. I stared at the vehicle. I knew that car.Wait!Had Hudson not only called, but also come by my house too? I hadn’t heard his knocks or the doorbell ring.

I checked the time stamp. That was ten minutes ago. I checked the times he called. Around the same time. It was eight o’clock at night. What the fuck did he want with me this late at night?

A weird sensation crept over me – part dread, part disbelief. I pulled up the camera’s live feed to make sure he was gone. My lips parted, eyes widening, that sense of dread increasing.

He was still out there. Hudson was seated in a car outside my house. What the hell? Should I call the police? I mean, he hadn’t done anything illegal, technically. Still, why was he there? I zoomed in on the image.