Page 17 of The Bad Boyfriend Curse
I screw up my face. Pause. The rule ever since I started working was that she’d buy me necessities in September, and if I needed anything else after that, I had to buy it myself.
But that was before she married a multimillionaire, I guess.
“I have money, Mom.”
“Save it for university.” She’s smiling at me as if I’m not looking at her like she’s grown another head. “Since you had to quit your job, Jason has offered to give you an allowance while you’re here. You’ll need spending money.”
I’m quiet for a beat before mumbling a thanks to Jason. I’m not sure how I feel about Mom’s rich husband giving me money.
“Speaking of clothes shopping,” Mom says, glancing at Jason briefly. “We’re going to need to get you some new things for a few formal events. Tell her, Jason.”
Jason gives me that Cherrybridge smile—fake. “I hope you can keep this news confidential, as we don’t want it to leak until we’re ready, but I’ll be running for mayor of Cherrybridge in the fall.” He pauses, as if waiting for me to say something. I, of course, already knew this, so I’m easily able to maintain my flat expression. Jason coughs. “The election is in November. I know you’re new in this family, but I hope that you will join your mother in supporting my campaign.”
I raise a brow. “Supporting how?” He doesn’t expect me to go door-to-door, does he?
“Just attend some events with us this summer,” Mom cuts in. “That’s why you’ll need some new clothes. Besides, when’s the last time you had a new dress?”
“Attend events,” I deadpan. “Is that all you want from me?”
“Yes.”
She’s lying.
Mom grits her teeth like she’s trying so hard not to snap at me. “And stay out of trouble this summer, which you’ve already promised to do.”
“When are the events?” I ask, pretending that all my attention is on my salad. There has got to be a way to get out of going to them. I didn’t sign up for being the stepdaughter of a politician.
“I’m hosting a fundraiser at the club this weekend, where I’ll officially announce my candidacy,” Jason says. “After that there will be a handful of other appearances we would love you to be at.”
“Okay, but you know I’m only here this summer, right? I’m going back to Toronto in September.”
Mom and Jason exchange another wordless look with each other. I’m getting real tired real fast about the way they keep communicating around me.
“Yes,” Jason says slowly, “but if you’d like to stay here in Cherrybridge, you would be welcome.”
I quickly shake my head. “I can’t. I have to apply to the BEAD program.”
“You can do the architecture mentorship program from here,” Mom says. “Most of it’s online.”
I narrow my eyes at her. She knows how important this program is to me. “Most, notall. I wouldn’t get to go to campus for the lectures or meet the professors or even talk to my mentor face-to-face. I’ve been planning this foryears, Mom. You can’t destroy my dreams like that. Not to mention, I want to finish high school with my friends.”
Mom sighs, dropping her cutlery to rub at her eyes. “No one is destroying anything. Let’s just get through the next few weeks before we make any final decisions.”
I continue to glare at her, Jason’s comment ringing in myears about how it would be better for his campaign if I went to Randell Academy. There’s no way I’m going to that school. “Okay, but I’m going to be bored out of my mind at these events. I won’t know anyone.”
“You’ll know Sadie,” Jason says. “My brother and his family are supporting me. And if it would make you more comfortable, you can bring a friend along to all the events. Maybe one of your Toronto friends would like to see what a municipal politics campaign looks like?”
Actually, Adanna would probably love it. But I don’t say that.
There’s a bit of an awkward silence, as Mom and Jason are clearly waiting for me to enthusiastically agree to all of this. Or heck, maybe even nonenthusiastically agree. But I don’t say anything. It feels strange. I’m not used to clashing with Mom like this. But then again, I’m not used to her trying to be an involved parent, either.
“How about we go to the mall after I pick you up from Gordon Park on Thursday?” Mom suggests. “We can get you dresses for the events and new shorts if you need them.”
“You didn’t used to have an issue with shopping at thrift stores,” I say flatly. “But I guess that was before you sold out.”
Mom drops her fork again. That was apparently the last straw for her. “Meera! I don’t understand what’s come over you! Have some respect and gratitude… You—”
“No,” Jason interrupts. “Neelam, it’s okay.” He turns to me, and he looks genuinely compassionate. I don’t know if it is genuine, though. “Meera, I know being here, and living with me, has been a huge adjustment for you. And now I’m springing this campaign on you. I get it. I was a rebellious teentoo, once upon a time. If I was in your shoes, then I would be just as defiant. But I do hope…” He pauses and sighs. “I hope by the end of the summer you’ll understand me a bit better. Maybe even be happy that you’re here in Cherrybridge.” Jason looks me right in the eye, and this look feels real. “Or be happy I’m your stepfather.”
