Chapter 3

It was around dawn before Azure finally drifted off, so she didn’t wake until shortly after ten. She gasped when she saw the time and jumped out of bed. Still wearing last night’s clothes, she threw them off en route to the bathroom. After a brief shower, she dressed in a long skirt and short-sleeve blouse. Her grandmother disapproved of jeans, and she wanted to please her as much as possible today, even if the outfit made her look like a frumpy old maid.

At ten-twenty, Azure left her bedroom and found her grandmother in the sitting room. “Good morning,” she said with reserve, still angry at the other woman’s unfairness.

“It’s disgraceful, sleeping in so late.” Brigette’s tone was glacial. “I don’t care if you were out half the night—without my permission. I still expect you to rise at a decent hour.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Azure stood with ramrod posture. “I have to tell you something.” She took a deep breath to fortify herself. “Mr. Michaels is coming over at eleven.”

Brigette’s cold blue eyes focused on Azure. “What have you done this time?”

Shaking her head, Azure tried to explain. “I haven’t done—”

Brigette’s snort expressed her disbelief. “Yes, I’m sure you’re innocent—as innocent as Eve in the garden.” She wrinkled her nose. “I’ll deal with the teacher before I deal with you. Until then, I want you out of my sight.”

Helpless in the face of her grandmother’s unreasonable anger, Azure hurried from the room. She found Ruth in the kitchen. “Hi.”

“Did you get your note?” Ruth asked as she scrubbed a heavy pot.

Azure nodded. “Two weeks for going to a party is unfair. I’m almost eighteen. Why should I have to tell her my every move?”

“I’m sure she was worried, and that’s why she was so harsh.” Ruth didn’t appear to believe her own words and avoided meeting her gaze.

She shook her head. They both knew Brigette had been angry from the time Azure came to live in the house. She looked a lot like her mother and had become Cassie’s replacement, the focus of all the rage Brigette had built up and carefully nurtured for six years for her runaway daughter. They shared the knowledge that Azure’s grounding was because of her defiance and not motivated by genuine concern.

Azure started brewing coffee. “Yeah.” She busied herself by setting a tray and filling the china pot when the coffeemaker finished its cycle. When the doorbell rang at five minutes before eleven, bile rose from her stomach and lodged in her throat, rendering her incapable of speech.

She carried the tray into the sitting room, finding Mr. Michaels and his brothers already seated. Her grandmother examined them coldly. Her gaze raked over Azure. “Leave us.”

Finn looked uncertain. “It would be better if she stayed, since this matter concerns her.”

“I’m sure it does.” Brigette’s eyes narrowed. “What’s she done this time?”

Azure compressed her lips to force back a retort. Her grandmother was deliberately distorting her into someone who was constantly in trouble. In reality, she had never even been sent to the principal’s office. It wasn’t that she hadn’t wanted to be rebellious or join her friends in rule-breaking, but fear of her grandmother had restrained her.

Looking uncomfortable, Mathias loosened his tie. He introduced himself first. “I’m Mat Michaels, and this is my brother, Dante. I believe you already know Finn?”

“I know of him. He likes to keep his students after rehearsal and meet privately with them before class.” Her words were bland, though her tone was anything but.

Finn’s mouth settled into a firm line. “Yes. Azure benefited from the assistance provided by myself and my wife. She has an amazing voice, and we didn’t want her to miss the opportunity to perform in the play.”

Brigette raised her eyebrows but remained silent as she sipped the dark brew.

“She really is wonderful,” said Mathias. “We’ve come to talk to you about her talent.”

“Go on.” Brigette eyed Dante with distaste. He wore a torn shirt, unbuttoned halfway down his chest, and a pair of black leather pants.

He returned her evil look with one of his own, and Azure barely bit back a giggle as she tried to remain invisible in her wing chair.

“I manage a musical group, Burning Starr, and Dante is the lead singer.” He ignored Brigette’s grimace, pressing on. “Our lead female vocalist is leaving the band, and we would like your granddaughter to join our group.”

“Absolutely not,” Brigette said without missing a beat. “She’s not going to become one of those people.”

Finn leaned forward, looking earnest. “She’ll be well taken care of. No harm will come to her, and she’ll make enough money to pay for college, while living comfortably for the rest of her life.”

Brigette delicately flung out a hand, waving it in a small circle meant to encompass the room. “Her material welfare is of no concern, I assure you. As for college, she isn’t going to attend anyway. I forbid her participation in your little project.”

A glowering Dante spoke for the first time. “I’d say her material welfare is of concern, Mrs. Delahancey.” His tone was scathing, leaving none of them in doubt about his impression of her grandmother. “Her clothes are obviously old, and her shoes are about a month past when they should have been thrown away. She has no car and clearly little freedom.”

His observations about her garments humiliated her, and she wondered where he’d gotten his information about her lack of car and freedom—though the last one was obvious. She held her breath, awaiting Grandmother’s reply.

In a frozen tone, Brigette said, “That is none of your concern, you hoodlum. Now, get out of my home and stay away from us. If you bother Azure again, I’ll place a restraining order against you.”

Dante rose to his feet, taking a step toward Brigette, but Mathias restrained him. “Come along. There are other ways.” He turned to Brigette, giving her a polite smile. “Thank you for your time, Mrs. Delahancey. We’ll find our own way out.” He nodded to Azure before leaving the room. Dante winked at her before following his brothers.

She’d known how her grandmother would react, so why did she feel so disappointed? Azure sat in the brittle silence, knowing her grandmother would soon launch into a tirade through which she must remain silent. The coffee cup clattered on the coffee table. Azure frowned when she saw her grandmother’s pale face, looking tighter than usual.

“How dare you bring those men into my home?” she demanded. “I own this house and everything in it, young lady. If you ever drag such riffraff back here again, I’ll disown you.”

“I thought they could convince you.” Azure found herself speaking without knowing how her mouth had opened. What was she doing?

“Convince me of what?” Brigette didn’t bother to mask her contempt. “That you’re the next Peggy Lee? What a bunch of rubbish. You know you can’t sing, Cassie.”

“My name is Azure.” She slammed her untouched cup on the table, sloshing coffee everywhere. “And I can sing, Grandmother. I’m good, and you’d know that if you had bothered to come to my performances.” Brigette was plainly shocked by her outburst—almost as shocked as she was to have said that. Only a few times, as a small child, had Azure spoken back to her. During those years, a whipping had cured the rebelliousness, but that wouldn’t work now.

“How dare you raise your voice to me? I’ve taken you into my home and given you everything you could need without protest. You’re an ungrateful little whelp.”

“You’ve given me nothing I needed.” Azure didn’t know where the courage to voice her anger came from, or where it would take her. “What little you’ve given me was greatly begrudged, and I’ve paid for it a thousand times over. I am not my mother!”

“Get out.” Brigette’s mouth flapped wildly, as if imitating a fish out of water. “Get out of my house right now.” Her voice had risen to a high crescendo. “Don’t even think of taking anything with you. I paid for everything you owned, and it stays in this house.”

Azure’s anger faltered, and she stared at her grandmother in shock. She was throwing her out? Where would she go? How would she survive? She started to apologize but saw the look of triumph on Brigette’s face. The tide of anger that had swept her into this situation swelled once more. She strode from the sitting room and out the door, leaving the home where she’d lived for thirteen years with no particular destination and without a backward glance.

***

Her feet carried her to Brandy’s house, and she knocked on the door so softly she wasn’t sure anyone would hear her. Maybe that would be for the best.

Darius, Brandy’s father, opened it a moment later and smiled at her. “Come in. Have you eaten breakfast yet?”

She shook her head and allowed him to sweep her into the kitchen, where the family was just sitting down to brunch. Against her protests, Koko set another place for Azure, insisting she join them. She remained quiet throughout the meal, listening to the conversation of a loving family flow around her. When she’d met Brandy two years ago, she had longed to exchange places with her, or be her sister. Koko and Darius were everything parents should be—loving, concerned, stern, and permissive, as the situation warranted. They supported their three children and helped them out. Most importantly, they trusted Brandy, Lisa, and Bo, allowing them the freedom to make most of their own choices. If those choices led to mistakes, they could be counted on to assist their kids. Why couldn’t Grandmother be like that?

After the meal, she and her friend loaded the dishwasher before sitting at the table with Brandy’s mother. The story poured out of Azure, and Koko hugged her tightly. “It’ll be fine. You’ll stay with us for a little time, until your grandmother cools down.” Her brown eyes were warm and comforting. “You’ll have to share with Brandy though. Darius just turned the spare bedroom into a rumpus room.”

“That’s fine,” said Azure, amazed at the surrealistic turn of events. She’d alienated her grandmother and moved in with her best friend all in one day. “I don’t have clothes, because Grandmother refused to let me take any.”

Koko wrinkled her nose, as though she had smelled something foul. “Don’t worry about that, sweetie. You can borrow some money and pay us back when you’re rich and famous,” she said with a smile.

She bit her lip and nodded, hating to accept their charity. What choice did she have? She couldn’t wear this same outfit for the next month.

“I’ll take her shopping right now,” said Brandy, who was always ready to shop.

“Why don’t you see if she’s up for it right now?” Koko smoothed a lock of hair off Azure’s forehead.

The simple action made her ache inside, and tears clogged her throat. It was suddenly imperative to escape the comfort or risk spending the day in tears. She nodded to Brandy, and they left the house a few minutes later.

Against her better judgment, she allowed her friend to guide her to which clothes to buy, including several outfits she knew her grandmother would never let her wear again. Shaking herself mentally, Azure remembered Grandmother might not care anymore. She knew how inflexible Brigette was and didn’t expect the older woman to relent.

***

In the upheaval, she had forgotten about Chase’s invitation to the prom. He came up to her at lunch on Monday. “What color’s your dress?”

“What?” she asked, before remembering. Heat flooded Azure’s face, and she shrugged uncomfortably. How was she going to get a dress for prom? She refused to borrow more money from the Kirshners.

“Your dress? I need to know so I can get a matching corsage and limousine.”

Azure blushed, deciding not to tell him she might not be able to go. “I don’t know yet. Why don’t you just go with white? That will match anything.”

“Good idea,” he agreed, sitting down between her and Brandy, who watched with wide eyes. Peripherally, she saw Janessa and Brandy share a look before returning their attention to the conversation. “If I pick you up at seven, will your grandmother eat me?” His tone was light-hearted, but his eyes were serious.

She shifted in her seat, not wanting to explain her change in circumstances to Chase. It was too awkward and personal.

“She’s staying with Brandy right now,” said Janessa. “Her grandmother isn’t feeling well, so plan to pick her up at Brandy’s.”

Chase made a sound of relief. “Great. I’ll see you Saturday night.” He turned away before whirling around once more. “Sorry about your grandmother’s illness.” He hurried into the crowd, and the girls giggled.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Janessa stole one of Brandy’s fries. “How could you keep something like that a secret?”

Shrugging, she also helped herself to one of Brandy’s fries. “I just forgot with everything else that’s going on. I’m not sure I can go anyway.”

“What?” Brandy screeched, slapping their hands as they reached into her fry bag once more. “You have to go. It’s the prom, for heaven’s sake, and Chase is such a sweetheart.”

“I don’t think I can afford it. I don’t have a dress.”

“I’m sure—” Brandy started as she shook her head.

“No more borrowing from your parents. It was bad enough to borrow enough to buy necessities. I don’t need a prom dress.” Azure firmed her mouth. “If I can’t figure out something within the next two days, I’ll tell Chase I can’t go.”

Janessa suddenly bounced in her seat. “My sister has a formal in her closet. She’s away at college, so she never uses it. I’ll call her tonight to ask if you can borrow it. It’s emerald green, and just about your size, so it should be perfect.”

Azure allowed herself to get just a bit excited. “Tell Prissy I’ll love her forever if she’ll let me borrow her dress. I’ll take really good care of it. I promise.” She unconsciously crossed her fingers. All her hopes rested squarely on Prissy’s willingness to loan the dress.

***

Janessa called her at Brandy’s after six. “Prissy said you can have the dress. Not just to borrow, but for keeps. She wore it to the prom three years ago with her ex, and she doesn’t want it anymore. My mom said she’d help you alter it if it doesn’t fit right. Can you come over?”

After conferring with Brandy, the girls drove to Janessa’s house. They followed Janessa up the stairs, into Prissy’s old room. Janessa carefully took the dress from the nearly bare closet. It was still wrapped in a plastic cleaner’s bag, so she removed it. Wrinkling her nose, she said, “It’ll need to be dry cleaned before Saturday. Smells funky.”

Catching a whiff of the musty smell, she nodded. She removed her jean shorts and halter top, holding her breath as she slid on the dress. Brandy zipped it, and she looked in the mirror. The dress would need alterations at the waist and bust, along with removing a couple of inches from the hem.

“You’re going to look fabulous.” Brandy sighed, touching the sleeve. “It’ll be perfect.”

“I think it might be okay.” She felt like a small child playing dress-up and hoped Janessa’s mom could make it look right.

She stood patiently as Kay pinned and tucked the dress to her proportions. After a few minutes of standing, Kay put away her sewing kit, and she removed the dress. She gazed at it once more before Kay took it from the room, hoping it would work, so she could be a normal teen at least once. She really wanted to go to the prom.

***

Kay altered the dress and got it back from the cleaners by Thursday. When Azure tried it on once again, it looked like it had been made for her. The neckline fit at the right spot, the waist was perfect, and the hem was the right length.

“You look beautiful.” Janessa smiled at her. “You’ve always been pretty, but wow.”

Blushing, she twisted around, admiring the way the dress looked. It did something for her, making her look older. Or something. “I’m going to prom,” she whispered to herself in amazement. Her first date, and it was to the prom. She giggled with delight and flung herself on the bed. “I’m going to the prom,” she said more loudly, and the others laughed along with her.

***

She confirmed the time once more with Chase on Thursday. “Where do you want to have dinner?” He seemed to be having difficulty keeping his eyes from the tight T-shirt Azure wore. It was one of the new shirts Brandy had insisted looked hot.

“Anywhere is fine. I’ll see you at seven tomorrow night?”

Chase nodded and dropped his eyes to his sneakers. “I’ll be there.” His cheeks were as red as hers.