Side Chick Era... Over

Loving Mom 173

Chapter 173

Carter suddenly came to a realization-he had never actually done anything for Sharon.

Seeing the irony in her eyes, his own gaze wavered for a moment.

His voice was low, heavy with emotion. “You’ve got it wrong. I just want to help you.”

Sharon’s reply was cool and sharp. “Don’t try to pass off helping Kelly as some noble gesture. If you really wanted to help me, you wouldn’t have stood by while they dragged my name through the mud. And you definitely wouldn’t be here, asking me to back out of the performance.”

Carter looked at her intently. “Sharon, don’t be impulsive. Kelly’s really talented. You’re not going to win this bet. The only way to avoid losing is not to perform. Do you really want Theo to see you fall flat on your face?”

He paused, then added, “As for the necklace-if you’re willing to lend Kelly your violin, she’ll return it. Once her concert is over, Shaluna will be back in your hands. If you agree, I’ll take care of everything. Don’t worry-Kelly won’t make things hard on you.

Sharon gave a slow, deliberate clap. “Wow, Carter. The first time you’ve ever come close to caring about my feelings. I’m touched. Really.”

But there was not a trace of gratitude in her expression-only biting sarcasm.

Carter’s brows furrowed.

Then Sharon seemed to remember something. “Oh, and about that violin-if I don’t agree to lend it, you’re not planning to return my mother’s necklace, are you? And all that help you just promised? That’s gone too, I assume?”

think you know what the smart choice

done here,” Sharon said flatly, her tone laced with irritation.

she took Matty’s hand and stepped around

expected her to be so unyielding. “Sharon, do you

briefly, then turned and met his eyes

help me, then have Kelly drop out. Her quitting the performance would have the same effect

She drew a breath.

matter if I’m the one who takes the hit, lowers my head, or swallows the pain? Is

Carter was stunned. 1

found his voice again, Sharon

just ahead. Kelly was stepping onto the

at Sharon. Her face was tight,

are we going to

everything-the tension between her, Kelly, and Nate. Even when others doubted her,

1/2

Chapter 173

That

now, as the moment closed in, he couldn’t