Hughes sidled closer to Aileen, his tiny fingers wrapping around her hand. "Once Dad dumps her, you'll be my new mom," he announced with childish certainty. "I don't want some broken jailbird for a mother. You're gorgeous, Aileen, and your dancing is incredible. All the other kids would be so envious if you were my mom."
His disgusted glare burned into me. "And you! Great-grandpa's still unconscious because of you. You're just bad luck."
Cold despair crashed over me like a tidal wave. A few careless words, and I was already convicted.
Hughes wasn't finished twisting the knife. "Plus, your dancing looks awkward next to Aileen's. People actually call you a prodigy? Yeah right."
He spun toward Ridley, seeking validation. "I'm right, aren't I, Dad?"
Ridley's attention finally shifted to Aileen. The instant he caught sight of her sweet smile, his harsh expression melted away. "Aileen has more natural grace," he agreed, his tone warming noticeably as he drank in her presence.
