Free Midnight Diamonds by Cynthia Hampton Page A

Silver,” Amelia continued. “Indeed, this one seems to have an even more colorful lifestyle than your father’s brother.”
    This time Justin stopped her from responding as his fingers tightened slightly when she started to stand. Swallowing against the surge of anger, Silver gripped her hands together and waited for the next volley of words.
    “How do you propose to explain all of this to the school board members? What possible plebian excuse could you have for this excessive display of poor judgment? Your father will be ashamed of you when he finds out.”
    Silver fought the sting of tears, refusing to reveal how the words hurt. Usually it took a full half-hour for her mother to become revved up enough to toss those final cutting remarks at her, but this time Amelia Madison had come fully loaded and ready for the kill. Justin’s hand left her shoulder, causing her to feel as if she were facing the firing squad alone.
    But her knight in purple feathers stepped forward.
    “Mrs. Madison, while I understand your discomfort with the situation, you don’t have the facts. By listening to what the media and the neighbors are saying, you’ve misjudged your daughter. You’ve also misjudged me, which, frankly, I don’t appreciate.”
    Silver gaped in stunned surprise. No one had ever defended her against her mother or spoken to Amelia Madison like that and gone unscathed, not even her father. Justin continued speaking to her mother, who appeared shocked at the challenge.
    “Silver has done nothing wrong, and neither have I.”
    Maintaining control was essential to the very fabric of Amelia’s existence, so she stood up to face Justin. “I don’t care who your family is or what you want to be when you grow up.” Her eyes glinted with satisfaction when Justin’s jaw tightened in irritation. “This doesn’t only affect my daughter. It affects me, as well, and my standing in the community.”
    “I understand, but I’d advise you to not make false accusations about either of us.”
    Blinking in surprise, the woman frowned. “Is that some sort of threat? Should I be shaking in front of a man who wears a purple robe?”
    “I believe you know my mother, Connie Hitchcock Rivers, from high school. According to what Mom has said, misunderstandings cause a lot of hurt.”
    For the first time in her life, Silver saw her mother at a complete loss for words. The older woman appeared to slowly wilt as she sank back down onto the sofa and stared at Justin. It was enormously puzzling, and in a way satisfying, to see the great Amelia Madison at a disadvantage.
    Silver decided it took a real man to stare down her mother, especially when wearing Uncle Buddy’s robe. Justin tightened the sash around his waist.
    “Mrs. Madison, the Rivers family is very aware of how precious a reputation can be, and come hell or high water, I’ll make sure Silver isn’t hurt.”
    “Don’t swear,” came the automatic response from Amelia. A buzzer signaled that Justin’s clothes were dry.
    He frowned in confusion, but Silver shrugged. She had no clue why her mother was acting this way.
    Justin again gently squeezed Silver’s shoulder. “Excuse me while I slip into something more…cowboy.”
    After he’d left the room, Silver turned to her mother. She didn’t know how to deal with thisAmelia. “What was that all about?”
    Her mother didn’t answer and seemed lost in thought.
    “Why did you—”
    Sam chose that moment to race back inside the house. Looking around, he popped his hands up as if asking where to find Justin. She pointed to the back of the house and rubbed her forehead. “My life has become a reality show! Mother, are you all right?”
    Amelia picked up her purse and stood. Though she tried to give off an air of superiority, her hands trembled as she smoothed her hair. “I’m fine, thank you. Tell your young man I will hold him to his promise.” Her green eyes drifted over Silver for a moment. “Fix yourself up if