From Now On: Atlanta Belles Read online

  She endured several more vapid greetings from insincere persons, but then grinned when she caught sight of Chelsea Baker pushing through the crowd toward her. Chelsea was the one true friend she’d made during her pageant years, the only girl who had never stabbed her in the back, tried to sabotage her, or told lies about her to the judges.

  “London!” Chelsea gave her a big hug. “I’m so glad you’re here! I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you too. What have you been up to?”

  “Oh, some print ads and a shopping mall grand opening. I’ve never understood the whole cut-the-ribbon-with-giant-scissors thing. What about you? It’s been forever.”

  London smiled. “Well, I’ve actually decided to go to law school.”

  Chelsea blinked, then squealed. “Like your sister? That’s so fantastic! When do you start?”

  London motioned around them. “That’s what this will decide. I’m hoping to win a scholarship.”

  “Oh, I hope you do!”

  The line moved forward, so the girls edged closer to the table. “So, how do you get into law school, anyway?” Chelsea asked.

  “I’ve been finishing up some course work over this last year so I’ll be ready to apply. And then hopefully they’ll accept me. I’ve had to pull good grades to make up for some stuff on my high school transcript—being Miss Mountain Breeze and Miss Southern Belle really made it hard to be a good student.”

  “Yeah, those local appearances at the library and the ice cream parlor add up.” Chelsea laughed. “Why do we do this?”

  “I don’t know. I remember loving it once upon a time.”

  Chelsea leaned forward and grabbed London’s arm. “And you still love it, right? Don’t let the judges think anything differently or you’ll get tossed in the first round.”

  London nodded. “I adore it. Passionately.”

  When it was London’s turn to check in, the girl behind the table gasped. “London Russell! You’re Miss Mint Julep, aren’t you? I loved your ball gown for the last round—you looked just like Scarlett O’Hara!”

  “It was my mother’s idea,” London said, feeling heat rise to her cheeks.

  “If you’re Miss Mint Julep, why aren’t you wearing your sash?” the other woman at the table asked. “All contestants who are currently crowned should wear their sashes here for the first day so we can all get to know you and your past achievements.”

  “I’m sorry. I came from somewhere else and didn’t think to put it on. It’s in my suitcase, though.”

  “Be sure that you wear it to the mix and mingle in half an hour. Our judges will be there, and it’s your opportunity to impress them with your experience.”

  “Okay,” London said, hoping she really had brought her sash and hadn’t just dreamed it. “And the tiara?” she added jokingly.

  “Oh, no,” the woman said. “That would be a little much, don’t you think?”

  “Definitely.” London mentally shook her head as she gathered up her registration materials and headed toward the elevator.

  Once in her room, she kicked off her heels and plopped on one of the beds. The schedule looked much the same as all the other ones she’d seen—today was Monday, and there was a meet and greet with the other contestants and the judges. No parents or other guests were allowed, so sadly, she’d have to miss seeing Taffy fawn all over Lacey. Tuesday was publicity photo shoots and newspaper interviews—all designed to get the public excited for the pageant so they’d buy tickets. Wednesday was interviews with the judges and the first talent show. Thursday was the first elimination, and Friday was the pageant itself. The contestants would now be down to twelve, and they’d complete in talent, swimsuit, ball gown, and an interview with the emcee for the evening.

  Fun, fun, fun.

  She flipped the page over and read about the prizes. The first, second, and third prizes all came with scholarship money. Of course, she’d rather take the first prize, which was twenty-five thousand dollars. But even second or third would be really helpful.

  The second page showcased a brief bio of each of the judges. First was Gerald Morgan, former mayor of Atlanta. He was probably sixty-five, with snowy white hair and a matching smile. He was known for calling every female he met “darlin’,” but he wasn’t demeaning about it—it was charming.

  Then there was Elaine Denning, owner of one of the biggest cosmetics companies in the country, Adeline Rose. She looked pleasant enough, but there was a layer of steel in her eyes, something that always seemed to be necessary in an entrepreneur.

  And the special guest judge was NFL quarterback Kade Smith.

  London’s heart stopped. What? Kade Smith was judging this pageant? That couldn’t be right. She held the page closer, as if that would change the fact that yes, that was Kade’s face staring back up at her, his smug grin and his perfect hair and his too-big-for-his-shirt muscles. She dropped the paper to the bed and pressed her fingers to her temples. This couldn’t be happening.

  Kade had been the captain of the football team her senior year of high school, and he’d gone out of his way to make her life miserable. He teased her endlessly about being a beauty queen and a Barbie doll and every other thing he could think of. If he was driving past in his convertible, he’d do the pageant wave at her—elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist, wrist. He was insufferable.

  And he was judging this contest. She might as well pack up and go home right that minute—no way would he ever vote for her.

  But if she went home, she could kiss law school goodbye. Everyone thought the Russells were loaded because they lived on a plantation—minus the slaves—but in truth, the plantation had been in the family for generations and was only worth the land it sat on. There were some antique thingies here and there, and General What’s His Name had done something important on the front veranda—signed a paper or something—and so it was considered a historical landmark. But there was nothing liquid about it, and that meant no money for law school. Academic scholarships were out of the question—it all came down to this pageant.

  Grrr.

  A glance at her watch told her that she had ten minutes to get downstairs for the meet and greet. She could do this—she could survive Kade for one week. She’d just use a little extra charm on the other two judges and win them over to her cause, and then it wouldn’t matter what Kade said because he’d be outvoted.

  She reached in her suitcase and pulled out the white sundress she’d brought just for this. Thankfully, her Miss Mint Julep sash wasn’t hard to find, and after fluffing her hair and putting on a little more lipstick, she felt ready. Deep breath. Time to get a scholarship. Then she could put all this fakery behind her once and for all.

  ***End of excerpt from Sweet Georgia Peach by Amelia C. Adams***

  Other books by Raine English

  SWEET ROMANCES:

  Second Chance Bride: Will this bride-to-be say “I do” to the wrong man?

  Saving Laurel: A ghost from the past helps a tortured actress find love at Christmas.

  The Christmas Gift: Two high school sweethearts get a second chance at love during Christmas with a little help from a French bulldog.

  An Angel for Christmas: A down-on-her-luck single mom finds love at Christmas.

  Some Christmas Magic: A last ditch effort to save Christmas might turn out to be the most romantic ever.

  Forever My Valentine: She left him… He loves her… A snowy Valentine’s gives them a second chance.

  The Love Always Series:

  Chasing Happiness: Love always wins, or so they thought.

  Cherished Memories: He’s about to make millions, but she’s standing in his way.

  Too Good to Believe: Will the police officer assigned to protect her do more harm than good by breaking her already fragile heart?

  GOTHIC ROMANTIC SUSPENSE:

  Shadows and Lies: A shadowy figure haunts Turnberry House, and a trail of death follows.

  Mistress of Raghery: On a storm-shrouded island, ghosts of the past
threaten to kill again.

  The Breakers Island Series:

  Surrender to Love: A tempestuous island holds a mystery that can destroy.

  Surrender the Night: Tara’s romance with Easton is at risk when his ex-girlfriend returns.

  Surrender to Desire: Will Tara’s relationship with Easton survive, or will she discover a truth that puts her—and their love—in danger?

  PARANORMAL ROMANCE:

  Date with a Vampire: She gave him her heart, but he wanted her soul.

  Tin Angel: A Christmas wish could grant a second chance at love.

  COMING SOON:

  Destiny’s Secret: Can love destroy an evil force out for revenge?

  A Little Romance: Is love in the cards, or will she always be just a bridesmaid?

  About the Author

  USA Today bestselling author Raine English always wanted to be a writer. She began her career as a journalist, but writing romance novels was her passion. Her books have won many awards, including finaling in the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart and winning the Daphne du Maurier Award. She enjoys writing novels infused with magic and the paranormal, along with sweet small-town romances. When not behind her computer, you can find her reading. She lives in New England with her family and two French bulldogs, Bailey and Dolly.

  Raine English can be found at:

  www.RaineEnglish.com

  [email protected]

  On Twitter: @RaineEnglish

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/Raine English