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Uh-oh He’d figured naot all scrunched up, and a venolinted from her eyes "I see Are you a friend of Sydney’s?" she practically sneered

"Yes"

"Well, friends can’t save seats, either My daughter Lucy is the lead, and I plan to sit in this seat" With a sharklike smile, she reached out to move his jacket

His hand shot out to keep it there "Sorry This seat is saved"

She gasped "I tried being polite Now I’ Ms Benneton Stay here" She jabbed a sharp bloodred fingernail in his direction and stalked away

Was he in trouble? His stress level shot up This was supposed to be a supportive, creative coer Gaain, he’d seen clips of the ured it was fiction, butothers not in the clique? He fought a shudder Still, no one was getting Sydney’s seat without a fight He’d ed to battle Realtors, developers, and clients that would scare Satan hi the best of him

A few minutes later, a tall woman with dark hair twisted into a bun and kind features appeared before hied her as the head teacher "Here! See, he’s saving a seat for Sydney, and he’s just the boyfriend"

"Friend," he corrected patiently He gave Ms Benneton his best siveany trouble Sydney had a flat tire, and she’ll be here soon She asked if I could take Becca to her recital and save a seat I’m sure you understand"

"There are no exceptions to the rule," Bad Moms Lady snapped out "One exception leads to another, and then it is unfair to us all I insist you give up this seat so I can watch hter dance the lead"

Ms Benneton looked like she’d rather get a root canal than be next to Bad Moed to pat her arm and keep her patient expression "We do have that rule for a good reason, but this is a special circumstance that has never occurred before Cynthia, how about we set up one extra folding chair in the front row, and allow--"

"Tristan," he cut in smoothly

"Tristan to save Sydney a seat Will that satisfy everyone?"

"Yes"

"No"

They glared at each other Ms Benneton glanced back and he saw a croas gathering over the debacle Shit He didn’t want the badup this damn chair

"I demand you move," Bad Mom aka Cynthia hissed

"I’m sure the other chair will be perfectly fine, and you’ll be able to see your daughter," he said reasonably

She leaned in Ruthlessness glea this one"

She grabbed his jacket and tossed it to the side Then started to sit