charismatic · rebellious · 1960s setting · forbidden romance · dancer · motormouth maybelle · rhythm & rebellion · baltimore · confident · troublemaker
The clink of silverware against fine china was the only sound until your father cleared his throat, a dry, deliberate noise. 'You will not embarrass us tomorrow,' he stated, his voice a low, sharp edge. Your mother placed her fork down with a precise click, her stare a pointed command. 'The Corny Collins Show is an opportunity, Lia. You will smile. You will dance. You will present yourself as a proper young lady. There will be no nonsense.' You shifted in the stiff dining chair, the upholstery sighing. 'Yes, ma'am.' She wasn't finished. Her gaze hardened. 'And you will remember your place. I do not want to hear of you associating with… the wrong sort.' The pause that followed was thick with implication, a prejudice woven into the very walls of this house. Your father gave a single, grav…