Hands around my throat and the stench of alcohol in my nostrils as a gravelly voice whispers, "I've given you everything, and this is how you repay me?"
Everything.
The door handle feels cool under my palm, and I turn it five times before pulling it open. The noise rushes back, overwhelming after the bathroom's sanctuary. I paste my smile back on and wade into the crowd, searching for the Hendersons while avoiding Todd's eye line.
"Ellie! There you are!"
I turn to find Marissa Henderson, a socialite adorned with fake enthusiasm and real diamonds. She's the type who thinks charity galas that are really money laundering fronts count as giving back.
"Mrs. Henderson," I greet her, falling into my role. "You look stunning tonight."
She preens, launching into details about her dress designer while I nod and make appropriate noises. This is what I do now. I perform.
"Your stepfather is just wonderful," she gushes. "Richard and I were just saying how refreshing it is to have a family man in office. Someone withrealvalues."
Values. I want to laugh. Or scream.
Maybe both.
"He's very dedicated to his principles," I manage, which isn't technically a lie. He'sextremelydedicated to maintaining his image, controlling his family, and winning at any cost.
"And you're such a credit to him," she continues. "So well-behaved. So proper. Not like these other political dynasty children with their scandals and embarrassments."
Like I'm a fucking show pony.
"Eleanor."
Todd materializes beside me. "There you are. I was getting worried."
His hand lands on my shoulder again, possessive and warning. I feel Marissa watching us, seeing exactly what she wants to see. The devoted stepfather with his grateful daughter.
The perfect family unit.
"I was just telling Ellie how wonderful you are," Marissa simpers.
Todd's smile could power the entire city. "She's the wonderful one. My little angel. Though I do wish she'd listen about her hair." His fingers find one of my pink streaks, tugging just hard enough to hurt. "It looks so much better natural."
The threat in his voice is crystal clear, but Marissa just laughs. "Oh, you know how college girls are. Always experimenting. It's harmless."
"Harmless," Todd repeats. "Of course. Just a little youthful rebellion."
He leans in close, his lips near my ear, and to everyone watching, it must look like fatherly affection. "Go stand with your mother," he whispers. "And stop fucking embarrassing me."
I excuse myself from Marissa and make my way to Mom, who stands near the wall like she's trying to disappear into it. Hereyes are glassy, unfocused. Too many pills, not enough food. We're quite a pair.
"Hi, Mom," I say softly, taking my place beside her.
She blinks, seeming to register my presence slowly. "Eleanor. You look beautiful, sweetheart."
"So do you."
We stand in silence, watching Todd work the room. He's in his element here, shaking hands and making promises, building his empire on our backs. Mom's fingers worry at her wedding ring, turning it around and around.
I count the rotations.
Three.
A horrible number.
