"You said we needed to discuss the campaign schedule." His invitation to sit goes ignored.
He studies me for a moment, then shrugs. "Suit yourself." He takes his seat behind the desk, opening a leather portfolio. "There are several events in January I'd like you to attend. The Coastal Conservation Gala on the 15th, and the State Bar Association mixer on the 28th."
"I have classes starting January 11th," I point out.
"All weekend events. Shouldn't interfere with your academic obligations." His tone makes it clear this isn't a request. "Your brothers will attend as well, of course. With their wives."
The implied expectation hangs in the air between us. I take a deep breath, reminding myself not to rise to the bait.
"I'll check my calendar and let you know."
"No need. I've already had my assistant block these dates for you."
Of course he has. Why pretend I have any say in the matter?
"Fine." This fight isn't worth it. "Is that all?"
He closes the portfolio, but instead of dismissing me, he leans back in his chair. "Actually, there's something else we need to discuss. About your living situation at the fraternity."
The shift in tone immediately puts me on guard. "My living situation is fine."
"Is it?" He reaches for something on the corner of his desk, a folder I hadn't noticed before, manila and unmarked. Been sitting there the whole time, waiting. "I've had some concerns. About the influence you're under."
"The influence." My voice goes flat.
"James Hunter." He says the name like it tastes bad. "Your... boyfriend."
The way he pauses before 'boyfriend' makes my jaw tighten. "What about him?"
"I've been doing some research." He opens the folder with deliberate care. "Just due diligence, you understand. Making sure the people in my son's life are... appropriate."
"Research." The word comes out sharp. "You mean you had someone investigate him?"
"I prefer to think of it as staying informed." He slides a photo across the desk. "Did you know James has been systematically building relationships with key members of the LGBTQ+ donor community in this state?"
The photo shows James at an event, shaking hands with someone in a suit. "He does charity work. Web design for nonprofits. I know about this."
"Do you?" Another photo. "Rainbow Haven House. The Pride Resource Center. Alliance for Queer Youth. He's designed websites for all of them." He taps the second photo. "Pro bono work, he calls it."
"Because he believes in their causes." I’m not going to touch those photos. "What's your point?"
"My point is that your boyfriend has been very strategic in building a network that closely aligns with potential donors for my campaign." His eyes never leave mine. "A campaign that will need to demonstrate inclusion and diversity to win certain districts."
The implication hits like a slap. "You think James is dating me to... what? Network with potential donors?"
"I think James Hunter is a young man with no family, limited resources, and considerable ambition." His voice is maddeningly reasonable. "I think he sees opportunities in his association with you. With our family."
"That's ridiculous. You don't know him at all."
"Don't I?" He opens the folder wider, turning it so I can see more contents. Photos. Printed articles. Event programs.
"Here's James at a fundraiser for Rainbow Haven House last February. Note who he's speaking with." He points to a photo where James is shaking hands with someone. "Senator Mitchell's chief of staff. Mitchell, who sits on the Appropriations Committee."
My stomach twists. "So he met someone at a fundraiser. That proves nothing."
"Here's another. The Pride Resource Center gala last October. Pictured with Congressman Evans' daughter, who runs his foundation." He flips to another photo. "Tech conference,May. With three people who've since become major donors to progressive campaigns."
"He works in tech. He's involved in LGBTQ+ causes. Of course, he knows these people."
