I glance over his shoulder and see Christopher watching us from across the room. "Christopher is... complicated."
James studies my face, concern evident in his expression. "Ex-boyfriend?"
"No. Nothing like that. It's a long story."
"I've got time," he says simply.
Before I can decide how much to reveal, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I check the display and feel a fresh wave of tension. "It's my father."
"Do you need privacy?"
I should say yes. This call will undoubtedly be uncomfortable, full of subtle interrogation about James and reminders of family expectations. But suddenly, I don't want to face it alone.
"No, not from you. But let's step outside."
We find a small balcony off the main hall, the cool night air a relief after the stuffiness inside. I answer the call, putting it on speaker so I don't have to press the phone to my ear.
"Father." My greeting is formal as usual when he calls. "How's Washington?"
"Productive," he replies, his voice as measured as always. "Your mother tells me the event is going well."
"Yes, good turnout. The Richardson Foundation pledged additional support."
"Excellent." There's a brief pause. "She also mentioned you brought a guest. Hunter, was it?"
Glancing at James, who stands a respectful distance away, giving me space while still being present. "Yes, James Hunter. He's here with me now."
"I see." My father's disapproval manages to travel through the phone without being explicitly expressed. "This is the same young man you mentioned to your mother? The computer student?"
"Computer science and security. Yes, same person."
"Hmm." Another weighted pause. "You understand he hasn't been vetted by staff yet. What exactly do you know about this young man's background?"
The question ignites a flare of anger deep inside me. "I know everything I need to know, Father."
"Don't be naive, Caleb," he says sharply. "You're the son of a Senate candidate. Anyone you associate with reflects on the campaign."
"James isn't a security risk." It's a struggle to keep my voice level. "He's in the last year of his degree before going on to a graduate program. James has a spotless record."
"According to whom? Our background check is still processing, but preliminary findings suggest some irregularities."
Freezing, I look at James, who has gone very still. "What kind of irregularities?" I ask, though I already suspect the answer.
"Foster care system. Multiple schools. Gaps in his history. These things raise questions."
The casual dismissal of James's entire life experience as "irregularities" sends a fresh wave of anger through me. "Those aren't irregularities, Father. They are circumstances that were beyond his control."
"Nevertheless, they present potential complications." My father's voice remains calm as it makes me see red. "Which is why your mother and I think it would be more appropriate foryou to attend the Thompson gala next weekend with Christopher Montgomery instead."
The suggestion hits me like a physical blow. "Did I hear you right? No, seriously, did you just suggest I go anywhere near Christopher Fucking Montgomery! That's never going to happen." I hiss loudly into the phone.
My father blows right over my outburst like it never happened. "He's from a good family, Caleb. Well-connected, discreet, understands how these things work."
"I know exactly how Christopher works."There is no fucking way I will ever be alone with him again."And I'm not going anywhere with him."
"You're being unreasonable," my father sighs. "What happened four years ago was unfortunate, but?—"
"Unfortunate?" I cut him off when my control finally snaps. "Is that what we're calling it now? He was twenty-eight, I was barely eighteen, and he wouldn't take no for an answer. But sure, let's call it 'unfortunate' because his father writes big checks to your campaign."
