“It’s so very interesting that you two are friends,” Percy said, momentarily looking at Jesse before his eyes returned to Arthur. “Are you friends withallof your employees?”
Jesse saw Arthur’s friendly, confident smile falter ever so slightly, and his stomach curdled. All of a sudden, Jesse was back in front of Percy’s house, and the heart-shattering words that Percy had said so many years ago were replaying in his head, only this time their meaning was finally becoming clear.
“People would talk, Jesse. I could lose my inheritance if my parents ever found out about you. About us. Our friendship... you’re not... important enough. I mean, even once you finish college, it isn’t as though people will know who Jesse Wolff is. Our lives, they’re completely separate when we’re not in school. And I think... oh, love, I think they always will be. It was sweet of you to want to come here and surprise me, but my parents might suspect something if they found us. Especially since... well, you know what happened before I left for school. We can’t see each other here. Actually, maybe it’s best if we stop seeing each other entirely.”
Percy’s parting words continued to echo, their harsh truth illuminating one particular problem that Jesse selfishly hadn’t let himself see. Jesse had been fixated on the possibility that he might not be enough for Arthur Hughes. But now Jesse could see that there was an even larger, more pressing reason that theirforever friendshipmight not work.
Sooner or later, Arthur would realize how much he had to lose.
Arthur had a huge, beautiful home. He had two thriving print shops and investments in God-only-knew how many other businesses. He had a family. And a life that was filled with luxury and prestige, one that was enriched by equally wealthy, equally influential friends who belonged to Chicago’s elite.
Eventually, Arthur would see these things—really,trulysee them—for himself. He’d realize what he was riskingby being with Jesse. Because their friendship—their unlikely,randomfriendship—could only ever invite raised eyebrows or ridicule at best. And if the people in Arthur’s circle ever realized that what was between them was much more than friendship...
Jesse swallowed thickly.
Arthur may have been funny and silly and eccentric and charming and oh-so-many other wonderful things, but the man was still beholden to familial and societal pressure in ways that Jesse would never be.
And someday, Arthur would see that, too.
So now, Jesse could only wonder if Percy’s remark alone would be enough to break those rose-colored spectacles perched atop Arthur’s nose. Or if, instead, it would merely cause a crack to form. How many of these sorts of comments would it take for Arthur Hughes to realize the enormity of the risk they were taking?
Jesse’s mind was swirling with these troublesome worries when Arthur clasped his hands together and responded.
“Not all of them, no. Jesse and I struck up a friendship when I needed him to show me how some of the presses worked. Earlier this year, I had hoped to secure a spot in Machinery Hall here at the fair. But some things aren’t meant to be, I’m afraid. Someone else must have bid higher.”
“Ah, is that how certain businesses were chosen then?”
“Some. Others were chosen because of a contribution they had made to the world. Although, that was more so part of the criteria for individuals. Innovators and inventors. Brilliant people whose creativity had earned them some prestige. Or even only a patent.” Arthur shrugged. “But I’m not very creative. Nor am I as wealthy as some others in our circle, especially my parents, thanks to... ehm, well, you know the story, I’m sure.”
“Yes,” Percy said, his voice suddenly tight. “I do.”
Arthur and Percy both looked at their shoes. Jesse hadn’t realized how much Arthur’s previous missteps, especially thebigone, really had followed him throughout adulthood. Percy seemed to feel some sort of sympathy toward Arthur for it.
Finally, Percy looked up.
“Well, enjoy the rest of the fair, you two,” he said. “I won’t keep you.”
Arthur met Percy’s eyes and nodded.
“Take care, Percy,” Arthur said before Percy strolled away, pushing past them.
After a moment, Arthur turned toward Jesse.
“Jesse Wolff?”
“I’ll tell you later.”
“And Percy?”
“Arthur . . .”
“I hadn’t realized that you knew him, that’s all. Care to tell me—”
“Not now,” Jesse said curtly, looking away.
“But—”
“It’s not private enough to tell you here,” Jesse said, his cheeks heating.
