We both jump at the sound of Sheldon’s voice. Jenson wraps his arms around me and holds me close.
“No worries,” Sheldon’s saying. “Love you.”
“He must be on the phone with Cara,” I whisper into Jenson’s ear.
He kisses my neck. “He’ll go back to the table in a minute.”
“So should we,” I say as I step back from him and begin straightening my hair. “Or we’ll be noticed. Right now is definitely not the right time or place to tell them about us.”
“I know. We’ll wait for the right moment.”
* * *
After Jenson leaves the bathroom, I wait a few minutes before opening the door and stepping out. As I hurry through the hallway, I bump into Calvin rounding the corner.
“Ms. Graham,” he says, his face masked by the shadowy light of the dimly-lit hall.
“Calvin, hello.” I instinctively cross my arms over my chest. “How are you?”
“I think I should be asking you that question,” he says, his tone laced with sarcasm.
“I’m great. If you’ll excuse me…” I go to walk around him.
“Ms. Graham.” Calvin matches me step for step as I hurry toward my table. “I’d like to ask you a few questions.”
I spin on him. “Are these questions about my father’s campaign?”
He stumbles backward. “Um, in a manner of speaking.”
“I don’t have time to play your games tonight, Calvin. I remember the things you’ve done in the past, the rumors you spread, and the lies you told. I would suggest you keep your distance from me right now if you want to continue to be invited to these mayoral events.”
“You can’t stop me from attending,” he spits out.
“Try me.” I turn away and head for my table.
Jenson’s seated and chatting with his mom as if he never left. I push in next to Sheldon, who takes one look at me and asks what’s going on. I take a big sip of my soda rather than answering him.
“You’re all flushed and bright-eyed,” he presses. “Did you get a phone call from somebody? You were gone a little while.”
I know he’s just curious and probably half-joking, but his aim is far too close to home. I deflect by telling him he’s got too vivid of an imagination.
The rest of the meal goes smoothly, but leaving with Jenson proves tricky. I tell Mom I don’t need a ride and that I may go to Bernie’s first. Sheldon overhears and says he’ll go grab Cara, and they’ll meet me there.
“Um…” I stall.
“I’ll go with you to Bernie’s, Olive,” Daphne says.
Sheldon and I stare at her.
“You’re going to Bernie’s?” Sheldon says. “You’re going to sit around and be idle, and waste time doing nothing productive?”
Daphne gives him the finger. “Fuck you, Sheldon. Fine, I won’t go then.”
“No!” I say, grabbing her arm. “Of course you should go. Don’t let our irritating brother stop you, for God’s sake.”
Sheldon nods. “I want you to go, Daph. It’ll be like old times.” He turns to Jenson. “You want to join us, J?”
“Yeah, that sounds good,” Jenson says. “Does anybody need a ride?” He looks at me when he says it.
I want to say yes, but I know Daphne may chicken out and not go. “I’ll ride with Daphne,” I say. “We’ll see you there?”
He grins at me. “See you there.”
