“What about it?” I ask.
“We’d love it if the two of you would attend this year,” Mom says, then takes a bite of her steak.
Jason and I exchange a glance. I blurt, “But kids under eighteen aren’t allowed.”
“They’re allowed, but most don’t attend,” Dad corrects. “These events are a little boring for them. But as you know, I’m up for reelection next year and I need to make a good impression.”
I roll my eyes. “So this is a publicity stunt.”
“Artemis,” Mom warns. “You and Jason are Wests, one of the founding families. It’s time you start behaving as such. That includes attending these events.”
I groan. “But I don’t fit in with their fancy clothes and pretty hair. I’m not even sure I’m a West. Was I adopted or something?”
Except I look like Mom, so that can’t be…
“Artemis,” Mom warns again. “Enough of that. You and Jason will attend the eventand you’ll be on your best behavior.” She lifts her eyebrow at me.
I poke at my food. “It’ll be so boring there.”
“Artemis, you’re sixteen, not a little kid,” Dad says.
Oh, so now he sees that? Where was he yesterday when Ryan and I were working on the project? He kept coming in and treating me like alittle kid. But I press my mouth shut because I don’t want to be disrespectful.
“Can I bring Jenna?” Jason asks.
“Of course,” Dad tells him.
“What about me? Can I bring a date?”
Mom and Dad exchange a glance. I know what that look means and I shoot to my feet, maybe a bit too harshly, but Iamupset. “You’re telling me I’m sixteen and mature enough to act like a proper West. Then why are you treating me like a little kid?” I point my thumb at my brother. “Why can he bring a date and I can’t?”
“She has a point,” Jason says.
I sigh as I drop down on my chair. “Thank you.”
My parents continue looking at one another. I swear it’s like they can read each other’s minds.
“All right,” Mom says. “We’ll let you bring a date, but we need to approve of him.”
“Seriously? Can I ask Ryan Rogers? You met him.” Something tells me a fancy charity event isn’t his style, but he’s the only guy they know, and really, the only person I’d want to go with.
Dad rubs his chin. “Lauren is a nice woman and we’ve known her for years.” He frowns. “But I’m sorry, honey. Ryan’s not coming.”
I gape at them. “What? Why not?”
Mom and Dad exchange another glance.
“What aren’t you telling me?” I demand, keeping my voice soft so I don’t sound like a crazy woman.
Mom sighs. “Ryan has been through a lot, but that’s all we’re going to say. If you want to take a date to the Ball, bring him here and we’ll decide if he can come.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “This is bull. Jason gets to take whoever he wants while I’m treated like a baby.”
“Artemis,” Mom says in her strict voice. “Enough.”
I throw my hands up. “Well it’s true! You treat me differently from Jason because I’m a girl. Admit it.”
“Fine,” Dad snaps. “I worry about you more than Jason because you’re a girl and because you’re younger than him.”
