“That was because I could not help myself. Now go back to your room before I decide to throw all my good judgment out the window along with my future career.”
Poppy gave him a military salute and headed for the door.
“Oh, and Poppy,” Bennett called out. “Have a great Christmas. I leave tomorrow for the lake. I will spend a few days with Dad thereand then head to Aspen with the Stroupe family for skiing. I won’t see you again until at least spring break. Good luck with your art applications. I will be thinking good thoughts for you.”
Poppy nodded and then made her way back to her room. Bennett watched until he saw her light go on. Then he released a breath he had been holding. Poppy had no idea what she did to him. He had played it all cool around her, but that had just been an act. He had not planned to go to the lake house until Christmas Eve. However, he did not trust himself around her. He was completely under her spell. He felt something with her that he had never felt with anyone else. What kind of messed up business was that? A high school kid? The universe seemed to have it in for him.
He felt it in her kiss and saw it in her eyes. Whatever it was, it was real. He just needed to remove himself from the situation long enough to figure out how to deal with whatever it was. Right now, though, any more alone time with her and all bets for his future would be off. Nope, if he could not trust himself to do the right thing, he had to remove himself from the situation. Problem solved. Heading to bed, Bennett made a mental note to be up and gone by the time Poppy woke the next day.
Chapter 6
Carrington House
Searcy, Arkansas
November 27, 2023
Harvey Cox was scribbling notes as fast as his fingers would go. Poppy excused herself to take a phone call from one of the girls' schools. Coming back into the room, he asked, "Everything okay? Are we still good to keep going?"
Poppy smiled at him and said, "Yes, it was nothing—just a question about the upcoming PTO Bingo night. I am ready to keep going if you are. Ask away."
"Just want to ensure I have this right; you and Bennett officially met just before Christmas 1999. You shared a dance and kiss, but for the most part, it was still very innocent."
"Yes, I would agree with that."
"That party sounded pretty amazing. Do you still hold it?"
"We do. I don't go all out with the decorating or the expanded guest list, but we still do a massive toy drive party. If Bennett goes back into politics, that is something else that will change. The party will return to being more of a vehicle for power brokers to see and be seen. I hate that, but it goes with the territory, I suppose."
"It sounds like you are not excited about your husband's upcoming run for governor. Why is that?"
"Don't get me wrong. Bennett will be an amazing governor. It just brings so much change into our lives."
"Starting with this article."
Poppy sighed. "Yes, but that is just the beginning. Our lives are about to become public property. No more secrets. No more privacy. Everything about our lives is about to be hung out for all the world to see and judge."
"That is why it is so important I get this article right."
"Agreed. That is why I am so committed to being honest with you about everything. If we are going to put it out there, let's put it all out there. No more hiding."
"Well, that's great to know. To that end, I do have to know. When did things heat up between the two of you? Guessing by your son's age, things picked up quickly. Did you see him over spring break?"
"No, well, yes, but only briefly. And we talked a lot on the phone."
"Okay, tell me about that."
Carrington House
Searcy, Arkansas
January – March 2000
Poppy had been practically living for Spring Break. She had a crush on Bennett before the kiss. She was madly consumed with him now.
Bennett had not been home since the night of the Christmas party, but that had not stopped her from hoping and praying he might show up each weekend. He never did.
Though she did not see him, she did have the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time talking to him on the phone. In late January, Gran was supposed to put together a large spread for Mr. Carrington to take to Fayevettville for a Razorback basketball tailgate. She was not sure how much food to prepare. Since her hands were full with making bread, she asked Poppy to call Mr. Carrington and ask. Gran gave her two numbers to try. The first number just went to voicemail. She left a message and then tried the second.
