“Designer taste on a thrift store budget?”
She shook her head. “More like give them an outfit, and they wanted the whole store. Nothing’s ever enough for them. Mom wasn’t always like that, but I guess Dad rubbed off on her.”
“You said they’re in politics? What do they do?” The sound of a car with deep bass drove along the main road, and Joel paused until it passed. “My dad served as mayor of our town, but decided politics wasn’t for him, although he does serve on the chamber of commerce.”
Cassidy snorted. “I wish that’s all my dad did.”
Uh oh. Seems I hit a nerve. “Not a good topic I take it?”
“To say the least.” Her mouth turned down, and the sadness appeared in her eyes again. “If you knew who my dad is, you’d probably hate me like half the country.”
“I doubt that.” Curious, he wanted to ask, but let her share if she desired.
“Do you know of Senator Frey?”
“You mean the creep who sold information to foreign governments? If it’s true what he did, he’s a despicable man.” Too late, he put the pieces together. If his delayed brain-functioning wasn’t enough to tell him, the crestfallen look on Cassidy’s face did. “He’s your dad, isn’t he?”
“For better or worse.” Tears shimmered in her eyes, and she stood up. “I should get back to the room now. Thanks again for everything.”
He sprung to his feet and reached out a hand to stop her. “I’m sorry. I should have thought before I spoke.”
“It’s okay. I’ve heard much worse.”
“You don’t have to go yet unless you want to.” He dropped his arm to his side. “You’re not responsible for your father’s actions. What he did has no influence on my opinion of you.”
“Then you’re the only one who doesn’t care.” She crossed her arms, looking scared and vulnerable.
“That’s not true. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I can see you have four friends in the motel who will stand by you through thick and thin.”
Her lips twisted into a partial smile. “All right. I’ll grant you that one. They’re the best friends anyone could ask for. When they invited me on this road trip, it was an answer to prayer.”
“How so?” He sat back down, and she followed his action.
“I worked for a public relations firm, and when news of my father leaked, I became a liability to them, so they fired me. Then all my friends in D.C. backed away, not wanting to be associated with my family in any way.” She swallowed and wiped the last of the tears he could tell she begrudged. “Do you have any idea what it’s like to go from a privileged life to nothing? It’s not even the loss of privilege I care about, but the betrayal of my dad and friends. It makes me doubt everything I’ve ever known about people.”
“I can’t say that I do understand, but I can’t imagine it’s been easy.” His heart went out to her. He’d read the news, and the horrible lines spewed toward Senator Frey. He’d even said similar ones himself in his anger, but never gave thought about the repercussions for his family. “I’m sorry you’ve had to experience this. Do you think there is a chance he is innocent?”
She shook her head in a slow fashion and with such despair that her pain latched on to him. “When I first heard, I didn’t want to believe it, but I went to visit him in prison. He admitted nothing, but I knew—he is guilty.”
“How is your mother dealing with everything?”
“She’s in denial, and although she has plenty of her own faults, I truly believe she knew nothing of my dad’s activities.” Cassidy rubbed her temples. “I worry about her. She’s aged a decade in a few short months. Her hair has gone from a beautiful glossy chestnut color to ninety-five percent gray.”
“I’ll keep your family in my prayers.”
Her eyes widened. “You’re a believer?”
“Yes. My parents took me to church but didn’t put much effort into teaching me about God. It was Gran and Pop who taught me I needed to have a relationship with him.”
“They sound like amazing people.” Her tone adopted a wistfulness. “I never knew my grandparents, but my parents made me go to church every Sunday, for appearance’s sake, I’m sure. Little did they realize everything I learned stuck with me. If not for trusting in God, I’m not sure where I would be now.”
“I know what you mean. Faith makes a huge difference when facing an obstacle.”
“That’s never been clearer than the last few weeks.” She glanced in the direction of the rooms her friends were in. “Most of my friends in D.C. weren’t Christians. And while it’s not my place to judge, those who claimed to be showed little fruits. To be fair, I’m not sure my life the last few years was a shining example either. But Jessica, Lark, Rain, and Bridget—they’re the real deal. Their friendship never faltered and I know their close walks with God played a large part in that.”
“I’m glad you have them.”
“Me too.” She smiled again, and it transformed her entire face.
He fought against a yawn and lost. “It’s late. I should get to bed so I can call Randy early in the morning.”
“Me too. It’s been a long day, and who knows what tomorrow will bring.” She stretched her arms. “Is there any place to get a cream-filled donut in the morning? After this day, I’ve decided I deserve a sugary treat.”
“There’s a bakery within walking distance. If you make a left onto the sidewalk, it’s six buildings down.”
“Thanks. For everything.”
“My pleasure.” He gave a short salute. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
