“Let’s not forget that she’s wearing his college hoodie,” Sophia points out. “Voluntary husband clothes stealing is a critical relationship milestone.”
I glance down at the faded USC Baseball sweatshirt I’d thrown on this morning. “It’s comfortable,” I mutter. “And he doesn’t mind.”
“I can’t believe you won’t be staying with us this trip!” Stella pouts as she lingers behind us, oblivious to our conversation. “Next year, maybe you and Lucas can stay with us at Brandon’s house.”
“You two are actually working out,” Blair says as we walk a few more steps ahead of Stella as Sophia slows to hang back with her. “Can’t say I’m surprised. Which is actually surprising.”
I start to object, but as we turn the corner into the wine section, I freeze so suddenly that Sophia bumps into me from behind.
“Jess, what—” she starts to say and then follows my gaze.
Senator Logan Carmichael stands by the premium cabernets, his hand resting on the lower back of a woman who is decidedly not his wife. She’s younger, maybe early forties, with sleek blonde hair in an elegant twist. They’re standing close, too close for a professional relationship, and the intimacy in their body language makes my instincts ping loudly.
“Is that…?” Blair whispers.
“Lucas’s father,” I confirm as a protective anger flares in my chest. I think of Katherine Carmichael, and something hardens in my resolve.
“Jess, maybe we should…” Sophia begins, but I’m already moving forward.
“Senator Carmichael!” I call out, my voice bright with false warmth. “What a surprise!”
The pair jumps apart slightly, and Logan’s politician mask slides into place so quickly that it would be impressive if it weren’t so practiced.
“Jessica,” he says, recovering smoothly, though I don’t miss the momentary panic in his eyes. “What a pleasant surprise. I didn’t realize you’d be in the Hamptons this weekend.”
“I could say the same,” I reply, extending my hand to the woman beside him. “I’m Jess Lexington-Carmichael, Logan’s daughter-in-law. And you are…?”
The woman takes my hand, and her grip is firm. “Diane Mercer. I work with the senator on his education initiative.”
“Diane is my director of legislative affairs,” Logan adds, his tone perfectly calibrated between professional and friendly. “We’re preparing for a donor meeting tomorrow about Katherine’s scholarship foundation.”
It sounds legitimate. It probably is legitimate. But something in the way the woman won’t quite meet my eyes sets off every warning bell I possess.
“How wonderful,” I say, matching his political smoothness. “Katherine’s foundation does such important work. Is she here with you this weekend?”
A flicker of discomfort crosses his face. “Unfortunately, no. She’s at a conference in Chicago.”
“Such a shame that we’ll miss her,” I reply, letting mygaze linger on Diane. “Lucas didn’t mention you’d be in town, Senator.”
“I didn’t realize Lucas would be here, either,” he says with a slight edge in his voice. “He tends to make decisions without consulting the family calendar these days.”
The implication is clear. Logan blames me for the distance with his son. I smile wider.
“Grant Hall’s summer party,” I explain. “Lucas never misses it. We’re staying at Grant’s guesthouse.”
“Interesting,” Logan says, his smile not reaching his eyes. “I thought these industry parties weren’t your usual scene, given your…journalistic integrity concerns.”
It’s a subtle dig, but I don’t rise to the bait. “I go where the stories are, Senator. Speaking of which, I’m working on a piece about political families maintaining authentic connections in the public eye. Perhaps you’d be willing to comment? Your family presents such a united front despite different career paths.”
Logan’s smile tightens. “I’m afraid I’m rather busy this weekend, Jessica. Perhaps another time.”
“Of course.” I nod understandingly. “Well, I won’t keep you and Diane from your…preparations. I’ll be sure to tell Lucas that I ran into you. I’m sure he’ll want to find time to see his father while you’re both here.”
The barely concealed alarm in Logan’s eyes gives me a petty satisfaction.
“That’s not neces?—”
“It’s no trouble at all,” I interrupt sweetly. “Family is so important, don’t you think?”
