“Says who? Since you have yoga, why not get ready for your workout and meet me for coffee before your class?”
Olivia scrunches her nose, and just like before, it’s fucking adorable. “We’re talking about a band tee from six years ago and yoga pants that are beginning to fray at the bottoms. Not exactly the sexiest of workout clothes.”
“I don’t know, sounds pretty sexy to me,” I quip, and a light blush creeps up her neck to her cheeks. “I’ll sweeten the deal and come in pajamas.”
She sits up straighter, confidently reaching across the table to shake my hand. “You have a deal, Mister…”
“Banks.” I take her hand and warmth spreads up my arm, just like it did in class when I touched her.
“Banks… Banks…” Her eyes widen as she releases my hand, then whisper-shouts, “No fucking way. Your mom is Premier of Ontario?”
“Close. Nova Scotia. But, shh, keep it down, or all of New York will know.”
She crosses her heart. “I promise I won’t tell.”
“It’s not like I hide it, but I also don’t advertise it. I’m sure someone put two-and-two together when I applied for the internship this time.”
“Or you were one of the best candidates and you’re playing down your achievements.”
“Or that,” I chuckle.
“Once your internship is done…” Her words hang in the air, and I hate that I don’t have a better answer for her than I’m leaving.
With a deep breath, I finish her sentence, “I’ll be going home. I’ll be applying for graduate and law schools up there in the next few months, but after that, who knows? I’d love to work for a nonprofit, but I have a feeling I’ll be lured into the world of public office by my family.”
“I can see it. Charming, up-and-coming candidate steals the hearts of Nova Scotia.” She connects her thumbs and forefingers to make a frame and squints. “Yep, Member of Parliament in the next ten years.”
“Not likely.” I huff a small laugh. “What about you?”
“I’m hoping to get into a program in California—maybe Stanford. After that?” She shrugs. “Maybe I’ll also be lured into the world of public office. Honestly, I feel like I can do more working with nonprofits or charities. I don’t know that I’d survive the scrutiny of serving in an official capacity.”
“After seeing you in class today, I don’t buy it.” Just as she did, I create a frame, keeping an eye closed as I peer through my fingers. “Ah, yes, I can see it. Brilliant candidate, steals the hearts of California, runs for Governor.”
Olivia poses with her chin resting on her fist. “And you just took the first photo of the announcement.”
Moving my hands to mime holding a camera, I snap the picture. “Beautiful.”
“That’s an exclusive. Don’t lose it!”
“Hold on a sec.” I reach for my phone in my back pocket and pause, waiting for her approval. Then I take a real photo. “I give it less than a decade before it happens.”
“There is no way I’d ever become Governor, especially for a huge state like California. Should we have a wager?”
“No need. It’s a prediction. When you become Governor—if you want it—I want to be the first to congratulate you.”
“The call that will never happen,” she chuckles, glancing away as she blushes.
There is no doubt in my mind she’ll accomplish anything she sets her mind to. I’ve spent years watching her hand raise before everyone else's with thoughtful answers to our professors’ questions. But this fun, playful side of her—I hope it’s just for me. If and when she is elected to public office, I’ll absolutely be the first person to call. Then again, if things were different, I’d be beside her when she got the news.
A woman comes by to let us know they’re closing in a few minutes. Olivia and I still have a half-full plate of nachos and race to finish them. Once we only have a few chips left, I excuse myself and rush over to the register.
“Hi, is it too late to put in a to-go order?”
“Depends on what you’re ordering,” the woman replies, not glancing up from her register.
I quickly scan the menu, then briefly look over my shoulder to Olivia. Her back is still turned, and I rush out, “Two orders of chicken enchiladas?”
“I only have enough for one with chicken, but I can do the other with cheese or beef.”
