“I’m going to do my best, sir.”
He nods and smiles. “I don’t doubt it. You’re one of the best goalies on the ice this season. Hell, who am I kidding? Every season.”
“I appreciate that.”
Then he turns his attention to Sam, his eyes brightening as he takes her in. Not in a weird way, more familiar than anything.
“And you must be Samantha?” He gestures to shake her hand as well.
“Yes.” Sam perks up and shakes his hand. “It’s so nice to meet you, Mr. Martinez… Senator… Sorry.”
He waves her off. “Mr. is fine. Gracie tells me a lot about you.” Senator Martinez glances to his daughter, who is visibly upset by his presence.
“All good I hope,” Sam jokes.
“Of course. I hope you’re enjoying your time at Sovereign King’s. It’ll bring you a lot of opportunity for success.”
Sam swallows down whatever truth she has to share. “That’s what I’m hoping for.”
“All right. Well, I’ll leave you kids be. There’s someone I need to speak with.”
“Nice meeting you,” Sam says.
“Gracie. I guess I’ll be seeing you at home, seeing how your mother told me you’ll be staying with us for a few days.”
She gives him a curt nod. The senator doesn’t acknowledge her behavior but instead places an awkward kiss on her forehead before finally walking away.
“Everything okay?” Sam asks Gracie the moment he’s out of earshot.
“Yeah.” She sighs. “I need a drink,” Gracie blurts and takes off before either of us can say anything.
“That was weird.” Sam glances at me.
“Seems there is a lot of hostility between families tonight.”
“Tell me about it. Look, I’m going to find the restroom. Be right back.”
“I’ll walk you.”
“I’m fine. I think I can manage it on my own. But I have my phone. I’ll text you if I get lost.”
I don’t like it, but I agree anyway. Sam pats my shoulder then takes off in search of the restroom. Immediately I look over where I saw Jackson earlier, but he’s long gone. I’m uncomfortable with that, but before I can really think about it, Chancellor Williamsburg is at the front of the room—mic in one hand and a drink in the other.
Alex stands reluctantly on his left while Mrs. Williamsburg beams like the doting wife and mother that she is. They’re vastlydifferent, the two of them, and it’s fascinating how Alex has a little of them both in him. He can be charming like his mother in one breath, and just as cold as his father in the next.
On cue, the chancellor begins his speech, directing kind words to his son as if he really means it. Alex forces a smile at the crowd as they hang on every word. This goes on for several minutes with him doing exactly as Alex said he would: making our victories this season about him.
Suddenly, I realize Sam hasn’t returned. It’s been only ten minutes, but something doesn’t sit right with me.
Bryden:Find the bathroom?
I stare at the screen for her reply but those three little dots never appear.
Bryden:Sam?
Still nothing.
Excusing myself, I sway through the sea of people and head down the long hall that leads deeper into the estate. It’s quiet save for the chancellor’s voice blaring through the halls. But the farther I walk, the more muffled his speech becomes. When I reach the end, I glance both ways, but it’s empty. So I move over to the bathroom, and tap on the door. Putting my ear to it, I listen for Sam.
