“What’s going on?”he asks Jonathan.“You’re being extra miserable.Did something happen?”
Jonathan looks between us and finally caves.“I’m under review with the swim committee.”
“For what?”Collin asks, not putting it together.
Jonathan blows out a breath.“For being arrested.”
“He didn’t press charges!”I exclaim, infuriated on his behalf.
“They don’t want the publicity attached to Penn State.”
Collin leans against the back of the front row of recliners.“What are they going to do?”
“Coach promised he’d sort it out.But he said that I can’t get into any more trouble.No fights.Nothing with my father.I have to basically be a saint until I leave for school.”
“Are you worried?”I ask, not understanding why he’s so stressed.Unless there’s something going on with Hal I don’t know about.And what does this have to do with having dinner with my parents?
He releases a humorless laugh.Collin groans and runs his fingers through his hair.
“What am I missing?”I ask, looking between them.They’rebothworried now.“You’re hardly around your dad, right?And can younotget into a fight?”
Their eyes are on me, like I’m asking the impossible.
“What are you guys doing in here?They just called the election,” Gavin announces, sticking his head into the room.
I jump up and rush to the door, leaving Collin and Jonathan to trail after us.I lose them when Gavin and I weave through the maze of guests to reach my parents at the front of the room, standing on a small platform that allows us to be seen by everyone all the way through to the kitchen—my mother’s insistence.
Mom is glowing with pride.She opens her arms to hug me when we join her and Dad on the tiny stage.I smile and squeeze her back.It’s nice to see her so happy.Both of them.
Dad holds up a glass of champagne.A server hands Gavin and me a glass as well, although ours are half filled with something obviously non-alcoholic.My dad just got elected district attorney for the county; providing his minor children with alcohol would not go over well, especially with reporters in the crowd.
I’m temporarily blinded by a flash when my father begins his speech.I didn’t need to secure my smile in place; it’s natural tonight.I’m so proud of my dad.Both of my parents.They worked hard to make this happen.And despite my griping, I was able to be a part of it.It’s a big moment for our family.
“Thank you.Thank you.”The applause and cheers subside.“Thank you all for being here tonight.”
My eyes drift over the crowd.There are people everywhere in the front room and all the way into the kitchen.I smile brightly at Magda, holding her granddaughter on her hip.She waves to me.She honestly should be up here with us.
“When I decided to run for district attorney, I knew it would be received with mixed emotions.Some saw it as an opportunity to enforce justice.Others saw it as a betrayal to the cause I’ve spent my entire life upholding.”
It’s not hard to spot Shamus and Kenneth with Jocelyn.Their smiles aren’t as bright as the rest of the room’s.They’re not doing a very good job at being clutch purses.I don’t blame them.I wouldn’t want to lose my dad to the other side of the courtroom either.
“But youallsupported me.And that’s what this town—correction, thiscountyis all about.Looking out for each other.Wanting the best for our neighbors even if we don’t agree with their point of view.I appreciate everyone’s support.You’re here because you believe in me even if you don’t believe in what I’m doing.”
I’m impressed by how many faces I know.
In the far back, near the kitchen entrance, there’s a face I never expected to see here.Standing next to Terrence Winston because they both paid for this result.To get my dad elected.
I fight to maintain my smile.
“I promise I will follow my conscience.Uphold the law.And it’s my intention to represent an equitable justice system within this county.”
Why would he support the man who’s defended his son for years in his bid to become the newly elected district attorney?
Everyone holds up their glasses.I raise mine, still focused on Hal Reeves.He tips his in the air as if toasting me directly.
Does he expect my dad to look the other way?Or maybe he’s expecting me to as well.
I pull my gaze away from him in search of Jonathan.My smile doesn’t fool him.Heknowsme.As soon as he looks into my eyes, he detects something’s wrong.
