My lips curve into a tight smile.I’ve been fantasizing about him foryears.Mostly PG-13.Mostly.My cheeks burn again at the exact moment my door is opened by the valet.He smiles down at me, and I only get redder.
Jonathan is out and by my side faster than I can get the ticket.“Thanks,” he says, and I shoot him a curious look.“Didn’t want him thinking that blush was for him.”He takes my hand, and we turn toward the house that’s reallynota house.Unless five families live here.
“Whoa,” Jonathan breathes out as we admire the large stone estate.It’s twice the size of our family’s home with its expansive veranda and multiple eaves.The perimeter is dramatically uplit, showcasing the manicured shrubs and floor-length windows.“We can definitely find a place to get lost in here.”
My jacket is barely off when my mother rushes over to fetch me.“There you are.Where have you been?”Then she notices Jonathan taking the ticket from the coat-check attendant.Her voice becomes a hiss of a whisper.“What is he doing here?I thought you had to drive yourself because of dance.”
I didn’t mention that I invited Jonathan to tonight’s event because I knew she’d say no.But I also know she won’t make a scene now that he’s here.Permission and forgiveness, right?I’m sure I won’t be as brave later, when she has me alone and is lecturing me about appearances.From the subtle glances of admiration he’s already receiving—so disturbing—he’s making all the right impressions, so maybe she’ll forget about the permission part and go right to forgiveness.
“Hi, Mrs.Prescott,” Jonathan greets her warmly, sliding his hand into mine.It feels so natural, yet my heart leaps every time it happens.“I’m glad I could be here to support Mr.Prescott, especially after everything he’s done for me.”
My mother spreads her politician smile across her face.She inspects him critically.“It’s nice to see you again, Jonathan.That suit is well tailored.”
I try to keep the bewildered look from creasing my face.What kind of comment is that?
“Thank you.”
“Sadie, we need to take some photos with the Winstons.”I guess that’s who’s hosting the event.I didn’t remember their names.“And please smile.”
So… I turn it on.The smile that slips on my face as easily as socks on my feet.It’s a reflex.It doesn’t meet my eyes.Or come from my heart.Jonathan shoots me a curious look, like he doesn’t understand what I’m doing.And I just smile brighter, exaggerating it just a bit.He laughs.
My mother turns around, and I shift it back into place.Jonathan leans down to whisper into my ear, “I get it now.”
I can sense how out of place he feels as we follow my parents around the room.My father shakes hands, and my mother introduces me without acknowledging Jonathan.His posture is tall and stiff.His face neutral.But his eyes follow me everywhere.He holds my purse while I stand with poise beside my parents, fighting not to look over at him.No one approaches him, thankfully.But he stands out, receiving curious glances from around the room.And more of the disturbing, lingering ones from some of the women.Still gross.
We get a brief moment of reprieve when Mr.Winston asks my father into another room to talk to some donors.I gratefully relieve servers of hors d’oeuvres, loading up two cocktail napkins, while Jonathan waits at the bar for sodas.We meet in the far corner of the ballroom.Seriously.A ballroom, in theirhome!
“I’m starving,” I say before practically inhaling a stuffed phyllo thing.The cheese explodes in my mouth, and I nearly groan.
“I’m glad I ate before coming.I wasn’t sure if they’d have food.”He picks up a skewered piece of beef and bites it off the pick.“Food’s good, just… tiny.”
I laugh.“Thank you so much for being here.”
“You’ve thanked me probably a hundred times tonight.”He sets his drink on a nearby table and slides his arm around my waist.“I’m glad I’m here.”
I gawk at him.“You can’t be serious.Have you been drinking?”
He laughs.“No.I mean, I get to be a part of your life that I’ve never seen before.It’s like I only know one side of you.And there’s so much more.”
“And you like that?This?”I scan the room.The tuxes and gowns.The posturing.My eyes land on the man coming out of the room with my father, and I blink.I can’t believe what I’m seeing.
“I like being with you, no matter where that is.So… yes.”His lips find my temple.Then he realizes I’m unresponsive.I’m a statue, staring.
He follows my unwavering gaze.“What the—”
Before he can finish, they’re standing in front of us.“Sadie, it’s nice to finally meet you.”
“I can’t believe this is the first time you’ve met,” my father says with an odd chuckle that draws my attention.But his eyes are darting between Jonathan and his father.
“We’ve said hello in passing in town.I’m usually working.Trying to set a good example for my son.”He turns his attention to Jonathan, mirth dancing in his dark eyes as they catch the light of the chandeliers.“Surprised to find you here.And that you’re dating Eli’s daughter.”He flashes me a smile full of charm that nearly takes my legs out from under me.Notwho I was expecting.“What are you doing with this guy?”He laughs, full of mischief and teasing.Without the harsh edges or snide remarks I’ve been prepared for.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr.Reeves,” I say, offering my hand.I can’t even manage to put onthesmile—I’m so shocked.
He takes my hand in both of his and holds it gently.“The pleasure is all mine.And please call me Hal.”
“Of course,” I manage to reply with just a hint of a smile.He has the dark, penetrating stare of his son.They reach into the depths of a person to inspect their soul.Hal flashes a smile that’s capable of disarming the most hardened heart.He’s Jonathan in thirty years, just a little taller.And he feels comfortable in this room even if he’s not exactly like anyone here.His calloused hands and weathered lines on his face are indicative of work that comes with hard labor.He’s earned his success with sweat and backbreaking hours of dedication.
But he lords over this room like he belongs.Probably even more than the others—those who’ve been handed their fortunes and comfy chairs behind polished desks, tied to lineage and privilege.
