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“Sure thing.”
Work passed in a blur as I kept the pastry cabinets stocked and helped Dominic prepare for tomorrow’s batch he would be cooking.
Marie came into the room. “Hey, Kenzie. Your hunk is out there waiting for you. I still wish he had an older brother.”
I gave a slight shake of my head at Marie’s terminology. “I’ll be right out.”
Putting my apron away and washing up, I looked in the mirror and wiped away the excess flour on my cheek. Dominic stirred away. “Make sure that boy keeps treating you right.”
“You know I will. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He waved good-bye with flour filled hands. Making my way out to the main part of the coffee shop it was packed as students got their caffeine fix before their morning classes. Marie tended the cash register while Regina helped fill orders.
Every morning when Aiden would first see me, his smile would brighten his face. I looked forward to seeing the facial expression every day.
Aiden put his hand on my lower back. “You look gorgeous today. Did you have a good day?”
I leaned into him a little more. “I did. Thank you.”
We walked toward Old Main. Occasionally, Aiden would nod and say hello to someone. As we approached the steps that led to the long walkway to the front of Old Main, Aiden stopped.
Looking at him puzzled, he gave me a quick kiss before searching my eyes as he spoke, “I liked spending the night with you.”
From the furrowed brow, I thought this was probably his way of asking how I felt about last night. “I liked it, too. I’m hoping you can stay again soon.”
“How about tonight?”
My lips touched his again. Public affection was still hard, but I was getting used to it. “I think that sounds like a date.”
THE INTERVIEW WAS wrapping up. Congresswoman Hannigan seemed impressed with Aiden’s interview abilities. He exuded professionalism. The congresswoman sat with perfect posture in a crisp black suit with a red shirt that peeked out from underneath the buttoned blazer.
During the interview, I had remained silent, taking it all in.
Aiden closed his journal. “Thank you for your time, Congresswoman Hannigan.”
She stood and exuded a confidence I only wished to have one day. “The pleasure was mine. Thank you for helping spread the word for our fight against bullying.” Turning to me, she asked, “Kenzie, what are your thoughts as a female college student.”
She had addressed me. Someone from our national government was talking . . . to me . . . and wanted my opinion on something. After all the research I’d done, I had a thorough understanding of the government’s structure and the importance that went with being in Congress.
Pushing away the desire to do the clap thing that Brooklyn did, I calmly responded while trying to sound intelligent, “I think bringing awareness is the first step. Your three-pronged approach of awareness, realization, and action I believe will prove to be a success for those suffering from bullying.”
From beside me, Aiden beamed with pride from the way the he nodded as I spoke. Congresswoman Hannigan extended her hand. “I’d like to use your quote for the student reaction piece.”
She wanted to use my words. I was floored. “That would be an honor.”
Signaling with a slight tip of the head, a photographer came in. “I’d like to take a picture with both of you.”
Going to stand beside her, Aiden joined us on the other side of the congresswoman. Her smell was an elegant understated flowery scent. Smiling, the cameraman took a few photos.
“I think I’ve got it.” He checked his camera for affirmation. “Yes, I do.”
The congresswoman turned to us again. “Your quote and picture will probably be in the paper in the next day or so as we continue to release promotional pieces for the campaign.”
Oh no.
I was going to potentially be in the national news. Throughout the entire campaign, they were posting pictures of the congresswoman along with students. Why hadn’t I remembered this when I’d agreed to this.
My picture. My quote. They were both going to be in the paper for people outside of this area to see. What if the Keeper kept up with the national news? What if the Keeper saw me? I was terrified at the ramifications as the blood drained from my face. A woozy feeling came over me as I calmed myself enough to speak to the congresswoman. Before I could say anything she left with her crew.
