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‘Honey, I don’t want to be doing the news forever. And this is a move away from it, a new avenue to explore.’
Brooke was aware that her arms were crossed again. ‘I thought you loved doing news,’ she said.
‘Hey, I thought you said you hated me running off to Beirut at the drop of a hat.’
‘I do.’
‘Well then. This is an honour, Brooke, can’t you see?’ he said, his dark blue eyes pleading with her. ‘Ever since that human trafficking report I did, they’ve been lining me up for something really big. You say I’m travelling all the time; well, here’s my opportunity to stay in one place. ‘
‘A different place to our home, our friends, our family – and, let’s not forget, my job.’
‘Well that’s something we’ve got to talk about … ’
‘You’re damn right we do,’ she said hotly. ‘Last time I looked there were no major children’s publishing houses in Washington.’
‘Come on, Brooke, you could easily do something else. In fact, you don’t have to do anything.’
She curled her hands
into fists. ‘And that’s exactly what you want, isn’t it?’
She thought of Robert Billington in the gardens of Cliffpoint, telling her how David just wanted a good wife. Well, screw them, she thought angrily.
‘Brooke calm down … ’
She looked at him, feeling her bottom lip tremble.
‘I have a career, David,’ she said. ‘I have a book at number seven of the New York Times’ best–sellers list, destined for number one. Do you know how rare that is for a children’s author? Do you know how good that made me feel?’
She shook her head at his silence. ‘You know my achievements to date have been unremarkable. People thought I was another rich girl playing at a career until I got married off. Sure, I’m the company golden girl, but not because they take me seriously. Because I’m Brooke Asgill, engaged to David Billington, not because I’m Brooke Asgill, talented commissioning editor. Until today, that is. Today, I published a great book, a fantastic book that everyone is talking about – everyone is reading all over the country. That’s why I couldn’t “easily do something else”, because – and I’m sorry if it’s inconvenient for you – I think I’ve found something I’m good at.’
She looked at his face. He was looking down, his eyes seemingly focused on a small point on the expensive walnut floors.
‘A marriage is about two people, Brooke.’
‘Exactly,’ she said bitterly, and suddenly she realized what Washington represented to her: second place. If they went there now, she would be a TV host’s wife. In a few years, a congressman’s wife; somewhere down the line, maybe even First Lady. And that was the irony of it: there was nothing first about life with a man like David Billington. She was always expected to come second.
‘You sound resentful,’ said David quietly, his eyes still on the floor.
‘Do you blame me?’
‘Brooke, my career is the most important thing in my family’s life.’
‘Of course,’ she said tartly. ‘Your family. Not me, not even you. Your family.’
‘But you knew–’
‘Yes, I knew that was the deal when I agreed to marry you,’ said Brooke. ‘I’ve always known the deal.’
Finally he looked up. His eyes were sad.
‘Sounds like you don’t want the deal, any more.’
Brooke didn’t say anything. She blinked as fat tears began to roll down her cheeks.
‘I’m sorry, baby,’ said David. ‘I want this opportunity. I really want to do it.’ She could see how much this meant to him and it broke her heart.
‘I thought you wanted Congress,’ she said. ‘The Connecticut seat.’
