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I run my hands down my pink silk dress. It’s short, tight, and everything Jake used to say he loved. But I’m not sure what was real and a lie, because the love part was all fake. I’m still slightly bitter about it, I guess. I didn’t think I cared too much, but maybe a small part of me did. That sting of rejection is always a hard ache for me to beat.
I slip on the gold heels, tying the gold straps around my ankles, pairing them with gold bands and earrings. My phone buzzes on my bed. I sigh, grabbing it and opening the message.
Lincoln: Doll Face…
Emotions sting my eyes, blurring the two simple words into an abstract illusion. I miss that grumpy bastard, unfortunately, but I can’t keep him. He was never mine to keep in the first place. Taking a deep breath, I rise, grabbing my clutch and sticking my lipstick and phone inside.
* * *
Jake’s houseis much bigger than mine. Like a miniature White House replica. The ballroom is spacious with side entries to go onto the balcony. A god-awful chandelier in the very center, somehow lighting the entire room.
“Cheer up, Jake. It’s going to be fine.” I fix his tie while we stand next to the refreshment table.
He releases a breath. “I’m glad you’re here. I can avoid the gay comments from my dad tonight.”
I frown, lacing my arm through his as we walk over to his father. “He better not. I won’t be able to keep my mouth shut.”
Jake’s father is an important man, the mayor of our city. So, of course, everyone of importance is here. Including Richard and Heath. They stand next to Jake’s father, Conway. He’s an older man with white hair and an expensive suit. Like most everyone here. My arm tightens around Jake’s as we walk closer to the circle. Jake is oblivious to the awkward situation I’m about to be thrust into. Heath stands next to Richard, tall and proud, raven hair glinting in the lights. He holds a bottle of water in his hand, looking as if he’s listening, but I catch his eyes wander every now and then. My heart pounds against my chest as we close the circle to the group. “Dad.”
Jake’s father’s annoyed eyes casts over to him. “There’s my disappointment.” I clear my throat, my eyes narrowed slightly. “Oh.” His tone completely changes from annoyed to delighted. I fight the eye roll at the fakeness. “Callum, how is your evening so far?”
“Oh, I don’t know. It could be better.” I give him a fake smile, but he eats it up.
“Callum,” Jake whispers. I pat his arm in reassurance. Knowing full well I’m not about to be on my best behavior.
“Oh?” Conway’s eyebrows shoot up. “Well, what can I do to fix that?”
I roll the ice around in my glass, the peach-colored punch sloshing around. “I don’t care much for the colors, silver is so… boring and old.”
Conway laughs. “You’ll have to take that up with the committee.”
I smile. “I may just do that.”
Conway smiles at me before gathering himself, clearing his throat. “Callum, have you met Governor Richard Collins?”
Everything inside of me freezes, heart sinking as I look over to Richard. Our eyes connect and my heart breaks a little. I reach my shaky hand out to him, and he grabs it. His warm fingers stabilizing mine as he grips it. “Callum Madison. Nice to meet you, Governor Collins.”
“You as well, Miss Madison.” He turns to Heath who’s watching me intently. “This is my youngest son.”
Everything hurts. Watching him introduce his chosen family to me. How familiar they are. How Heath has no clue he was just introduced to his sister. His hand is strong and cold from the water he holds, his brown eyes smile along with his twitching lips. “Nice to meet you, Callum. I’m Heath Collins.” He squeezes my hand gently.
My tongue feels heavy as I try to speak, but nothing comes out, so I nod instead, releasing his hand. “She saved my son.” Conway breaks the heartbroken energy I’m radiating into pure fire as my eyes snap to his.
“No, I did not,” I snap. “Your son is simply the most amazing person I have ever met. You’ve done a fantastic job raising him, even I can’t believe you could accomplish that, yet here we are. There is nothing wrong with your son.” My eyes blaze into Conway’s, making sure my words hit right where they need to. “Love is love, Mayor. And there is absolutely no shame in that. Hopefully one day you will see that before you lose the chance to see the beautiful soul you’ve created. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” I smile to the group before turning on my heel and walking into the hallway and out into the foyer. So I can reach the front door and get some fresh air. Footsteps clip behind me and I know before he speaks exactly who it is. I could never forget his scent.
I lean against the railing of the front porch as his arms wrap around my waist, his head falling into the back of mine. “Thank you,” Jake whispers. “But you know my dad is fuming now and I think it’s best you don’t become his target for the night.”
I laugh, squeezing his hand. “Are you sure you’ll be okay here alone?”
“Yeah, Josh just showed up. I’m planning on escaping soon anyways.”
I flip around in his arms, cupping his face. “Fuck what your father thinks. I meant every word I said in there.”
He grins. “I know, Callum.”
I was done letting other people get stepped on. Done letting others accept the treatment they do not deserve. And you know what? I’m done too.
* * *
