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Chapter Seventeen
Linda Dalton was practicallybuzzing with excitement.
“I can’t believe a real-life United States Senator is coming to dinner tonight,” she said. She manically stirred a pot of potatoes. “And he’s the President’s brother.”
Liv smiled.
“I hope this isn’t too plain for him,” she continued. “Liv, chop those onions for me.”
“Mom, he grew up in foster care,” Liv said. “I’m sure this will be fine. It’s not like a Kennedy is coming over.”
“The Sterlings are better than the Kennedy’s. Anyway, I’ve never hosted someone so important before,” Linda said. “I’m quite frazzled.”
“I can see that, Mom,” Liv said, taking her mom’s hand. “You’re trying to dump a cup of salt into the cake. Why don’t you try the sugar?”
“Oh, goodness, Liv,” Linda said. “What would I do without you?”
Liv gave her mom a quick hug. “It’s good to be here.”
“Oh, goodness, that’s the doorbell,” Linda said, scrambling around the kitchen. “Liv, go answer it.”
Liv opened the door. Senator Sterling was standing on the other side, wine bottle in hand. He was dressed more casually than she’d ever seen him in a fitted sweater and jeans. It made her uncomfortable seeing him so casual.
“Come in,” she said. “Did you have any trouble finding it?”
“No,” the Senator said. She noticed him fiddling with the wine bottle. Was he nervous? Surely not.
“Let me introduce you to my family,” Liv said, leading him into the living room. “Senator Sterling, this is Linda and Bob Dalton, my parents.”
“It’s such an honor to have you in our home,” Mrs. Dalton said. “We are so proud that Liv is working for you.”
“You should be proud,” Senator Sterling said, shaking her hand. “She’s a great staffer; I’m afraid someone is going to steal her away from me any day now.”
“Just pay her more,” Mr. Dalton said, extending his hand.
“Dad!” Liv said, blushing. “Ignore him.”
“It’s good advice,” Senator Sterling said, shaking Mr. Dalton’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”
“This is my sister, Addy,” Liv said.
He shook her hand too.
“Addy, I have something for you,” he said, handing her an envelope.
She opened it without a sound and started to read it.
“It’s a letter from the President,” he said.
