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“No, he isn't,” I scoff. “We are just friends, Dad. Two adults of the opposite sex can be just friends, you know.”
“Oh, I know. And I also know thatfriendsis not what that young man wants to be with you.” There’s no doubt in his tone, only resolve, as he shakes his head.
“How do you know?”
“Larry and I watched him last week when you did yoga. His eyes didn’t leave your backside for a moment.”
“Dad!” I screech, feeling my cheeks heat.
“Well, they didn’t. Plus, he follows you around like a lost puppy, bends over backwards to help me. He is infatuated with you, Beth.”
“Oh, he just doesn’t know many people yet.” I try to wave off the accusation Dad has put into the air, settling back in my seat.
“Why don’t you go on a date with him? He seems nice.”
“Because, I don’t feel anything more than friends for Jeff. There are no butterflies. My heart doesn’t beat a little faster when he’s around. I don’t care to spend more time with him. Didn’t you feel all those things when you met Mom?” The minute the words leave my mouth, I know I shouldn’t have said them.
Our jovial conversation now feels like tar inside my body. The slow build of dread hits my stomach as the air of uncertainty hangs between us. I hold my breath, wondering what response I will get, and too scared to say anything else.
“I’m going to bed,” he says gruffly, and disappointment fills my chest. I feel sick. Sunday nights are our night, and I spoiled it. It’s what I do. It is what I always do. Spoil things. Spill drinks. Upset Dad. I can’t have nice things.
“Goodnight,” I say to him quietly as I watch him maneuver his chair and push down the narrow hallway, listening for his bedroom door to close before I let out a sigh.
Dad is right. The boy of Baltimore has no idea how the other half live.
2
HARRISON ROTHSCHILD
Isit in my den, looking at my mother, my brother, and my newest staff member. Excitement swirls in my stomach. I have been waiting for this day my entire life and it is finally here.
As a kid, my dream was to be president. I have worked hard over the last year building connections, readying myself for a bigger role in politics. Now the governorship is so close, I can nearly taste it. I am ready. I am ready to lead this state and make a difference.
“When will you announce your intention to run for governor? I want to organize the event. I don’t want you to worry about anything!” Mom says, clapping her hands together, the smile on her face the widest I’ve ever seen.
Clearly, she’s happy to have a son on the national stage as Governor for Maryland. Dressed in her signature matching Chanel tweed suit with her fresh blow dry, I can see she has had some recent cosmetic work done, her eyes a little tighter and her cheeks a little sharper. No longer looking like the woman I grew up idolizing.
“Oh, imagine it, Harrison! You will be amazing!” Lilly gushes as she flutters her lashes. Even though she is one of our oldest family friends, I am under no illusion. She wants more from me than I am prepared to give. Like my mother, she is freshly primped, her large designer bag sitting on the floor at her feet. Her lips are bright red and glossy, more swollen than last week, and I wonder not for the first time if it is possible for them to overtake the lower part of her face entirely. My eyes flick between the two of them, trying to understand their agenda.
“Mom, seriously. Harrison can manage this. He can hire his own events team, you know,” my brother Eddie pipes up. He and my mother's relationship has always been strained and even though he is the youngest, he is the most protective of me and I him.
“Edward. Now is not the time.” My mother huffs, and I raise my eyebrow, not needing them to get into it here in my home office.
“I’m ready,” I state. “I’m committed to serving the people. I want to make a difference, and that’s my priority.” Taking a deep breath, I give my mom and brother a pointed look, leaning back in my leather chair.
I’m already thinking of the changes I can make and how I can position Maryland to be more. My mother’s lips thin as she looks at my stance. I know she wants me in the main seat to further her position in society, not for the greater good of the people. I, on the other hand, think differently. She just fails to hear it.
“Of course, of course.” She waves her manicured hand around, her mind no doubt filling with who to invite and who to strategically leave off the list. “Darling, throwing parties is what I do best so let me handle this one. You and Lilly will be the biggest stars of the night.”
Taking Lilly to an event isn’t new, but I am not keen on the idea this time around. She is a friend, nothing more, and that won't change. Much to my mother’s outrage. She has been trying to set us up for years and can’t seem to see that we are not a match. Not in any way.
Eddie rolls his eyes, as he hates all this ceremonial extravagance.
The penny drops for me as I watch my mother and Lilly share a smile. This is yet another tactic of my mother’s to push Lilly and I together. She gives me her,your father died and left me surrounded in the chaos of his infidelitysad eyes, and I give in.
“Fine,” I grit out, really preferring her to take a step back from my life now that running for governor is on the cards. “But I want real people in the room, not just your society friends. And leave me and my team to the politics. I do not need your meddling.” I leave no room for questions, and with a curt nod, she’s back to chattering with Lilly.
My new Chief of Staff, Oscar Barone, sits in the large leather chesterfield, looking over everyone in the room with his assessing eyes. He is a strategic Pit Bull. He takes no shit from me or my mother. As someone who has led key political campaigns for some of the country's biggest representatives, Oscar is the key to my campaign. He is what will help me win. Not my mother and her rich friends.
