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“I don’t really have time for movies, what with all the partying and fucking.” I grinned and batted my eyes innocently. “You get it.”
To my amazement, Gage smiled right back. “Of course. You really should take some time for yourself, though. You don’t want to burn out.”
Oh ho. Score one for the big guy. I hadn’t expected my new babysitter to speak fluent sarcasm, or to do so with such precision. Too bad he was the enemy.
“Everyone has to slow down at some point,” I conceded. “Right now, I just want to enjoy myself until I can’t anymore.” I tilted my head as I continued to smile. “You know, when I’m your age.”
Yeah, it was a low blow. It was also complete bullshit. Despite being more than a decade older than me, the idea that he had somehow passed his prime was laughable.
Gage didn’t flinch.
I had tried the silent treatment. I’d feigned indifference. I’d been antagonistic and uncooperative. Clearly, I would have to step up my game if I planned to win this battle of wills.
“Tell me about this tree lighting ceremony.”
“The senator will say something about traditions and community.” Words that had been written by someone else. Someone who probably believed in those things. “She might mention family. Then, she’ll press a button to light up the tree.” I shrugged. “Don’t worry. You’ll be home in time to see yourself on the evening news.”
He tilted his head and frowned at me. “You don’t want to stay for the festival?”
“I don’t—” I stopped and pressed my lips together. His question had caught me off guard, and I needed a moment to formulate an appropriately scathing response.
Only, nothing came to me.
In all honesty, I did want to stay for the festival. I wanted to play silly games and win impractical prizes. I wanted to explore the vendor booths and eat copious amounts of sugar.
The senator would never allow it, though.
“No,” I finally answered, and I didn’t even have to fake the resentment in my voice. “I have better things to do. I wouldn’t be going at all if the senator hadn’t demanded it.”
Gage studied me for a moment, his gaze narrowed and assessing. “Why are you going if you don’t want to be there?”
Hadn’t he been listening? “Because the senator has deemed it so.”
“You’re an adult,” he argued. “Why don’t you refuse?”
If only it were that easy. “Don’t talk about things you don’t understand.”
“Help me understand, then.”
Leaning back in my seat, I shoved my hands into the pockets of my jacket and said nothing. Like I should have done in the first place.
Undeterred, Gage kept prodding. “What about your dad? Where is he?”
“Enjoying his perfect apple-pie life in Connecticut with his former secretary and their two kids.”
Though I hadn’t spoken to him in almost twelve years, I did see him on television sometimes. He’d been polling well, and he looked to be the favorite for the next governor race. Good for him. He seemed happy, and I loved that for him.
In fact, I hoped he was so happy he choked on it.
Gage rested his elbows on the table and linked his fingers together under his chin. “I’m sorry.”
“Whatever.” I neither wanted nor needed his pity. “Are we done here?”
A quiet sigh drifted across the table, the first indication that his patience had begun to wane. Leaning back in his seat, he glanced around the mostly empty diner, then back to me.
“Yeah, we’re done. When do you want to meet again?”
“Never works for me.”
