Page 20 of Revisions

“I don’t. I care about how it affects him.”

I hear Jameson sigh.

“Candace, you can’t continue to carry this guilt about Grant and his parents. He loves you and Jess. I don’t care what their political beliefs are; they should be able to understand how he feels.”

“It’s not just that. Jameson, my presence complicates his relationship with Jess. It always has.”

“No. Their bigotry complicates his relationship with Jessica and you. That isn’t on you or Jessica. Don’t say a word,” Jameson tells me. “I understand you better than even you give me credit for. I know you want to find the best in everyone—to believe there’s a way to bring people together. It’s one reason I love you. But you know you can’t force people to change. Grant’s parents are who theychooseto be.”

“They’re a product?—”

“Of their upbringings?” Jameson asks. “Sure. My mom and Uncle Jerry grew up in the same house with the same parents. They attended the same church. Jerry chooses to be hurtful. Maybe he believes all the things that come out of his mouth. I can’t say. And while I know you don’t believe me, I don’t care. I did. For a long time, I wondered how to make him accept me. I thought there must be a way to make it easier for my mom—easier for you.”

“For me?”

“Yes, for you. How do you think I felt when he took to the airwaves to try to hurt your candidacy?”

“Jameson, you know there wasn’t anything you could do to?—”

“Ah-ha.”

I laugh. “Point taken.”

“Look, things with Grant and his parents have caused you all pain—you, Jessica, and Grant. I understand more than you think I can. Klein making a run for the White House, these hate groups winding people up—it’s another reminder of that time in your life. I get it. It takes you back to losing Jessica. And it also makes you think about your mom.”

“Am I that obvious?”

“Not to anyone but Pearl and me. Grant has accepted that he can’t change his parents. You need to follow his lead, Candace. Ifyou want him to come back as an adviser, ask him. That’syourchoice. Trust him to make his.”

“Are you sure you don’t want my job?” I tease.

“I’d be impeached inside of a week, Candace.”

“Lunatic.”

“I love you, Candace. But I think you might need to look in the mirror.”

“Are you calling me crazy?”

“Yes. Only a lunatic would ask for that job,” Jameson says.

I laugh. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I miss you.”

“That’s just because you’re headed to the Bible Belt.”

“Jameson!”

Jameson chuckles. “Hey, I tell it like I see it. Call Grant.”

“I will.”

“Good. Call Jess, too, while you’re at it.”

“Jess?”

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