Page 93 of With Us

“Harry, it was great to see you. I’m going to take Dahlia to get a drink. I heard there were some signature cocktails created for the event.”

“Oh!” I chimed in when I saw his wife, Barb, open her mouth to protest.

She really is a determined one.

Already knowing she was on the planning board, I put my hand on her arm and leaned in. “That sounds amazing. What a fun idea. I’m sure there are a lot of people anxious to tell you so, too, so we won’t hold you up. Go. Enjoy that well-earned praise.”

Barb’s shoulders went back as she scanned the room. “Yes, I guess we should go. It was a pleasure to meet you.”

Grabbing Theo’s hand, I practically dragged him away.

“You’re going to have to teach me how to do that,” he said as we approached the bar.

“What?”

“The evade and escape routine.”

“People like their egos fed. Focus on them, then when it’s time to leave, make them think it’s their idea.”

“I’ll start doing that.” After the bartender took our orders, Theo tilted his head. “I’m going to use the bathroom, then we’ll take off soon. Okay?”

“Yeah.” I tipped my face up to accept his quick peck.

I stood at the bar, sipping at a weird drink that had too much cranberry. Unable to take anymore, I switched it with Theo’s. It wasn’t much better, but it would do.

“I won’t tell if you don’t,” a voice said from next to me.

Looking over, I saw a man who looked familiar. His hair was a bittooperfect, his capped teeth blindingly white. I knew he was a politician, I just wasn’t sure which one.

He flashed me his practiced, nonthreatening smile, nodding his head toward the bar. “The drink. I won’t tell you switched them.” Holding out his hand, he introduced himself. “Ethan Larson.”

“Senator,” I said, taking his hand for a quick shake before releasing it.

“Ah, so you know who I am.” He looked pleased with that fact, and I figured it would be rude to mention it was because I’d seen him being blasted in the media. “Now I’m wondering who you are. Besides Mr. Amato’s lovely new girlfriend, that is.”

I don’t trust him.

Beyond the usual lack of trust people naturally have toward politicians.

Though it made me cringe on the inside, I gave him a vacant smile and shrug. “That’s about it.”

He seemed happy to believe my lie, leaning on the bar and picking up his drink. “And how is Mr. Amato? Business is good, I hope.”

I shrugged again. “We don’t talk about stuff like that. Too boring.”

That was only a half lie. We didn’t usually delve too deeply into his work because he already spent enough time on it. He liked to focus on me when we were together, even though we did get interrupted by work sometimes.

“He’s a busy man, your boyfriend. His hands seem to be in pots all over the city.” He let the words hang for a moment, his smile fading. “Probably makes it tricky to even know everything he does for a living.”

My eyes narrowed at his choice of words.

He caught the reaction, and smirked. “Ah, so there is a brain in there.” Taking a sip of his drink, he turned from the crowd and leaned closer to me, lowering his voice. “I’ve been trying to get Mr. Amato to let me invest in his company, but he’s not the most… welcoming man around. Since you seem to have him wrapped around your little finger, I’m sure he’d listen to you. I’m a powerful ally to have. Money, exclusive invitations,” he paused before adding, “information. It’s yours.”

I recoiled, confused by why he thought I’d have any influence on Theo’s business. Or why I’d mess with it just to get… whatever. I opened my mouth to let him know so, but Theo beat me to it.

“Something I can help you with, Larson?” he bit out. Usually I’d have been distracted by the veins in his hand as he rubbed his jaw, but the acid in his tone kept my attention.

“Just having a friendly conversation with your lovely girlfriend,” Larson said, all plastic smiles and calculating eyes. “She’s smart, this one. A lot sharper than I think most people probably give her credit for.” There was a warning in his voice I wasn’t understanding. Based on the way Theo tensed, however, he was.

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