Page 60 of Space Oddities

“I suspected.” I lean in, nudging her back. “I mean, how else could you resist me all through high school?”

Bren rolls her eyes. “Idiot.”

“Can’t you just go to an event or two with your girlfriend, let people know you don’t swing my way?”

“That wouldn’t be fair to Chrissy.”

“Chrissy?”

“My girlfriend.” Her eyes light up, making me smile. “She isn’t out of the closet yet. Her father is a minister, like one of the ones on TV with the basketball arena type churches.”

“Damn. You sure didn’t make it easy on yourself.”

“She’s worth it.” Her expression falls. “Plus, it’s not really fair of me to bring her into all this. I’d be using her if I did that. What I need to do is stand my ground with my parents.”

Brenda’s words hit me hard. I think of Trish, so obviously uncomfortable with her surroundings, and still I brought her here. I thought I was playing it smart. Avoiding needless confrontation.

I figured with my no-confrontation, behind-the-scenes maneuvering getting me out of the Olympics and enrolled at MIT, that the same way of dealing with things would work this time. Especially arriving here tonight with Trish on my arm,

But then again, MIT was the start of my claustrophobia, and Trish is downstairs with a bodyguard while I’m secluded with my father’s choice in wife for me.

It sucks realizing I’m not as smart as I think I am.

I push off the railing, the emotions I’m feeling too heavy for the metal bars to hold. “I’ve got to get back to my date.” I pull her in for a quick side hug. “But Iamsorry about my father, Bren. I’ll tell him to back off.”

“Thanks.” Bren squeezes me back before letting go. “For what it’s worth, you do have it worse,” she says, a smile in her voice. “Senator outranks city mayor, and my dad has at least retired.” Her eyes cut to me and she smirks. “Plus, no offense, but my dad isn’t half the dick yours is.”

Throwing my head back, I laugh, the sound booming over the city. “Truer words have never been spoken.”

* * *

Trish

I should’ve said no.

When Ian asked me to be his date, I should’ve said no. When I found out his father was a senator, I should’ve said no. And when the serious-looking bodyguard told me to stand in the corner, near the restrooms, I should’ve said no.

Yet here I am, empty champagne flute in hand, looking like a wallflower at prom as I wait for Ian, all while lamenting my life’s choices.

I’m pretty sure I should be insulted by where the bodyguard dropped me off, but instead, I’m grateful. This whole night, the dress, the venue, the spotlight… I was not prepared. I’m embarrassed that I actually thought it would be like one of the fundraisers at the upscale country club where I used to work back home. Back then, there had been one reporter, one picture taken of the people in charge, and only a handful of people compared to this mob.

I would never have agreed to come if I’d known it was going to be like this. Not even telling myself I can use this experience in an upcoming book is helping.

The blinding light of a few more camera flashes from the front of the room bounces off the crystal chandeliers. I huddle farther into the restroom alcove.

“There you are!”

Startled, I nearly sprain my neck jerking it to the side when the loud voice cracks across the crowded room.

Coming toward me is a busty blonde in a tight emerald green mermaid dress, hair teased to the heavens. “Rose?”

Once she’s a foot away, she bends forward, one hand on my shoulder. “Ah, fuck. It’s so hard moving in this thing.” She tries taking a deep breath, but it ends up more like a gasp. “Now I see why you guys nixed that one bridesmaid dress I liked.”

I don’t mention that the dress was nixed because she looked like the Prostitute Barbie Jules calls her. I glance around, worried her greeting drew attention. Thankfully the crowd is mostly still congregating around the door, like they’re waiting for something. “What are you doing here?”

“Hanging with you, duh.” She straightens, looking around us. “Why are you hiding?”

“I’m not hiding.”

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