Page 62 of Space Oddities

It’s what’sbehindthe politician that makes my eyes widen like a lookie-loo at a crash site.

It’s Ian. And he isn’t alone.

“Who’s that?” Rose looks at me, frowning. “Do I need to cut a bitch?”

“I don’t know.” I watch in fascination as the woman at Ian’s side smiles, grasps an older woman’s hand in both of hers and bends low to kiss the frail woman’s cheek. “Doesn’t seem like much of a bitch.”

“So?” She shrugs, her breasts jiggling at my eye level. “I just called that rich lady an assassin.”

Ignoring her, I focus on Ian. I wish he was the only thing I could see, but my eyes keep flitting to the woman next to him. They aren’t touching. The tall, blond, sophisticated, and beautiful woman doesn’t even stop to pose for pictures with him. But she’s there. And I’m here.

“Geez, think they got enough photos?” Rose snorts. “I’ve been to a few of these political affairs before, and they’re usually quieter. Just a bunch of candidates schmoozing with the local influencers, followed by an overpriced meal and a boring speech of promises that’ll never be kept.” Looking unfazed by such jaded words, she looks at me expectantly. “Wanna go reclaim your man?”

I was so occupied with the blonde that I haven’t been looking at Ian. I try to now, but just as I catch sight of the back of his head, the crowd surges, and I lose sight of him. It isn’t until the senator and his family reach their table that Ian reemerges.

I watch, detached, as Ian pulls out the blond woman’s chair before leaning across and shaking some other man’s hand.

Rose is uncharacteristically quiet as she watches me watch Ian sit next to the blonde while the crowd disperses to nearby tables.

When a few stragglers amble our way in the back, she nudges me lightly with her elbow. “Hey, wanna get out of here?” She smiles, though it looks forced. “Not exactly the person I was looking to use that line on tonight, but hey, still not going home alone.” She offers me her arm like a gentleman.

I take it, my lashes fluttering fast over watery eyes. “Thanks, Rose.” Clearing my throat, I force my own smile. “I appreciate it.”

“No problem.” She guides me along the side of the ballroom toward the exit. “Besides, all these self-important people are usually shit in the sack anyway.”

Sixteen

Damage Control

Ian

“Where’s Trish?”I ask my father, taking my seat at the table.

He doesn’t answer, his head swiveling and nodding at the people around us.

“I’m sure she’s fine,” Gale says, sitting on my father’s right, eyes on her clipboard.

I take a breath, my nostrils flaring. “That isn’t what I asked.”

She jerks her gaze to mine, probably surprised at my tone. My father’s sidepiece raises a finely arched eyebrow as one would when coming across something unpleasant. “I told Jonathan to bring her to the table when she was ready.” She looks pointedly around the room. “As she is not here, I can only guess that she found the man’s company more stimulating. Or maybe she’s at the bar.” She sniffs before jotting down a note. “Probably feels more comfortable there, given her background.”

Ignoring the not so veiled insults, I hone in on the last. “You did a background check on her?”

Gale’s pen pauses over her clipboard, but she doesn’t look up. “No, but I probably should.” Her head tilts, and she makes a note. Finally, she looks up, her features pinched as ever. “I just meant I’m sure a bar is a more familiar setting than with people like us.”

“So you lied.”

Brenda and her parents look curiously at Gale, who is starting to understand that I’m not letting this go.

“You lied about Trish being treated well and had your bodyguard ditch her so you could do what you wanted.”

Gale titters. “Really now, Ian.”

Mother smooths down the tablecloth on either side of her plate with her hands. The woman is forever trying to smooth out wrinkles. She’d continue to do it even if she rubbed her palms raw. It’s what she’s been trained to do.

It’s fucking annoying.

And I realize I’m doing the same thing.

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