Page 25 of Accepted Precedent
“It doesn’t have to be this way. You can break the cycle.” I’m a hypocrite for suggesting it, but if anyone could do it, it’s Jaclyn.
She squeezes my hand once. “If only.”
Chapter 13
Mickey
The news about the Vasileiou-McKinnon wedding earlier today has dominated all the major outlets. Andrew and Evelyn made it into several photos, and my heart stops every time one makes its way into my social media feed or news alert.
For their sake, I’ve kept my distance, but I’ve also kept a close eye on both of them. The election is later this year, and I trust Finn to ensure everything runs smoothly, but can’t help quietly staying up-to-date as Andrew’s campaign picks up speed. All the while, the two people I’m obsessed with have managed to fool the country into believing they are in love. They very well could be. Andrew and I talk often, but we never discuss his marriage or his wife.
His. Wife.
Why does that little four-letter word have me seething with jealousy?
It was one night—technically two. Evelyn burrowed her way into my soul and never left. I haven’t been able to so much as look atanother woman—or man—since her. I love Andrew, and always will. But Evie? I craveher. Finn and I agreed staying away was best for everyone, but at what cost? I’ve never felt so empty.
I torture myself by finishing my third whiskey of the night in one quick gulp, then take out my phone, scrolling my contacts until my finger is hovering overAngel. I click the little envelope icon and type a message, then delete it. I don’t deserve to know how she is. Still, I have to know. I exit the text and return to my contacts, scrolling up to findAndrew Adams.
How is she?
Andrew
You should ask her yourself.
He’s right, but I can’t. I’m about to type a reply when another message comes in.
Actually, don’t. It’ll only make it harder.
If she’s not okay, I can fix it.
You can’t fix what I broke.
I made a promise to Evelyn—to both of them—and I intend to keep it. I’m about to grab my keys, but I’m too drunk to drive. I text my driver, Peter, and he meets me out front a few minutes later.
We’re only in the car for fifteen minutes, but the drive to Andrew’s new home in Baltimore has to be the longest I’ve ever experienced. I glance out the window while we’re on First Street, and as we pass the capitol building, I snap, “No. We need to go back home.”
“Are you sure, sir?”
“Yes.” I crack my neck with a twist. “Home.”
No matter how much I want them, there’s too much at stake. We’re less than a year out from the election, and until I can guarantee we secure Maryland for Andrew, I shouldn't be within a mile of them.
Andrew’s right—I can’t fix what’s broken—but he’s wrong that it’s his fault. We could’ve found him a sweet, eager woman to marry him for a few years. Instead, I’ve ruined Evelyn’s life, and I can’t be with either of the people I love. Andrew has always been clear that he never wanted to get married or have kids, and now he’s trapped in a loveless marriage to his best friend.
The only winners here are the American people.
We make our way back home, and Finn is waiting in my kitchen when I arrive, adjusting his cufflinks as if he doesn’t spot me entering.
Fuckin’ showman.
“You won’t believe who I saw today,” he baits with a click of his tongue.
“Do you think that was smart?” I snap. “If Ileah didn’t marry Tim, do you really think she would marry you?”
“Yes.” His reply is quick and sure. Though he’s probably correct—Ileah was falling in love with him. It was always the plan.
Our father helped Ileah’s father secure his Supreme Court nomination, but over the years, his loyalty has waned. If he was Finn’s father-in-law, we would have decades of sway. Regardless of my brother’s love life, we need Timothy McKinnon to becomeGovernor of Delaware, and a senator in the next decade. Ileah is the logical choice to help Tim move quickly into the legislative branch.
