Page 12 of Terms + Conditions
William has been at Duke while Elizabeth has still been in Winchester, not to mention she has been traveling a lot sinceshe graduated high school last spring. At least, that’s what I hear from Michaela.
“If she would just go to Duke like we planned—”
“She’s not?” I feign ignorance.
William sighs. “She enrolled at Savannah starting next month.”
“I mean, Savannah isn’tthatfar.”
“Dude, it may as well be on the other side of the country. Not to mention, do you know she’s making me wait?” I’m not quite sure what he means. “She won’t sleep with me! Something about not being ready. We’ve been together for two years, Josh!Two.I could have anyone I wanted up there. The girls are just there for the picking, but I—”
“Will, you can’t be serious.”
“I haven’t done anything!” He’s getting defensive, and I can’t tell if it’s because he’s worried I’ll say something or because he’s justthatfrustrated. Honestly, I almost feel bad for what’s about to happen. He seems to want to make things work with her and has no idea what’s coming.
“But, if she’s going to SCAD, I think I need to end things after the holidays.”
Scratch that. This asshole can kick rocks. Who talks about their girlfriend like that?
I’ve always known he was somewhat of a prick, but this…this is on another level. And as much as I want to tell him to go fuck himself, tell him he doesn’t deserve someone like Elizabeth…I bite my tongue. “Kind of a dick move there, Will.”
“No one wants to spend the holidays alone.” He shrugs so nonchalantly it pisses me off. Will takes the glass of whiskey from a waiter who appears out of thin air. He takes a long sip of the amber liquid, his gaze returns to Elizabeth once again before turning back to me. “Besides, Mom would murder me if I did itbeforehand. She feels so bad for Elizabeth because of her parents and all that. It’s been three years, like give me a break.”
“Dude.”
“What? You’re suddenly Team Elizabeth or something?”
“Don’t be such an ass.”
“Well, she uses them as an excuse to—”
I don’t hear the rest ofhisexcuses because I walk away from the conversation. Suddenly, I don’t feel so bad about what’s coming. I’m happy to help Elizabeth get away from that asshole. William calls after me, but I ignore him, continuing through the house until I find Finn conversing with Oliver and some of his business associates. Not exactly the conversation I was looking for, but anything is better than William.
My sister blabbers on about…something. It started with how incredible it was to be invited this year, but I lost track around the time she started talking about the food. I have only been throwing in the occasionalMhmmandSounds interestingso she thinks I’m still listening, but I couldn’t tell you the last thing she said.
Stepping out of the house, I spot Elizabeth talking with Harvey further in the backyard.
“That’s great, Mic. Look, I’ll be right back.” Pushing past her, I ignore my sister when she calls out to me. My gaze is locked on my target as she laughs politely at something the older man says. She takes another sip of her champagne. When I approach them, Harvey offers a polite smile.
“Joshua, it’s so good to see you!”
Harvey extends his hand, and I return the gesture. William may be an asshole, but his dad is far from. Even on the congressional floor, he remains poised, even-tempered, diplomatic, and assertive but polite. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a story of him losing his temper with his constituents. He gets the point across without being the loudest one in the room.
“Thanks for the invite, Mr. Cawthorn.”
“It’s Harvey, you know that.”
I met the Cawthorns when Finn introduced Nick and me to William a few years ago. Even though Nick couldn’t stand him, I didn’t think he was so bad. That being said, being introduced to a congressman for the first time was one of the most nerve-wracking things I’d ever done. I had no idea what to expect. The nerves only grew bigger as we pulled into the driveway the first time William invited us over, but they faded as soon as we walked in. Nick and I were welcomed with open arms and a homemade meal prepared by Mrs. Cawthorn.
“Well, the family is happy to be here,” I say. “Really enjoying it.”
“It’s been a pleasure to meet them. I'll be sure they get an invite from now on.”
Whether or not that’s true, the sentiment behind it is nice enough.
Glancing at Elizabeth, I ask Harvey if I can steal her away from their conversation. “Nina is looking for her,” I explain.
“Be my guest. I wouldn’t want to keep Miss Villa waiting.”
