Page 86 of Am I the Only One

“It’s good to see you supporting the campaign for a change.”

My smile remains plastic as I say, “It is, isn’t it. I’m thrilled that my schedule has opened up to allow me the time to be here for Tripp.”

“I’m sure,” she snides and then turns her attention to her son. “Well, are we ready?”

We head out to the large SUV and the driver opens the door for us. As we make our way to the event, I stay on the outside looking in as the three of them discuss the itinerary. Tripp is speaking to the students of Georgetown, giving them an inside look at what they can expect after graduation and they enter the political world. The message he will be delivering will be phony, and, later on down the road, if any of the students look back on it, they will know they had been lied to.

Every now and then, Eloise will call my attention with a condescending, “Are you listening? This is important information for you as well, dear.”

To this, I smile and nod.Yes, of course, Eloise. I hear every ounce of BS, and I assure you that I won’t be an embarrassment in front of the cameras.

When we pull up to Gaston Hall, I scan the crowd of students who are already filing in, looking for any sign of Emma or Luca. Even though she is no longer a student, this event is open to the public.

When we step out of the SUV, we are welcomed by a number of people, one being the university’s president. We shake hands and exchange pleasantries before we’re led inside and to the full auditorium.

“Mr. Montgomery,” Olivia says formally, as if she hasn’t been sleeping with my husband. “Here are the updated talking points. There were only a few minor changes that I need to point out.”

Tripp turns to me. “I have to go over these notes with Olivia. Are you okay with my parents?”

“Of course,” I tell him even though I don’t want him anywhere near that girl. “You go. I’ll be fine.”

I watch as the two of them walk away, cringing when he places his hand on her lower back.

With a pleasant smile, I stand next to Eloise and make small talk with the people who come to say hello. Far too often, I catch Eloise watching me from the corner of her eye, always keeping watch to make sure I don’t flounder. As if I’m a toddler she must constantly remind to be on their best behavior.

When Tripp returns, he stands at a respectable distance from me, and I smile over at him. “Is everything okay?”

He takes my hand and gives me a nod. “You ready?”

His parents are led in first and seated in the audience before Tripp is formally announced. Hand in hand, we walk onto the stage. Tripp waves to the crowd of excited students, and I stand at his side, smiling gracefully, offering a few waves of appreciation. After dropping a kiss to my cheek, Tripp takes his position at the podium and I take a seat with the university president and a few board members.

“Thank you,” Tripp says into the microphone. “Thank you for having me here today. There’s nothing I enjoy more than meeting young men and women, the next generation of global citizens to lead and make a difference in this world.”

He delves into his speech as my eyes dart nervously around the audience, but with all the bright lights, I’m only able to see the first few rows. Everything else is a blinding blur. Olivia stands just off stage and out of sight, intently watching my husband. I wish I could talk to Margot and ask her how she does it. Turning a blind eye to the women who’ve found themselves in bed with my husband is killing me. I want to ask her if it becomes easier over time, but she made it clear that we shouldn’t have any contact, and I have to respect her wishes.

But Olivia is the least of my problems.

Sweat trickles down my back, and I don’t know if it’s because of these hot spotlights or my anxiety, but I’m ready to get out of here, and Tripp has only just begun speaking.

When the informational talk wraps up, Tripp takes the microphone and steps out from the podium to take questions from the audience. Student after student asks questions, but the moment I hear, “Hi, my name is Luca, and I’m a junior culture and politics major.” I lock up, petrified. “My question for you is a little personal, but I’m interested to hear how you are able to balance work and family. With a hectic campaign schedule, it must be difficult.”

Oh, my god.

Squinting, I try my best to find Luca without it being obvious, but the lights are too bright.

“That’s a great question, and one that isn’t asked often enough,” Tripp responds. “Maintaining the balance between work and family is a top priority. I’m eager to serve my country, and luckily, God has blessed me with a wife who shares that same desire. I think the best piece of advice I can give you is for you to find a partner who shares your beliefs and ambitions. My wife,” he says, turning and motioning in my direction, “is a great example of what a partner should be. Supportive, patient, encouraging, and loyal are only a few of her many wonderful attributes. This isn’t an easy job, but with her by my side, it doesn’t seem so insurmountable.”

The crowd applauds his complete fabrication of the truth, and stupid me, I clap right along with them. If only his words actually meant something.

He takes a few more questions before thanking the crowd and reminding them of the reception being held afterward.

Tripp walks over to me, takes my hand, and when I stand, we kiss. As always, it’s tight-lipped and meant for the audience rather than me. I congratulate him, and we both wave to the crowd as we step down from the stage and to where Olivia is waiting for us.

As she leads us over to the reception, she briefs Tripp on something I couldn’t care less about because I’m too distracted as I scan the room for Luca.

When we arrive at the reception, Tripp and I take our places to greet the students, some of whom I already know. I’m a nervous wreck, hoping to God that Luca went home and isn’t here, but all hope is lost when I spot him in the far corner of the room with Emma by his side.

Ice drips down the nerves of my spinal cord and a freeze. Voices around me dull into a muted echo, and I become lightheaded. Emma and Luca talk, but the moment she looks in my direction, I sway, shuffling back a few steps.

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