Page 16 of Powerless

“What did Jen tell you?”

“The truth.”

I link our fingers and lead her to our table. I pull her seat out and wait until Kathryn is seated before I take my place beside her. “I don’t want to do anything that’ll hurt Jen.”

“I know.” She smiles. “Which is why you have to continue with this arrangement you have with her.”

“How much did Jen tell you?”

“She’s gay, and doesn’t want to be a senator’s wife because well...she’s gay. But you’re sacrificing your potential reputation so she’s not outed to her parents. As far as I’m concerned, that’s probably one of the most selfless things anyone can do.”

“But you understand that as much as I want you, I can’t have you.”

“Not publicly, and not for now.” My eyes focus on her mouth as her pink tongue peeks out and sweeps across her lower lip. “If Jen has anything to do with this, then you two won’t be together for long.” She’s so beautiful.

“She has to protect herself, and I can’t let her do anything that’ll jeopardize that.”

Kathryn tilts her head to the side while a slow smile tugs at her lips. “Now I see it.”

“See what?”

“People have said you’re set to take over from your father. They’ve said you want to be a senator, but...” Her head shakes. “I don’t think being senator for you is right.”

“You don’t think I can be a good politician?”

“I think you can be an amazing politician.”

“Then what?” I look over to the dance floor where Liam and Jen are dancing and talking. She says something funny that makes Liam throw his head back and laugh. Jen has slotted into our friendship easily.

“You can be so much more.”

Kathryn’s words make me turn toward her. “Who knows where I’ll end up.”

She lifts her chin and cocks a brow. “It’s a shame that in a few short weeks we’re going to be on opposite sides of the country.”

Is this some kind of invitation? “Why is it a shame, Kathryn?”

“Because if you were going to Stanford we might’ve been...” she stops and intakes a breath. “But, you’re going to Yale, right?”

It’s no secret where we’re all going. “I am.”

Her shoulders soften and she intakes a long breath, only to let it out as a sigh. “Pity.”

My brain shifts into overdrive. Stanford has one of the best political science degrees there is on offer. The only reason I chose Yale is because generations of my family have graduated from there. It’s too late now, but I can always see if I can transfer. A transfer is difficult, but not completely impossible. “I have an idea, but I can only do it if you and Jen are on board.”

“What is it?”

My skin erupts in goose bumps as I think about the logistics and if this can work. I stand to my feet and when Liam looks over, I motion for him and Jen to return to the table.

“I’ve got an idea,” I say as Jen sits.

“Give me a minute, I’ll grab some drinks.” Liam disappears and the girls talk between themselves as my head spins with the details.

Once Liam returns with four drinks, he places them in front of us. “What’s this idea of yours?”

“You’re going to Stanford, right?” I look to Kathryn who nods. “And you want to go to UCLA, right?”

“Yeah,” Jen says slowly.

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