Page 17 of Powerless

“But, you’ve been programmed to be near your future husband.” I point to myself. “Me.”

“Don’t remind me, but yes.”

I look to Liam and smile. His eyes narrow and his forehead crinkles. It takes him a few seconds before he realizes what I’m about to suggest. “Your father is going to hit the roof,” Liam says.

“Can someone fill me in on what’s happening?” Kathryn asks as she turns to Jen who lifts her shoulders.

“Don’t look at me, I have no idea what they’ve silently agreed to.” Jen points to me, then Liam.

“You and I are going to go to your parents and tell them that I’m going to transfer to Stanford, which means you should go to UCLA.”

“But what if you’re not accepted?” Kathryn says.

“Of course I’ll be accepted,” I say with confidence. “Because there’s no other way. I want to be with you.” I look to Kathryn. “But, for now we have to be together.” I point between Jen and me. “We can make this work. But it’s something we all need to be in agreement about.”

“That means I need to transfer too,” Liam says.

I turn to him and crinkle my forehead. “Not if you don’t want to.”

Liam tilts his head back and looks among us all. He chews on the inside of his cheek as his eyes narrow. “Are you seriously willing to put Jen before your own needs?” He looks to Jen and says, “No offence.”

“None taken.”

The three of them all look to me, waiting for my reply. “I’m willing to do what’s right.”

“To protect me?” Jen asks.

I lean forward and take Kathryn’s hands in mine. It takes me a moment to formulate what I need to say. “This is too much to ask of anyone, but I can’t throw Jen under the bus, and I want to do what’s right.”

Kathryn shakes her head and releases a humorless chuckle. This all became real, real fast. “What if you and I don’t work out?”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“Pffft,” Liam groans as he sits back and places his hands on his head while staring at me. “If Bennett says that’s not gonna happen, then you can believe him.”

“I know we haven’t even gone on a date, but I promise you this, Kathryn. If you give me a chance, you won’t regret it.” I squeeze her hands in mine.

“He hasn’t even hit on me,” Jen says in my defense.

“That might have something to do with the fact you’re gay?” Liam adds.

“Nope. Even before he knew, he didn’t try anything at all.” Jen smiles proudly. “I believe you, Bennett. I think you’d move heaven and hell to do anything for Kathryn.”

This all hangs in the balance, on whether Kathryn agrees to what seems an incredibly ridiculous plan. “This is mad,” Kathryn says.

“Yeah, it is,” I agree. “But, if you’re willing to take the leap, so am I.” I move my seat so our bodies are touching. “You have nothing to lose by saying yes.”

“Actually, Bennett’s right,” Liam adds. “Bennett and I will uproot our lives to move to the other side of the country. You’re already going.” A silent agreement passes between Liam and me.

“And you’re prepared to move with Bennett?” Kathryn asks Liam.

He pulls his shoulders back and lifts his chin. “I’m his chief of staff—which means where he goes, I go.”

“That’s confidence if ever I’ve heard it,” Kathryn says. There’s a small smile on Kathryn’s perfect face. She slowly lifts her shoulders and shakes her head. “This is insane, but...” she pauses as she looks between us. “I guess, the only ones who are at risk of getting hurt are you and Liam.” She points to me, then to Liam. “If you’re willing to take the risk, so am I.”

I wrap Kathryn in my arms and savor the moment. She’s so right in my arms, and I hate to say it, but she feels like she belongs with me.

She’s mine for now and forever.

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