Page 2 of Powerless

“How about we catch a movie?”

Kathryn takes a sharp breath and lowers her chin. “Look,” she starts as she raises her head to stare into my eyes. Damn, she’s breathtaking. “I’m not interested in anything you have to offer.”

“Why?” I ask, nonplussed.

She chuckles as she tucks her hair behind her ear. “I’m here to get an education, that’s it. I’m not interested in partying, or...” Kathryn lifts her hand and gestures toward me. “... a boyfriend. I have plans, and men aren’t part of those plans.” She offers me a consoling smile. “Sorry.”

“You can never have too many friends.” I just want to be close to her, in any capacity.

Kathryn looks over to the side where Justine is still on the phone. “Don’t feel bad, Bennett. But you’re not my future.” She takes another breath and steps backward. “You’re probably a good guy, but…” She shakes her head and lifts her shoulders. “I’m not interested.”

I place my hand to my chest. “You wound me,” I say as I watch her retreat.

Kathryn smirks and replies, “You’ll get over it.”

Damn. I’m going to marry that girl.

1

BENNETT

It’s been three months, and I still can’t get Kathryn out of my head. She refuses every one of my offerings. No movies, no dinner, no anything, and she’s driving me crazy.

“Are you okay?” Mom asks as I stare at my plate and play with my steak and vegetables.

“Huh?” I look up to meet Mom’s eyes.

“Pardon,” Dad corrects with a stern tone.

“Pardon?” I spear a piece of potato as my thoughts return to Kathryn.

“Is there something wrong with dinner?”

“No, it’s good.” I look over to Mom and smile. “Thank you.”

“Bennett,” Mom says in a more serious tone. I lay my flatware on the side of the plate and give Mom my attention. “Your father and I have something to discuss with you.”

Dad’s rigid posture tells me this isn’t going to be good. “Son,” Dad starts. Oh no. “Jennifer Marshall is celebrating her eighteenth birthday this Saturday.”

I wait a few seconds in case Dad wants to add anything to his sentence. “That’s nice,” I reply slowly. “What does Jennifer have to do with me?”

Dad’s jaw tightens and he shoots Mom a tight glance. “You have to start getting serious if you’re going to think about a career in politics. And the first thing you have to consider is how you look to the public. With Jennifer by your side you can—”

“Wait, you want me to marry Jennifer?” I ask as I look incredulously between my parents.

“The Marshalls are good people, and her lineage is impeccable. Her father is a senator, and her mother is a doctor. I’ve spoken with Caleb, and he’s assured me Jennifer understands what’s expected of her.”

“No, that’s not right,” I say.

“We’ve talked about this, Bennett,” Dad says, his voice changing from father to politician.

“That was before...” I refrain from allowing Kathryn’s name to pass my lips.

“Before what?” Mom asks with curiosity.

“Nothing.” I shake my head and look at my uneaten food.

“Jennifer has good breeding. She’s not a party girl. She certainly won’t embarrass you, and she’s ready to give you children once you marry.”

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