Page 10 of Powerless

“Let’s go,” Jen says once I’ve taken her father’s hand. She links her fingers through mine as we head toward the waiting limousine. “Ugh,” she grumbles.

I wait for Jen to slide in before I do, then close the door. “Are you okay?”

Jen closes her eyes and leans her head against the window. “I understand that it’s all about appearances, but sometimes it’s suffocating.” She tugs at her dress as she turns away from me. “I’m surprised they didn’t inform the local paper to have one of their photographers at the house.”

I’m stuck at what I should do. I extend my hand and place it over hers. “I’m sorry,” I say.

Her shoulders tighten and she shifts in the seat to look at me. “It’s not your fault, Bennett. Truthfully, I’m glad it’s you and not some asshole who thinks they can do whatever they want with me because I’ve been promised to him.”

“Why don’t you tell your parents how you feel? They might surprise you.”

Jen scoffs and shakes her head. “How about you? Why don’t you do the same?”

“It’s different for me.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to be in politics, you don’t.”

Jen’s brows rise. “Then it looks like we’re stuck with one another. But, like I said, at least you’re a decent guy.” She scans me over as the corner of her mouth lifts. “So far.”

“Hey,” I say and playfully shove her shoulder. “I’m a great fucking guy.”

The car pulls up to where her prom is and we both groan in unison. “Ha, I spoke too soon,” Jen scoffs. “Of course, they would’ve arranged a photographer from the local paper. And just to add to this joyous occasion, Roy Cameron is here too.”

“Great,” I say with dullness. “A local political reporter and a cameraman.”

I stay in the car until she’s ready. Jen gulps and takes a deep breath. “Well, let’s get this over with.” Jen pinches her cheeks and runs her hand through her hair. What the fuck is she doing? “Trust me, if my cheeks aren’t rosy, I won’t hear the end of it from my mother,” she answers my unasked question.

“Rosy cheeks?”

“Better believe it.”

I shake my head trying to dislodge that incredibly archaic image. How ridiculous. Once I’m out, I extend my hand for Jen’s. She slides out so effortlessly, and when she emerges, she has the perfect smile plastered on her face. Jen looks to me like I’m her beaming sun and she sidles into my side.

“Mr. Adams and Miss Marshall, you look so beautiful together,” Roy pointedly says to Jen.

“Thank you,” Jen replies with ease.

He tries to ask me questions about my father, but I wave my hand to him. “Tonight is Jennifer’s prom so this is all about her.”

“Spoken like a true politician,” Roy says. “Mr. Adams, the word is you’re interested in following in your father’s footsteps.”

Jen tightens her hand around my arm as if she’s silently urging me to answer.

I stop in front the doors to her prom and smile. “You’ve heard right. I’m already quite active with the party, and I pay attention.”

“How are you—”

“Thank you,” Jen says, cutting him off.

“Enjoy the rest of your evening,” I say and lead Jen inside.

“Get used to it, Bennett.” The hall is buzzing with music and an abundance of students all impeccably dressed. Jen holds my arm tighter, and it’s clear to see she’s not comfortable here nor is she interested. “Shall we find our seats?”

“Of course.”

Once we’re at our table, a few of her friends stop by, some of whom eye me up and down. “Hey, Jen,” a red-haired girl says.

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