Page 38 of Powerless

“You really need to think about these things, Bennett. One day it’ll be you, and when it is, then this is what you’ll have to do.”

“What we’ll have to do,” I correct. “You’re in my future, Kathryn. I can see it. You and me all the way.”

“All the way?”

“Yeah, all the way to the White House.”

“Should I start calling you POTUS? Or do you prefer Mr. President?” Her cute laugh makes me smile.

“Mr. President sounds good to me. Maybe even Sir.”

Kathryn chuckles again and shakes her head. “Boys,” she grumbles. “How about I call you Bennett unless you’re being a jerk, then you’re name will be Jackass?”

A loud booming laugh escapes me. “You’re not going to let me get away with anything, are you?”

She smiles up at me and shakes her head. “No chance in hell.”

There’s a tap on my shoulder, and I turn to see Jen smiling. “May I cut in?”

Hesitantly, I release Kathryn from my grip and step backward. “Of course.” Thankfully, Liam is there to keep dancing with Kathryn while I dance with Jen. It’s so difficult for me to see them close together.

“You need to look at me like you look at her,” Jen says with a smile.

“What?” I return my attention to Jen.

“While you two were dancing, I heard Senator Samuel’s wife say it looks like there’s trouble in paradise while she was staring at you and Kathryn.”

“I’m sorry,” I apologize to Jen. “I’m trying to control my reactions and feelings toward Kathryn, but—”

“I know,” she cuts me off. “You’re so in love with her. I understand, Bennett, and I have to say.” She gulps as her eyes redden. “I’m sorry you have to be in this position. I hate it as much as you do, but at least I’m not in love with someone else. You have no idea how guilty I feel.”

I bring Jen in closer, and wrap my arms around her, cradling her close to my chest. “This has to be so difficult for you.”

“It’s torture.” Jen’s arms snake around my middle as she hugs me.

I hate having to betray everyone because Jen’s and my parents are so stifling. I kiss the side of her head and snuggle her even closer as we move slowly to the music. “It’ll all work out in the long run.”

I look to Kathryn who’s in Liam’s arms and sigh.

I hope it works out.

12

KATHRYN

Spring break couldn’t come quick enough. College has been kicking my ass, and to top it off, I miss Bennett. The worst part is I’m not going to be able to see him until we can both get on top of all our work.

Bennett is working tirelessly so he can transfer here, and I now have a job at the local supermarket so I can help with my living expenses. There’s no way Bennett and I will be able to spend any time together in spring break.

But the end justifies the path to get there.

Lying back on the bed, I stare up at the ceiling while my mind constantly turns to thoughts of Bennett and I finally being able to be together.

A scrunched piece of paper flies over and hits me on the cheek. I turn to look at Faith who’s sitting cross-legged on the bed in her pajamas. She waggles her brows at me and smiles. “What?” I say as I turn on my side.

“You didn’t hear a thing I was saying, did you?” I avert my eyes as I hold in my smile. “There’s a party over at—”

“No thanks,” I say cutting her off.

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