Page 47 of Powerless

“So do I, but it’s what has to happen.”

“What if I tell Mom? She’ll understand.”

I love the idea of his parents knowing, but this isn’t my call. “I can’t tell you what to do, Bennett. You and Jen have to make that decision. Do you think your mom won’t tell your dad? That opens up a whole new can of worms. Because what happens if they then tell Jen’s parents?”

He tenses his arms around me and kisses the top of my head. “I hate this.”

“Me too,” I whisper as I squeeze him and close my eyes.

The knock on our bedroom door forces Bennett and I to pull apart. I look up to him, and he bends and seals his mouth over mine. “You’re my girl, Kathryn. You’ll always be my girl.”

“Hey, we need to leave now or we’re going to be late,” Jen says through the closed door.

“I’ll be there in a minute.” Bennett releases a deep sigh before kissing me once more, then pulls away to finish knotting his tie.

I get up and walk over to the door to open it. I walk down the hallway and find Jen dressed absolutely beautifully. She has her hair swept up into a perfect loose bun, and she’s wearing a gorgeous dark-blue fitted dress. “Wow, you’re smoking hot.”

She looks down at her dress, then lifts her chin to meet my eyes. There’s a certain amount of sadness that passes over her. “I’m so sorry, Kathryn,” she whispers.

“Don’t be.” I feel like an ass in the moment. I hate how beautiful she is, and I especially hate that she’s going on a date with my boyfriend to a fancy restaurant with the California governor. But it has to be even worse for Jen. She not only has to hide the fact that she and Bennett aren’t dating, but that she’s not the reformed gay her parents want her to be.

That’s the part I hate the most.

“It should be you going, not me.”

“We all have our part to play in this elaborate ruse. I guess the easiest part is we’re all so far away from your and Bennett’s parents.”

She takes my hands in hers and lightly squeezes. “You have no idea how much I appreciate what you’re all doing for me. I know this can’t be easy.” Her serious features soften as she smiles. “But rest assured, Bennett does nothing for me.”

I can’t help but grin. “I know, and that’s what’s getting me through.”

“Are you ready?” Bennett asks as he walks down the hallway toward us.

I turn to look at him, and my breath catches as I carefully scan his delicious body. “Damn,” I whisper, completely in love with how good he looks. “You...” I whistle and motion for him to do a twirl with my finger.

Bennett pulls his shoulders back, lifts his chin, puckers, and struts the remaining of the way. When he reaches Jen and I, he unbuttons his suit jacket and twirls on the spot. “It’s the pucker that got me. That’s it.” Jen throws her arms up over her head. “I’m no longer gay.” She turns to me and with a serious face says, “I’m sorry, that pucker has turned me un-gay and now I need to marry Bennett and have an entire football team of kids with him.”

Bennett and I chuckle as he approaches me, slides his arm around my waist, and kisses my temple. “What am I to do? Two women fighting over me.”

“Oh no, I’m not fighting.” I look to her as I playfully back away. “Jen, you can have him.”

“Hey,” Bennett protests.

Jen looks to me, then Bennett. She worries her lower lip between her teeth and shakes her head. “On second thought, he’s a bit too...” Jen screws up her nose and shakes her head. “Nah, you can have him.”

“Oh no,” I say, keeping the fun going. “I insist, he’s all yours.”

“No, thank you.” She waves her hand.

Bennett walks over to the door, then turns to us. “I’m fake breaking up with you.” He points to Jen. “And you.” He then points to me.

“You’re so sensitive,” I say with a smirk.

The rush of happiness quickly eases when we’re all faced with the reality that Bennett and Jen now have to leave and play happy couple. My heart hurts as I lock the door behind them.

With my shoulders down and a heaviness vibrating in my soul, I drag my sad body down toward our bedroom. I plonk on the bed and close my eyes.

The front door opens again, and a part of me is wishing they’d come back, but I know it’ll be Liam. “Hey,” he hollers down the hallway.

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