Page 4 of Powerless

“Your father and I love each other a lot. Now.”

My lips part as I continue to stare at her. “Wow.”

“We both knew what we had to do, and your father wouldn’t have gone as far as he did if he hadn’t married me. Being a politician means creating a united front with someone who’s sturdy, and who understands what being a politician actually means.”

“So, what? It was an arranged marriage?”

“No, it was a marriage of convenience. We both understood what we had to do, and we both did it. But as it turned out, we learned to love one another. Our start might not have been natural, but our relationship quickly became just that.”

“This changes everything,” I say as my shoulders sink. “I don’t want to do this.”

Mom stands and runs her hand down her skirt. “That’s okay, Bennett. You don’t have to decide right now. But think about how the American public will perceive you if you don’t have a wife, or a wife who comes from inferior breeding.”

“You make it sound like she’s a pet.”

“No, not at all. I just understand the importance of public perception.”

I close my eyes as I hang my head. “Fine, I’ll meet with Jennifer. But if there’s no chemistry, I won’t commit to a lifetime with her.”

“Her birthday is this Saturday.” Mom heads toward the door, stops, and turns. “You’ve been groomed to follow in your father’s footsteps. If you don’t want this, then you have to let us know now.”

“Of course, I want it. But the whole arranged marriage thing is something I can do without.”

“Not if you want to be a senator.” I’ve set my sights for something a little higher.

Mom leaves my room and I’m left to think about Kathryn. It’s already over before it even started. I have to do what’s right for the American people, and stop being so damn selfish.

I lie against the bed and close my eyes.

Why can’t I have both? What’s right for the American people and what’s good for me?

2

BENNETT

“Bennett,” Mom calls from downstairs. I straighten my tie and check myself over in the mirror before leaving my room. I head downstairs to find the front door open, Dad gone, and Mom applying lipstick while looking at herself in her compact mirror. She turns to look at me and smiles. Mom quickly places her lipstick and mirror in her clutch before gifting me with her attention. “Come here.” I step forward and she makes quick work of readjusting my tie. “You look incredibly handsome, Bennett.”

“Thank you.”

“Tonight is Jennifer’s eighteenth birthday party—”

I cut her off. “I know, Mom. It’s also a way to get the ball rolling with us being a couple.”

Mom dusts off my shoulders and smiles. “That’s right.” She takes a step back and lets her eyes wander down over my body. “You look smart and composed.”

I offer Mom my elbow as I walk her out to the car where Dad’s pacing around while talking on the phone. “Mrs. Adams,” Jeffery, the driver, greets. He opens the back door and once Mom and I are in the limousine, Jeffery waits until Dad joins us before closing the door and walking to the front.

The drive to the country club where Jennifer is having her party is short and filled with an uncomfortable tension. As much as I understand the idea behind taking Jennifer as my bride, I can’t stop thinking about Kathryn. Maybe it’s best I forget Kathryn and focus on my career. But every time I close my eyes, it’s Kathryn I see standing beside me.

“Sir,” Jeffery announces when he opens the back door.

Dad slides out first, then extends his hand for Mom. Once the three of us are out of the back of the limousine, Mom and Dad effortlessly step into media-appearance mode. They pull their shoulders back, Mom looks at Dad with such love, while Dad leads Mom into the club. I guess this is what I’ll have to do too. Make sure I look put together in front of any camera.

It's all about appearances.

I button my suit jacket and follow my parents. I’m completely aware of the reporters and paparazzi hanging around, waiting to see who’ll be attending Jennifer’s birthday at the club.

We walk into the country club and see Caleb and Sophia Marshall. “Titus,” Caleb says as he holds his hand out for my father. Caleb acknowledges my mother with a kiss to the cheek before he turns his attention to me. “Bennett, I do believe my daughter is getting herself a drink.”

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