Page 50 of Powerless

“I’m sorry, but you have to undo this,” Dad argues as he rounds his desk and sits with force in his chair. “You know what you have to do, and you have to do it starting yesterday. Politics can be tricky and—”

“I know, Dad. Politics is all about perception, but everyone will be able to see that we don’t love each other.”

“Is there anyone else? Is she cheating on you?” Dad asks.

I look to Mom who’s quietly watching. I return my attention to Dad and shake my head. “No, she’s not cheating on me.”

“Then why did this happen? This is part of your life plan, and hers. What will Jennifer do now?”

“Well, here’s the thing. We figured out we’re quite good friends, so she’ll stay living with us, but she’ll sleep on the sofa.”

Dad’s brows knit together creating a deep V crevice. “How ridiculous, living with your ex-girlfriend. Do you have any idea how this will go down once her parents find out? They’ll want her to move back here, and they’re going to hate you. You won’t have her father’s support.”

“Neither of us have done anything wrong, so why would he hate me? Besides, we’re still friends, it’s just that we couldn’t be more than that. At first it was okay, but as the months went by it was more like we were roommates than in a relationship.”

“What a damn mess, Bennett.” Dad glances over to Mom and asks, “What do you think, Lydia? You haven’t said a word.”

Mom’s shoulders sink as she glances down at her hands. It takes a few seconds, but she lifts her head and looks at me, then Dad and says, “They don’t love each other.”

“Who cares? This is about political alignment, and both their futures.”

“Jennifer can still have an amazing future without marrying me,” I say.

“Jennifer’s future is—”

“Darling,” Mom cuts Dad off and silences him with nothing more than a stare. “They’re kids who don’t love one another. They tried and it didn’t work.”

“But—”

“There really isn’t a but.” Mom looks to me. “I take it you’ve already broken up?” I nod. “And she’s on the sofa?” Again, I nod. “And how is Jennifer?”

I pause for a second and lick my lips before I answer, “Relieved.”

Mom smacks both her hands on her thighs and stands to her feet. “Then it seems it’s all done.”

“No. There has to be a way to make sure they get back together.”

“They don’t love one another, Titus. What do you expect them to do?” Mom points her finger at Dad. “It’s done. That’s it.” She turns to me and asks, “I take it Jennifer hasn’t told her parents?”

“Her exams already started, so she’s returning to tell them next weekend. I would appreciate it if you keep it to yourselves until she has the opportunity to tell them.”

Mom’s lips tighten as she nods. I glance to Dad, hoping he’ll keep this to himself. “Of course,” Dad says.

“Thank you.” I stand and move toward the door. I guess I owe them more than just a thank you. I turn to face my parents. “I’m sorry this didn’t work out with Jennifer. We tried, but it didn’t feel right.”

Dad arches a brow and looks to his computer. “While you’re here, we’ll go to the club for dinner tonight.” And just like that, the conversation is over. I hope.

* * *

I finish dressing for dinner when there’s a faint knocking at the door. I walk over and open it to find Mom dressed and ready to go. “Everything okay, Mom?”

“Can I come in?” She gestures with a sweep of her hand.

“Of course.” I step aside for Mom to enter, and when she does, she sits on the bed and pats the spot beside her. “What is it?”

“I’ve been thinking about something.”

“You have?”

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