Page 5 of Powerless

“Thank you, sir,” I say as I sidestep my parents and make my way over toward Jennifer. She turns away from the bar just as I approach her. A tight smile tugs at her lips as she places the drink on the counter. “Happy birthday, Jennifer,” I say and step in to give her a kiss on the cheek.

Her long, blonde hair cascades over her bare shoulders. Her black dress hugs her body, showing off all of her perfect curves. “Bennett.” A tight smile pulls at her lips as she looks over my shoulder, then back to me. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“You too.” Discreetly, I turn to see both sets of parents intently watching us. “You look beautiful.”

Her smile is forced and fake. “Thank you.”

The air between us is stale and unnatural. Does Jennifer not want this either? “Happy birthday,” I say.

Jennifer’s brows draw in. “Thank you, again.”

“Did I already say that?”

Jennifer’s shoulders relax and her tight smile morphs into a genuine one. “You did.” She looks over my shoulder again, and her features tighten. “Would you care to sit?” Jennifer pointedly looks toward the tables that are set up in the event room of the country club.

“Of course.” I gesture with a wave, and as she turns, I place my hand to the small of her back. This feels so robotic. I pull her chair out, then wait until she’s seated before I sit beside her. “So, you’ve just turned eighteen.”

“I have. You’re eighteen too, right?”

“I am.”

“And Dad has said you’ve been accepted into Yale?”

“That’s right. Yale’s where my father and grandfather attended. It’s tradition.”

“Tradition.” Jennifer lifts her brows but quickly composes herself. “Hmh,” she scoffs under her breath. I wonder what that’s about.

“And you? What college will you be attending?”

Jennifer reaches for her drink and brings it to her lips. “In an ideal world I’d like to go to UCLA, but that’s not going to happen.”

“Why? What do you want to do?”

“They offer an arts program, but...” She sips on her drink and lifts her shoulders slowly. “That’s not on my agenda.” Jennifer darts her eyes over to her and my parents who’ve now moved and are sitting on opposite sides of a nearby table. Something tells me that Jennifer is as ambivalent about this union as I am.

I look around the room and see people are dancing to the band. I stand and offer my hand. “Would you care to dance?” Out of my peripheral vision, I see the massive smile from our mothers.

“Thank you.”

I take her hand and lead her out to the dance floor. Pulling her into me, we begin to move across the floor. She’s cold and rigid in my arms. “I’m going to go out on a limb and say you don’t want this.”

She inhales a sharp breath, causing her to gasp. Jennifer lifts her chin to look up at me. “I’m sorry,” she says. “I’ll do better. I understand what my role is in this, and I’ll improve.” She attempts to smile, but she’s so stiff and manages only the facsimile of a smile.

“Can I be honest with you?” She visibly swallows and nods once. “I don’t want this either.”

Instantly she releases a breath and softens in my arms. “Are you kidding?”

“No, I’m not. You’re beautiful, but I’m not at all attracted to you.” Jennifer starts laughing, making me smile. “What?”

“You’re so not my type.” She rolls her eyes shut, then chuckles some more before she straightens. “I know this is what I have to do. I have to be a good wife to an up-and-coming politician. It’s what’s been drummed into me since I was a little girl. I have to be the arm candy, learn how to wine and dine powerful politicians and learn my place. But...” She shakes her head. “I don’t want this.”

“I don’t want to be with someone I don’t love. And, no offense, but I don’t love you nor can I see myself loving you.”

“Thank God,” she says with relief. “Honestly, I feel the same way.” She looks over toward our parents and exhales with frustration. “But, I don’t think it matters how we feel, it’s what they want.”

Jennifer has a point. Our parents will push us for a long engagement, then to marry as soon as we’re finished college. “I know,” I say in defeat.

“At least you’re not an ogre, I can live with that.” Jennifer’s candid words make me laugh. She arches a brow and smiles. “It’s true.”

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