Royally Benevolent (Resplendent Royals #4)

25. The Veep

25

THE VEEP

ODETTE

V ision International was precisely what I predicted—bright, big, and exciting. The American Vice President brought the hype with her. She was tall, pretty, and glamorous. I couldn’t wait to meet her but tried not to fangirl too close to the sun. It would surprise people to know that even royals get starstruck.

“She’s so cool,” I whispered to Wyatt. He was on his phone, looking through the panels on the summit’s app.

“What? Who?”

“The Veep,” I answered.

He chuckled. “You want an introduction?”

I gaped. “What? You know her?”

“Odie, I fundraised for the campaign, and she’s an old friend. Yes. I can introduce you to her. She’s just a normal politician. Curb your enthusiasm.”

“She’s a horse girl, and she loves Alana Grace. I would die if I met Alana.”

“Who is Alana?” Wyatt asked.

“The pop star . You’re American. Why don’t you know these people?”

“Odette, I’m old, out-of-touch, and America is fucking massive. I am glad you think I am so hip.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, Wyatt.”

He smiled and nodded in the Veep’s direction. “Come on, I’ll introduce you.”

Mary Porter turned as we approached, face breaking into a warm smile.

“Wyatt! How the hell are you?”

He shook her hand. “Great, thanks. Excited to see what this thing is about this year.”

“Well, I hope I don’t trip up the stage.”

VP Porter notably tripped walking onstage at her party convention. While the other side exploited her flub, it made her America’s sweetheart. As a klutz, I found this relatable.

“Let’s hope. I have faith,” Wyatt said. “Vice President Porter, this is my colleague and friend, Princess Odette. She is on our Vision 360 board.”

“Well, that’s so cool!” Mary said. She was so effortlessly casual . “Nice to meet you, Your Royal Highness.”

“And you,” I extended my hand. She knew the etiquette. She was both sufficiently formal and chill. How could I learn to do the same? Mary Porter was approachable and official all at once.

“What do you think of all of this?” Mary asked.

“I am loving it. Learning lots!” I said, too cheerfully. I backed off. No need to seem desperate, Odette!

“Oh, well, that is cool. How did you get roped into this?”

“Odette is a cyclist,” Wyatt answered. “A very competent one.”

“We are working on protecting pedestrians and cyclists at high-hazard intersections,” I added.

“Okay, transport isn’t the sexiest thing. Wyatt makes it sexier than it is.”

Was that flirting ?

Wyatt got weird again. He went from being a confident businessman to a confused nerd, and I didn’t understand it.

“Oh, I’m hardly able to do that on my own. But it’s a cause I care about,” Wyatt said. “Odette got clipped by a car one morning. That’s how we originally met.”

“Oh? And then he just… roped you in? ”

I shrugged. “It was a bunch of things. My sister assigned me the patronage. I didn’t know him, and he had no idea who I was. I was just out for a morning ride with my dog.”

“Adorable,” Mary said. “Well, hopefully I see you around again. Wyatt, we need to catch up.”

Wyatt nervously shifted his stance. “Sure, sure. Maybe the three of us can get a drink and talk some shop? Not too much. I promise.”

I’d all but confirmed it. She was either into him, or they’d already hooked up—maybe both? Well, there went my dream. She’d never married. Of course, she’d be interested in him. Who wouldn’t be? He was gorgeous, sweet, and wealthy. Why would he choose a fully-grown woman over the too-young hopeless virgin?

We left the Veep, stepping up to a table serving an afternoon treat. They were everywhere. I’d grabbed so much free stuff! I loved it.

“What is this called?” I asked.

“A vendor booth. This swag is normal for an expo. Everyone wants you to stop by and get you to buy something.”

“But everyone here wants for nothing.”

“Rich people like swag, too.” He pointed at my bag playfully.

I grabbed a pot of chocolate mousse. It was delicious but didn’t remove the pain from the inevitable rejection he’d given me.

“So, was the intro sufficient? Did it cure your obsession?”

I shrugged. “She seems cool. Also, flirty.”

Wyatt shook his head. “She’s just that way. She’s not into me.”

“Really? Because it was obvious.” I said it with a bit of heat on it. I regretted it—desperation.

“Trust me when I say I am not her type, Odie.” He seemed annoyed, then his voice sweetened, “Promise.”