Chapter 38
THIRTY-EIGHT
ALISON
The water is cool as I splash it on my face. I pump some soap on my hands and wash off the make-up from what was supposed to be a night at work and clean everything away.
I just wish the memories were that easy to remove too.
Lola stands in the doorway of my bathroom and watches me. “Should we file a police report or something?”
“I don’t know,” I groan, patting my face dry. It feels swollen from the tears I cried as Lola drove me home. “I have no fucking idea what to do.”
“Isaac saw everything. He said he ran across the parking lot to get to you as quickly as he could.”
“Where is he now?” I ask, knowing he drove Lola’s car behind us.
“I asked him to wait outside. I thought you’d need some privacy.”
My shoulders ache, my head throbs, and all I want to do is go to bed and cry myself to sleep. There’s so much to process, to think through, that I don’t even know where to begin.
“What did she say to you?” Lola asks.
“That Barrett was with Daphne tonight,” I say simply, trying to wrap my mind around it.
“That makes sense though,” Lola says.
“And that she’s pregnant with his baby,” I mutter.
“What the ever-loving fuck?”
“He told me she was making a claim. He says it’s not true.”
“Oh, it better not be true!”
I nod, closing my eyes. As soon as I do, vivid memories of being surrounded by cameras in New Mexico, accusations being shouted, slam into me and I feel like I can’t breathe.
Lola takes my arm and helps me to the sofa where I sit and try not to hyperventilate.
“You’re having a panic attack, I think,” she says, handing me a cool washcloth. “Here. Put this on your head or something.”
“Did you guys seriously just quit for me?” I ask, fighting the rise in panic. Guilt starts to take over, adding to the panic and I struggle to sit up, but Lola puts a hand on my shoulder.
“We did. But that’s nothing for you to worry about. Odds are he’ll be calling us to come back to work by next week and we’ll just demand a raise,” she winks.
I’m not sure if that’s true or not, but I choose to go with it. I need the reprieve from one of the burdens on me right now.
“I do think maybe you need to call the police,” she says. “Just to be sure.”
“But do I want to even bring them into it? I mean, that puts it on record.” I lean my head back and place the washcloth on my face. “If I ignore it, maybe she will too.”
Lola thinks about it, popping a piece of gum in her mouth. “I think you should try to get ahold of Barrett.”
“He’s at that event. With Daphne.” The thought rolls my stomach, makes bile rise quickly. “I probably can’t get him anyway.”
“Try it. I really think you should. Someone in his campaign needs to know what happened in case he’s asked about it. You know how fast word travels, Ali. Be smart. Use your head, not your heart.”
I sit up, knowing she’s right and feeling stupid not thinking about it sooner. I grab my phone and dial Barrett. It rings three times before it’s answered. My heart leaps in my chest as I wait for him to speak.
“Hello?” a voice asks, but it’s not Barrett. I pull the phone away from my face to make sure I’ve dialed the right number.
“I’m trying to find Barrett Landry. This is Alison Baker.”
“He’s occupied right now, Ms. Baker,” a man says.
“There’s no way I can speak with him?”
“No, there isn’t. He’s in the Garalent Gala with Ms. Monroe right now. I believe they’re eating dinner as we speak.”
“I ...” I’m thrown for a loop, not expecting that. “Who am I talking to?”
“I’m sorry. This is Nolan, Mr. Landry’s Chief-of-Staff. I apologize for my lack of manners this evening.”
“Can you tell Barrett I called?” I squeak. I don’t feel comfortable with this guy, not comfortable enough to tell him about my night or clue him into anything. Something’s wrong, I feel it.
“I wanted to talk to you anyway, Ms. Baker, and thank you for doing your part in this campaign. You’ve done a splendid job, more than I ever expected.”
“Excuse me?”
“Not many women would’ve been up for the challenge of playing the part of the Mayor’s girlfriend like you have.
It’s benefitted his campaign immensely to look like a benefactor to you and your kid.
You’ve helped us fortify his reputation, and I can’t thank you enough.
You can be assured we’ll cut you a check for your services once the campaign is over. ”
Tears hit my eyes again, his words echoing Daphne’s. I feel so used, that everything has been dual-purpose because I do believe Barrett likes me. But was this angle factored into it?
The tears fall harder after I look up at the television screen that Lola has just turned on. Barrett is on the screen, looking devilishly handsome in a navy suit and deep red and white tie. And beside him, looking as regal as the mayor himself, is Daphne Monroe.
She tilts her head to the side, her arm around his waist, and flashes him a wide smile. I can’t see his face from that angle, but the display is enough to make me sick.
I don’t respond to Nolan. I can’t. I just end the call and run to the bathroom hoping to make it before I vomit on the floor.
***
BARRETT
My face hurts from the pseudo-smile plastered across my cheeks. I don’t let it slip despite the discomfort because if I allow a crack in the veneer, I know I won’t be able to get it back. Although I’ve had to fake it a million times before, I’ve never had to put it on like this.
A man that’s been waiting to talk to me for over an hour finally makes his way to my table. My food is untouched, my wine still full, as I gather my wits to entertain another possible voter.
Every part of me wants to leave, not a single thread of entertainment or desire to be here exists. I typically enjoy these little events. But not tonight.
Tonight I want to be at a little house across town, sitting on a tattered sofa in sweatpants, making sure Huxley is okay.
I want my arm wrapped around Alison, my eyes on Hux as he sits on the little black beanbag chair in the corner he loves, and ensure that they are well and happy.
Instead, I’m sitting at this ridiculous event waiting on the bald-headed man to approach my table.
“How are you, Mr. Landry?” he asks, extending his hand. We shake and I steady my features.
“Good, thank you. How are you?”
He begins chatting away about a project important to his district, just like everyone does. I try to zero in on what he’s saying, gather a fuck or two, but when Daphne’s arm lies against my shoulder and I hear her high-pitched laugh beside me, all my efforts dissolve.
My head feels like it’s going to explode and I scan the room for Nolan. Every minute that passes, every second that ticks, is another moment I’ve gone through this charade.
Looking at Daphne by my side, not Alison, it swamps me how ridiculous this is. How ridiculous I am. Is this what I’ve turned out to be?
“If you can excuse me,” I say to baldy, “I have something I need to take care of.”
“No worries, Mayor. I just wanted to extend my congratulations on a job well done. Savannah will hate to lose you to the state, but it’s with pride we watch you go.”
I chuckle, pushing back my seat. “Nothing’s definite yet.”
“It will be, especially after that glowing endorsement from Monroe tonight,” he grins. “You’re a superstar waiting to happen on the national scale, Landry. Such a man to do things your way and not let the actual politics change you. It’s an honor to support you.”
My gaze follows him, my breathing strangled, as I watch him walk away. If he only knew how much of what he said isn’t true.
Daphne’s touch brings me back to the present. When I look at her, she’s watching me with her sweetest smile.
“Need me to accompany you?” she asks, batting her eyelashes.
“Yes, actually,” I say, taking her hand and helping her to her feet. “Let’s get out of here. I’ve had enough of this for one night.”
Her grin tells me she completely misunderstands my point, but I’m not setting her straight here, not in front of everyone.
We head through the venue, stopping briefly to shake a hand every few feet, until I spot Nolan against the wall. He quirks a brow.
“We’re getting out of here,” I say, motioning at Daphne.
Nolan stands. “Typically, I’d hate for you to bow out of an event early, but considering the circumstances ...” He reaches in his pocket and pulls out my cell. “Here you go. Have an enjoyable night.”
I immediately press the power button on my phone and go straight to my texts and shoot one to Troy to pick me up.
“You are both complete assholes for setting this up,” I fire to the two of them, my voice a little louder than I would like.
“No,” Daphne fires back, “we remember who you are. We haven’t forgotten all the things that are important to you because we aren’t brainwashed by some piece of ass.”
“Daphne, shut up,” I hiss. Turning to my manager, I shoot him an icy glare. “I will call you tomorrow to discuss this.”
He just grins. “Well, I happen to side with Ms. Monroe. You might not have liked our tactics, but this worked. Did you see the reception of the two of you? How well you were received tonight? You play off each other seamlessly, and tonight was just what we needed. It was priceless, Barrett.”
Clenching my teeth, I say, “It might’ve fucking worked for whatever scheme you were trying to play. But God as my witness, Nolan, this conversation isn’t over. I’m just not having it here.”
Grabbing Daphne’s hand, I guide her to the front door as hastily as possible. I don’t want to take her with me, but I sure as shit can’t leave her here. That would look bad and who knows what she’d do or say.
Fuck these people and fuck this day.
It’s time I step to the plate and swing.
***
BARRETT
The Rover pulls into Daphne's driveway in half the time it should’ve taken. I didn't need to say anything to Troy; the look in my eye must've said it all.
The sky is dark, but the glow from the lights inside the SUV allows me to see Daphne’s eyes.
She peers at me, a wicked grin on her face.
"I wondered how long it would take you to bring me home.
Want to take bets on how long it takes you to get this dress off me?
Hell, Barrett. I might just bend over and let you get inside me from behind. I need you, sugar."
I run my hand through my hair. I knew this moment was coming and the argument coming up isn’t one I can avoid. Not any longer. No matter what it does to my campaign or our friendship, the act is over. "Daphne, that’s not going to happen.”
She eyes me curiously and pulls back to get a better look. "Are you sure?" Her words are cocky, a challenge, letting me know that the choice I’m making will affect more than her ass ... it’ll affect my career.
She’s playing with fire. She thinks she can strong arm me into doing what she wants—her. What she failed to realize is that I’m past the point of giving a shit about her or my career. I just need Ali.
"I’m absolutely sure,” I say, keeping my voice level.
Her grin turns into a smirk. "Is this about the girl?"
"The girl has a name,” I bite out. “But it doesn't matter."
"Oh, it does matter. It matters a lot, and I'm sure you understand that."
"Daphne ..."
"I’ve given you the benefit of the doubt to get your act together, to stop trying to ... look like one of them or whatever you’re doing,” she huffs, rolling her eyes. “But if I go inside, alone, I'm going to have a lot of time on my hands ..."
My jaw drops to the floor. "Are you threatening me?"
I lean away from her, almost not believing what I'm hearing. This is Daphne. The Daphne I fuck because she knows how this shit works. And she's turning on me? I knew she was a loose cannon, but not like this.
"If you fuck up, my father will expose everything you’ve ever done. Remember—I know more about you than nearly anyone. And going down this path, the one of, you know, turning me down for a cheap piece of ass—"
“Shut your fucking mouth,” I say, catching Troy’s glance in the rearview mirror, but I don’t give a shit about his warning. Daphne has crossed a line. “Don’t ever talk about her like that. Don’t talk about her at all. You know nothing about her.”
She smirks, her head held high. "This is fucking up, Barrett. You might've gotten Daddy’s endorsement tonight, but don't think that will necessarily hold. One little call ..." She presses her lips together in a pout, like a child wanting a new toy. It’s disgusting.
"You aren't serious right now, Daph."
She shrugs, her hand on the knob. "I know how these things work.
Remember that, Barrett. I'm not some random chick you're fucking.
Just keep in mind I'm not as stupid as you may think.
I've been biding my time and making friends on the side.
Just consider who I know and who's in my pocket ... and what I’m capable of. "
"What are you even talking about? Why would you do this?"
"I'd do this because I, too, have things I want to accomplish in my life. And I thought we were on the same page. But you're running around with trash now—"
"At the moment," I say, giving her a heavy once over, “I’d have to agree.”
She laughs, her high-pitched trill making my skin crawl. "Fuck you, Barrett.”
“Let’s not forget,” I burn, forcing myself to breathe, “that I know a few of your secrets too. I may even have a few pictures somewhere of you with a white little powder lining your nostrils ...”
Her eyes dart around the car before landing on me, her knuckles turning white as she squeezes her fists. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“I wouldn’t be able to help it if my phone landed in the wrong hands and those photos ended up public.” I scratch at my chin in faux-thought. “I seem to remember a few, well, we could call them selfies, I suppose, that you sent me from a bathtub ...”
“Don’t you dare!”
“Then get the fuck out of my car and forget my name. Got it?”
She opens the door herself and slams it behind her.
Troy looks at me over his shoulder and, after one quick glance, he speeds us away from Daphne’s house.