Chapter Eighteen #2
“I understand Jonathan’s attending Penn State,” my father says, a tone of pride coating his words, like Jonathan’s actually his son. “You must be proud.”
“It looks that way,” Hal says. “Although everything he needs to know, he can learn by doing, just like I did. Apparently, that’s not good enough these days. And what about you, Sadie? What does your future look like?”
Jonathan’s hand is a firm pressure, holding mine. Not so tight it hurts, but like I’m a life preserver, keeping him aloft. Tight enough that I know not to let go. When I squeeze back, I hear him take a breath. Perhaps the first since his father appeared in the room.
“I’m hoping to get into Penn State as well,” I announce proudly.
Everyone looks at me, Jonathan included.
“You’re what?” My mother appears beside my father with a glass of wine in her hand. A smaller slip of a woman approaches Hal with a pint of beer and then folds her hands demurely in front of her.
My eyes shift between each of their surprised expressions. Jonathan is the only one who looks happy.
“I’m applying to Penn State.” I announce this as a declaration. I’ve been wavering, but in this moment, it feels absolute.
“That wasn’t on the list we discussed,” my mother states with confusion.
“It is now,” I say simply, glancing up at Jonathan.
A smile takes up most of his face, and it takes everything in me not to kiss him right here in front of our parents.
Then I remember that we are in front of our parents and force myself to look away.
“I’m still applying to the other schools. I just want it as an option.”
“Don’t let my boy make your decision for you.
You’re a smart girl.” The words could be taken in so many different ways, but he sounds…
playful, like he’s complimenting me without insulting Jonathan.
Jonathan’s hand slips from mine, setting him adrift.
That’s not how he heard it. “I’m sure you could do better than Penn State. ”
“It’s an excellent school,” I reply with a smile of my own, attempting to defuse the tension. “And I haven’t decided anything.”
“Good,” my mother says with a breath of relief, her meaning loud and clear.
“Did you know I graduated high school with your father?” Hal pats my father on the shoulder. “We were best friends… until he left us behind to go to college.” He instinctively reaches for his wife, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
My father smiles faintly. The confidence he usually wears like a second skin is flaking off. I’ve never seen him like this. It’s unsettling. “Such a long time ago, huh?”
“Feels like yesterday to me,” Hal says with a boisterous laugh.
“It’s when Samantha and I fell in love. I’ll never forget that.
” He looks down at her affectionately. She smiles shyly.
They’re so sweet together; I can’t help but adore them.
“She and your dad dated all through high school. Wouldn’t have had my chance if he’d stuck around. ”
“Can’t say I’m upset he followed his dreams,” my mother declares, sliding her arm through my father’s with a megawatt smile. “And it looks like it worked out for the two of you as well.”
My dad never hid the fact that they knew each other.
Which is why he knows that Jonathan has the propensity for trouble, like his dad did back then.
To find out that they were actually best friends feels like something I should’ve known.
Forget about the part that Jonathan’s mother was my dad’s first love…
and she fell for his best friend after he left for college.
It should be awkward. It’s definitely surprising. Except Hal’s making light of the whole thing. His jovial tone leads me to believe he finds it funny. He places a loving kiss on his wife’s cheek and elicits a blush.
I look at my dad to see how he’s taking all of this. He just winks back at me, letting me know he’s good. But there’s something else in his expression that gives me pause. I will definitely be processing this when I’m alone in my room later tonight.
“What are you doing here, Dad?” Jonathan’s deep, smooth voice draws me back to him.
“Contributing to our justice system,” he declares with a gloating smile.
“Was just going over the details of my donation with Eli and Terrence Winston. Didn’t realize I was a respected member of our community, did you, son?
I know a lot of these people. Benefits of having roots in Hollis for generations back.
You’ll know that when you take over the business. ”
Jonathan inhales to speak, but a pleading look from his mother holds his words in his chest. I recognize the pressure building within him. The expectation. The choice that was never his. I know it well.
“Thank you for your generosity,” I say instead. “If it’s okay with you”—I look at my parents—“Jonathan and I were hoping to make a late movie.”
I’m lying. They know I’m lying. But they’re not going to reprimand me in front of the Reeves. I’m definitely pressing the permission-forgiveness boundary tonight.
“That sounds nice,” Mrs. Reeves says, her approval easing the tension volleyed between them. “I’m sure you’ll have fun.” She opens her purse and hands her son a twenty, folding it into his palm before he can argue. “Let me at least pay for the popcorn. It’s all it’ll cover these days.”
They all laugh. So weird.
“Be good,” Hal says, his eyes on his son. “And, Sadie, this can’t be the last time I see you. Why don’t you come over next weekend for dinner?”
“It’s Thanksgiving,” Jonathan reminds him, his voice tight.
“Not all weekend. I’m sure we’ll be tired of turkey by Saturday. How does that sound?”
“I’d love to come for dinner. Thank you.” I try to focus on just him and not Jonathan stiffening beside me. Or my mother conjuring an obligation to keep this from happening.
“This relationship sounds like it’s good for your campaign, doesn’t it, Dad?
” I ask him and glance at my mother. “I’m glad you reconnected.
” She knows exactly what I mean. It’s my way of declaring, Jonathan’s not going anywhere.
That if they’re going to take money from his father, then they can’t keep us apart, even for the length of the campaign. It’s a silent negotiation.
“It is.” My mother smiles stiffly.
And I just won.
What just happened?” Jonathan asks as soon as the doors close behind us.
“I met your parents,” I offer, my heart still racing after boldly defying my parents. There are way too many options to know which part has him dazed.
He picks me up and spins me in a tight embrace. I let out a small yelp of surprise. “You’re applying to Penn State?” He sets me down and grips my shoulders, like he can’t believe it. His dark eyes gleam with happiness.
I let out a small laugh. “Seriously? After all that?”
“That’s the only thing I care about.” He grins. “Are you doing it because…”
“You’re going?”
He shrugs.
“Maybe… just a little. But it is a great school. It’s not like I’m settling or anything.”
“If you get into Brown—”
I scoff, interrupting him, “It would be because I’m a legacy kid, not because I earned it.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I’m not Ivy material. I promise you. Left that to my brother.” I nod my head toward the valets still standing at attention at the curve of the driveway. “Wanna get out of here?”
“And go where?”
I look up at him with a smirk. “A movie?”
“Dressed like this?” He opens his arms to present his suit.
“Of course.” I’d ask him to wear that suit everywhere if I thought he would. “Not like anyone will notice.”
He smiles, admiring my lacy periwinkle dress with the slit to my knee. “Doubt that.”