“It’s not about the apartment. It’s about all these changes happening so soon,” I pressed. “I thought my life was one thing, and now I’m having to hide from an aggressive investigative journalist, and I’m attending a school that wasn’t even on my radar until you married Joseph.” I got up from my spot at the kitchen island and walked over to her. “Mom. Are you sure this is what you want? Our entire lives are going to be plastered everywhere. This is a very public position. It was bad enough with Jack being the Governor, but—”
“But nothing. I’m going to support my husband through this incredible opportunity. We’re going to raise our baby in DC, and you can come visit us whenever you want. You’re an adult now. You can’t keep clinging to me. It’s time for you to live on your own.”
My eyes widened. I knew she was right. Most people my age left for college without a second thought. But this was more than that. How could I make sure Mom was okay if she was in DC? “It’s just a lot of change in a short amount of time,” I sputtered. “I’m not trying to be clingy. But you’re my best friend—”
“I’m your mother, Vera. And I’ll always be your mother. But it’s time for us to grow up a little bit, baby.”
“I can’t believe you would drop this bomb right after what happened to me last night,” I croaked. My throat was clogged with emotion.
“Well, this is why I wanted to mention the personal bodyguard. Jack and Joseph think it’s a good idea while we are in transition. I want you to be safe. See? I’m not abandoning you.”
It sure fucking felt like she was abandoning me. “Right,” I chirped sarcastically. “I don’t want a bodyguard, Mom. I’m fine.”
“But you’re not fine,” Mom said. “You’re spending time with Hamilton, Vera. That in itself is a red flag. I’m not sure how I feel about you being around him. He looks at you like…like he wants to eat you up. Don’t think I didn’t notice how he was last night. Is something going on between you two? You’re about to start college, you don’t need the distraction. And Vera, I don’t think I have to tell you how irresponsible that would be. He’s technically your new uncle.”
My heart raced. My head pounded, and for a moment the only thing I could hear was the whoosh of blood in my ears. Did she want someone to protect me, or did she want someone to report back to them about where I was? “Hamilton is the only friend I have here. I would never do that to you. I can’t believe you would even ask me that,” I cursed. “He was just being nice to me. It’s not like you’ve been around. Saint really freaked me out.”
“I was on my honeymoon, Vera! You can’t blame me for finally being happy and in love and seeing the world. I’m sorry some psycho did that, but there wasn’t much I could do from Paris. I can’t spend every day of my life taking care of you.”
Her words felt like a punch to the gut. “I don’t need you to take care of me,” I whispered, feeling like a small child. “That’s not what I meant. I just don’t understand why I can’t be friends with Hamilton.”
“Because Joseph doesn’t trust him. I have to stand by my husband now, Vera.”
“What about standing by me? Or have you forgotten?”
“How could I ever forget!” Mom screamed, the veins in her neck bulging with anger. “I’ve spent my life standing by your side. Don’t you get it!? It’s my turn, Vera. It’s my turn to have all the things you stole from me.”
Mom’s eyes popped open in surprise. She placed her fingers to her lips and gasped as tears streamed down her face. My emotions felt like a water hose. I reached deep in my chest and turned the valve off, praying she didn’t see me break. “Baby. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it.”
“It’s fine,” I replied calmly, stopping her before she could say anything else. “I’m really happy for you and Joseph. You’re right. It’s selfish of me to get in the way. I want you to go.”
“Vera,” Mom whimpered. Tears streamed down her slender cheeks. “Vera, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it.”
“Yeah. You did. Please tell Jack and Joseph I don’t want a bodyguard. It’s hard enough starting at a new school, I don’t need to be followed. The police are already doing everything in their power to catch him, and we’re installing a new security system here at the apartment. I’ll stop talking to Hamilton. I don’t want you to piss off your new husband. I’m sure I can make more friends once school starts.”
Mom set her coffee cup down and sighed. “I’m going to go,” she whispered. “Jack is throwing Joseph a party this weekend to celebrate. Will you be there? I want to see you before I leave.” Her voice was hopeful.
“Yep,” I replied with a tight smile. “I’ll be there.” I would always be there. I would always support my mother.
Mom gathered her purse and made her way over to the front door. With her hand lingering on the knob, she turned to look over her shoulder at me. “It’s just my turn,” she whispered. “I hope you can understand that.”
I averted my eyes.
Yeah. I got it.
The moment she was gone, my cell pinged, alerting me to a text.
Hamilton: How are you this morning?
I angrily typed out a response without thinking before blocking his number.
Me: Don’t text me again. This is done.
10
The opulent dining room Jack rented to host the celebration for Joseph was filled to the brim with power and influence. I’d seen some of these people at the wedding, but there were even more elbow-rubbing political influencers vying for
