“He doesn’t like anyone new. Try not to take it personally.”
“It’s hard not to. His job is to protect you, not me.”
I shrugged. “He has a new job now. He’ll get used to it. He’ll warm up to you. I swear.”
“And this ball tonight, I guess I get to meet the rest of your family?”
I nodded. “They will be there.”
“Where’s Ayla?” I saw the panic.
“You have plent
y of time to prepare. In the meantime, I need to address the cabinet.”
“Oh God. The vote is today.”
I gripped her shoulders. “It is. I need to get to the cabinet room. Will you be here when I get back this time?”
She smiled. “I will. But I’d like to have my own things. Can I pack them and bring them over? My research is there.”
“It’s already taken care of. Everything will be here in a few hours.”
“How’d you do that?”
“Helps to know the king.” I winked.
I had a few notes I wanted to collect from my office.
“Wait, I know you have to leave, but can I ask a favor?”
“What is it?”
“Since we’re having a ball, can I invite someone? I’d like Brooklyn to be here. She’s my best friend.”
I knew Sutcliffe would advise me to forbid it, but this was Molly’s night. “Sure. Tell her it’s formal.”
Molly nodded. “Thank you. Good luck with the vote.”
I grumbled. I needed more than luck. Yesterday’s publicity stunt had blown up. I didn’t know that I had enough sway to convince the rest of the cabinet to change their votes.
“I’ll let you know how it goes, love.”
I picked up my files in the office and headed for the cabinet room. I didn’t know how today turned into the one day when I had to fight for everything that mattered. There wasn’t time to second-guess how the intersection was built. I had to make it through the other side with two victories.
30
Molly
I knew the elevator had reached the main floor. The air always changed when Damon was gone. I sank on the sofa, curling my feet underneath me. I leaned over and pulled my phone from my purse.
I called Brooklyn. “Hey.”
“Mol, what is going on? These people just showed up and started packing your things.”
“Shit. Already?”
“You know about this?”