Sons of Fortune

“No,” said Harry Gates, “you can only be Mercutio if he starts to chase Diane.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Ask Fletcher. He’ll explain it to you.” Jimmy left his father to walk across and join his friend.

“I don’t know what you see in her,” said Jimmy.

“She’s got everything you haven’t,” said Fletcher smiling. “She’s bright, pretty, fun to be with and…”

“Are you sure we’re talking about my sister?”

“Yes, which is why you’re the one who has to wear glasses.”

“By the way, Diane Coulter has just turned up with her parents. Dad wants to know if you’re still hoping to meet her.”

“Not particularly, she’s gone from A to Z, so she’s now a natural for you.”

“No thanks,” said Jimmy, “I don’t need your cast-offs. By the way, I told Dad about Romeo and Juliet, and said I saw myself as Mercutio.”

“Only if I start to date Dan Coulter’s sister, but I’m no longer interested in the daughter of that house.”

“I still don’t understand.”

“I’ll explain tomorrow morning,” said Fletcher, as Jimmy’s sister reappeared carrying two Dr. Peppers. Annie scowled at her brother, and he quickly disappeared.

For some time, neither of them spoke, until Annie said, “Would you like me to show you the Senate Chamber?”

“Sure, that would be great,” said Fletcher. She turned and began walking toward the door, with Fletcher following a pace behind.

“Do you see what I see?” said Harry Gates, turning to his wife as Fletcher and his daughter disappeared out of the room.

“I certainly do,” replied Martha Gates, “but I shouldn’t get too worried about it, as I doubt if either of them is capable of seducing the other.”

“It didn’t stop me trying at that age, as I feel sure you remember.”

“Typical politician. That’s another story you’ve embellished over the years. Because if I remember correctly, it was me who seduced you.”

“This is the Senate Chamber,” said Annie as they looked down from the gallery onto a semicircle of blue leather chairs.

“It’s very impressive,” said Fletcher.

“Daddy says you’ll end up here one day, or perhaps go even further.” Fletcher didn’t reply, because he had no idea what exams you had to pass to become a politician. “I heard him tell my mother he’d never met a more brilliant boy.”

“Well, you know what they say about politicians,” said Fletcher.

“Yes, I do, but I can always tell when Daddy doesn’t mean it because he smiles at the same time, and this time he didn’t smile.”

“Where does your father sit?” asked Fletcher trying to change the subject.

“As the majority leader, he sits third along from the left in the front row,” she said pointing down, “but I’d better not tell you too much because I know he’s looking forward to showing you around the Capitol himself.” He felt her hand touch his.

“Sorry,” he said, quickly removing his hand, thinking it had been a mistake.

“Don’t be silly,” she said. She took his hand again, this time holding on to it.

“Don’t you think we ought to go back and join the party?” asked Fletcher. “Otherwise they might start to wonder where we are.”

“I suppose so,” said Annie, but she didn’t move. “Fletcher, have you ever kissed a girl?” she asked quietly.