“S-Senator,” I stutter.
“Hi, Mom,” Sam says.
I look back and forth, battling vertigo. How could he not tell me? I should see myself out right now before I make a fool of myself.
“Please, call me Kathleen,” she purrs. “Samuel, did you not tell her who you were?”
“You’re the senator, not me?” He shrugs as we step inside.
Sen— Kathleen clucks her tongue. “Men.”
I nod dumbly, allowing him to help me out of my coat. A dashing man with hair more pepper than salt and an impressive height sweeps up behind her. “Glad you could make it, kid.”
“Hi, Dad. This is—”
“Delta! I’m so happy we get to finally meet you. I’m Harrison.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir,” I say, shaking his hand.
His eyes crinkle in the corners. I see Sam when he’s older. “No need to be so formal. Harrison is just fine.”
“O-Okay.” It’s like I’ve been swept into a different world. Wealthy drips from every stone and exquisite decoration. The furniture is large and solid in the way only the most expensive pieces are. There’s more money in this foyer than I have in my bank account. Suddenly, I’m queasy.
“Why don’t you take your date into the kitchen and grab her a drink?” his mother suggests.
Sam offers me his arm. I take it, glad to be away from the laser-focused stare his mother has fixed me with.
“Why didn’t you warn me?”
“About what?” he asks.
“That your mother is the freaking senator of this state.”
“Does it really matter that much?” The confusion etched on his face is genuine.
I struggle with my anger. “Yes,” I hiss. “I wasn’t prepared for that.”
“I’m sorry. I did not realize—”
“I know. I-I’m just having a mini panic attack. I am way out of my depth, Sam. I don’t know how to mingle with people like this.”
“And you think I do?”
“Yes. This is your birthright.”
“I may have been born into it, but I was never meant for it. No one is as confusing as a person who works in politics.” There’s a lot of sadness in those words.
“You’re right. I’m sorry.” I squeeze his hand.
There’s a bartender set up in the spacious kitchen and caterers lined up behind the island, ready to serve.
“Maybe a glass of champagne.” To help me stop freaking out. I study the people milling in and out as he orders. The dresses are breathtaking, and I recognize some of the faces. I’m not starstruck. I’m horrified. I’m in a room full of people who profoundly affect the change in our city and state. What would it have been like growing up among them? I knew he came from money, but this? He never would’ve wanted for anything. What his family must think of me, a social worker who only just cracks the poverty level each year. No wonder his mother stared me down. She wanted better for her son.
“Here you are.”
I force a smile. “Thank you.”
“Would you like to walk around? She usually has ice sculptures. I like to see them when they’re still pristine.”