Season's Greetings : Christmas Box Set

“You saw a man with money who was an easy mark, and you took it. He’s an easy meal ticket for someone with very little to their name and no legacy to speak of.”

I take a step back, appalled.

“I sat back and watched this unfold last time. I won’t make that mistake again.”

“There’s plenty of things to like about Sam that have nothing to do with money.” I stand up straight. I know where I come from, and I’ve never let it dictate who I’ve become or where I’m headed.

“Right. Your record says you aren’t as upstanding as you pretend to be. Shoplifting with one of your foster friends.”

“Have you ever been hungry, Senator? I mean weak-kneed, dizzy, stomach eating itself starving? ’Cause I have, and I won’t feel sorry for doing what it took to feed myself and my family. Getting caught was the best thing that could’ve happened because it brought our case to the court’s attention, and we were re-homed somewhere safe. I know he has an ugly past with Allison. I’m not her, and I won’t be punished for her misdeeds.”

“You really should’ve gone into acting,” she drawls. “What’s it going to take? One-hundred thousand? One-hundred and fifty?” She pulls a checkbook out of her pocket.

Of course this bitch has pockets in her stunning, hand-made Christmas dress.

“I can write it out now. All I ask is that you let him down gently.”

“You are sickening. I can’t believe I ever looked up to you.”

“That’s politics.” Her brown eyes, so much like her son’s, flash with fierce anger. “This is family. I will do whatever is necessary to see them happy.”

“You should start by trusting your son to make his own decisions. If you’ll excuse me, I find I’m not in the mood for partying.” I rush past her, fighting back the tears.

Fleeing to the front of the house, I find my coat and stumble outside. I can’t go back in, but I refuse to make a scene. Closing my eyes, I call the one person I know won’t make a production out of picking me up or force me to talk.

“I need you. Please come get me.” My eyes burn. The cold wind beats at my face. All my hope for our future together goes up in flames. I would never ask anyone to choose between their parents and me. Not when I long for that incredibly precious connection.

“What happened?”

“I need to leave the party.”

“Where’s Sam?”

“Recharging inside. He got overwhelmed, and I don’t want to add to it and—”

“Have a meltdown?” Flynn says softly.

“Yes.”

“Okay. Send me the address. I’m coming.”

“Thank you, Flynn.” I should text Sam and explain. If I was braver, I’d march back to his bedroom and tell him myself. At the moment, my brain is full, and my heart is heavy. I don’t have the strength to fight, and I refuse to embarrass him or me. I won’t be fodder for the papers.

The cold has numbed my outsides to match my core by the time the black sedan drives up. I rush to the passenger door and slip inside.

“Does he know you’re leaving?” Flynn asks.

“No.”

“You need to tell him, so he doesn’t panic.”

“What do I say?”

“If you lie now, you’re going to pay for it later.”

Biting my lip, I nod as my fingers fly over the phone.

Delta: Emergency situation came up. I’m getting a ride back home. We’ll talk tomorrow. Please don’t leave the party for me. I didn’t want to cause a scene.