“You must be Etta’s friend Cooper,” my aunt reaches out to shake his hand. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Have you now?” He shoots me a wink.
“Oh, please.” Why is Aunt Maggie toying with me? The only time I mentioned Coop is when he dropped me off that first day and this morning, when I told her we were going to hang out. When I explained to her that he was the one who brought me back, she was so grateful that she said he was welcome anytime.
“Well, I’ll leave you both to get back to work,” my aunt says as she gently guides me along with her towards the house. She shepherds me over to the front of the deck. Obviously she has something to say that she doesn’t want Cooper to overhear.
“What’s up?”
“I like him and I’m happy he’s helping you dear. Learn from him,” she says out of Cooper’s earshot. “I have a feeling you’re going to need him more than you realize.”
I shoot her a quizzing look.
“I’m an old woman. Trust me on this. I know these things,” she says with a knowing smile. “Call it an old wise woman’s intuition.”
She pats me on the shoulder as she makes her way back into the house. It’s just me and Cooper again. I can’t help myself and run straight into his arms. “I did it!” I squeal.
Cooper wraps his arms around me, in what I assume is a mutual victory hug. We hug for several moments, neither of us wanting to let go of the moment.
“Hope I’m not interrupting anything. Although the visual of you two doesn’t leave much to the imagination,” a voice calls out from behind us.
I pull myself away from Coop’s arms and whirl around to see Alex coming from inside the house. “Alex! I didn’t know you were here.” Aunt Maggie needs to start imposing rules regarding visitors. How much had he seen?
“Sorry, your aunt Maggie let me in,” he says as he retreats back into the house. “Right, well, I guess I see where I stand.”
“No, Alex wait!”
But it’s too late.
Cooper is amused by the exchange and stands back quietly as Alex storms off before he turns his attention back to me. He has a smug look on his face, like he’s pleased about what just happened. Do I detect a hint of victory?
“So what’s really going on between you two?” He finally asks. “He’ll get over it by the way. If you want, I can tell you exactly what he was really thinking.”
“He’s kinda my boyfriend, ya know.” Wow, that sounds weird coming out. That’s the first time I’ve said that out loud. “I thought I was supposed to play along? You know, messing up the timeline and all. You’re the one that said that any changes could be detrimental to this reality.” I’m purposely goading him and he knows it. There’s no way I’m telling him that my feelings for him are getting in the way of any relationship I hope to have with Alex.
“Aw, it’s already too late for that Etta, darlin’. If you want to go out with Alex, don’t let me stand in the way. But you don’t have to, you know,” he drawls. “Besides, my main concern is you at the moment.”
“I still don’t understand why.” Isn’t that the million dollar question?
“Because I may be the only one who knows the way it’s supposed to be. You’re the one, Etta,” he says.
I stare at him blankly. “The one what Cooper?”
“Let’s just say you are a remarkable young woman. One I’d like to see stay alive long enough to take over her true destiny.”
“Fine. Just so you know, I’ll date who I want, when I want, but don’t get any ideas about the two of us exchanging more than just training exercises. You got that?” He may draw out emotions in me I don’t understand, but I can’t allow myself to succumb to them. What would be the point?
He moves in closer. “Are you sure you’re not a little bit attracted? You’re sure giving off mixed signals.”
Tingles go up my spine. Is my body language giving off signals? Am I that obvious?
“Aren’t you full of yourself,” I say, calling his bluff.
“Your eyes give you away.” He leans in even closer.
Don’t get too excited. He’s just messing with your head. “Whatever.”
Cooper is now dangerously near, close enough for me to smell him. The same scent of licorice and cloves. “I promise you, my intentions are completely honorable.”
Don’t fall for it. “I don’t believe you.”
He then does the unthinkable, or rather, something I thought would never happen. He grabs me by the arms, binding our bodies together as one. His lips seek out mine in a passionate frenzy. My tongue parts his lips, wanting to fully savor him and I lose control of the situation. Then just as suddenly, Cooper breaks away from our embrace and breathes in heavily. “There. Our deal is sealed with a kiss,” he says triumphantly.
The kiss momentarily catches me off guard. I can’t think of what to do or say, so I slap him. “Don’t even think you get to do that to me again.” Okay, I know I’m just as guilty; I wanted it too, even more if that’s possible, but my mind is still fuzzy over what just happened. What am I doing? This whole time I’ve been pining for Cooper and I go and slap him. But I continue my tirade, “You’re welcome here for the sole purpose of helping me figure all this out, but that’s it. Our time will be limited to training. I don’t want to see you otherwise.”
Cooper retreats back, respecting my space. “Duly noted,” he says with a smile and a twinkle in his eye.
Chapter Nineteen
Beyond the Call of Duty
Cooper couldn’t get out of the backyard fast enough. He had waited until he was safely in the Land Rover before he pulled himself back together. He didn’t want to let Etta know just how shook up he was over what had just happened.
“What the hell was I thinking back there?” He muttered to himself in disbelief.
He had almost blown it, kissing Etta like that, but he couldn’t help himself. True, it had been an exciting moment, for both of them, watching her work her magic on those butterflies, but it was still no excuse for taking advantage of the situation. She had looked so happy and vulnerable at the same time, he couldn’t resist. But as much as he had enjoyed the moment—minus the slap—he knew he was going to have to tell his wife about the exchange.
What Cooper actually felt worse about was his frustration over Etta’s relationship with Alex. She was vague about her situation with the kid, but he had a feeling she was doing that on purpose. He was a seventeen-year-old kid for and at twenty-two, he should know better than to be envious.
His instinct to protect Etta bordered on overdrive and he would do anything in his power to keep her safe. Even if it meant crushing the dreams of a high school senior. His need to watch over her went well beyond the orders handed down from the Council. No one had ever said this was going to be easy.
He arrived at the old abandoned industrial complex, situated right outside the city limits. Because of its rundown appearance, it ensured privacy from the military forces that patrolled the inner capital city. The complex had been appropriated years before by the Council to use as their mission support center. Cooper knew he would find his wife there. He only hoped she would understand.
“You’re back early,” she said, noting his return. “I’d thought you guys would be training all day.”
“Yeah, well…things ended pretty quickly after I, uh, got slapped,” Cooper said.
It took her a moment, but then her eyes shone with the realization of what he was admitting. “Cooper, you didn’t!”
“Darlin’, I’m sorry. It just happened,” he said. This was a conversation he never thought he’d have with his wife, but he was glad he came clean. Confession is good for the soul, he thought.
To her credit, his wife didn’t appear overly upset by his admission. Slowly, she rose from her chair at her desk and looked into her husband’s eyes. “Maybe so, but let’s just hope this doesn’t ruin things,” she said. “Something like this could totally confuse Etta and we need her on board.”
>
Chapter Twenty
Spring Fling
After the incident with Alex, I decide to give him a call to make amends. I offer up some sorry excuse why Cooper was over and Alex accepts my lame apology. He’s more forgiving than I originally gave him credit for and more forgiving than I actually deserve. I even manage to smooth things over even further by inviting him and Jaime over for Sunday dinner. No one turns away a dinner prepared by my Aunt Maggie—even if her niece is a major jerk.
Of course, it thrills her to no end to have a full house for dinner. She prepares linguini with clam sauce and I swear it’s now my favorite meal. Perhaps I overestimated my apology to Alex earlier. He, along with everyone else at the table, eats in silence. I can tell my aunt is disappointed because everyone’s just picking at their food. Alex is throwing doubtful glances at me due to this morning’s incident. And I don’t even know why Jaime is so silent. Maybe she thinks I don’t deserve Alex. Who knows?
Alex clears the tension with an announcement. “Uh, my mom is having a fundraiser Tuesday night. I was kind of hoping you could come.”
“Really?” This catches me off guard. Maybe he’s not mad at me anymore. “As in a date? What kind of a fundraiser?” I immediately picture boring old politicians wearing suits and eating off of cocktail napkins. It doesn’t sound like my idea of a fun date, but after what happened this morning, I’m willing to do anything Alex suggests—well, not anything.
“It’s actually a black tie kind of event.”
Scratch business suits and make it appetizers and tuxes. There’s no way I’m going to get out of going and besides, I owe him one. “Sure. I’d love to go.” After all, it isn’t everyday you get invited to a party hosted by a senator. Come to think of it, I might just get a chance to ask his mom about my dad. Alex did mention them knowing each other.
Alex beams. “Great! I’ll call you with the details tonight when I get home.”
It’s as if the slow motion button switches to real time. Now that Alex and I have officially “made up”, everyone, including Jaime, stops fiddling with their meal and digs into the amazing linguini. I’m not even going to imagine how things would have played out if he’d actually shown up a minute later and witnessed the kiss Cooper and I shared.
My excitement is genuine, however, from the outside, it looks like I’m happy to be going to his mom’s fundraiser, but on the inside I know it’s for all the wrong reasons. I fully intend to use this event to my advantage—get Alex’s mom alone to ask questions.
Maggie begins to clear the table after everyone excuses themselves for the evening.
“There are some formal gowns in your closet,” she says as I hand her empty plates.
“Thanks.”
“We can always go shopping if you’d like. I know it can’t be easy wearing clothes that someone else picked out.”
“No thanks. I’d rather go pick up some more jeans if that’s okay with you. There’s really no point in spending money on a dress I’ll probably only wear once.
“Of course.” She hugs me, plates and all. “We’ll make some time next weekend. Make it a girl’s day out.”
“Aunt Maggie?”
“Yes dear?”
“One of these days you’re going to have to put a lock on the front door.”
My aunt chuckles. “Yes, I suppose one of these days I will.”
• • •
March 19
Tonight’s the Spring Fling. Alex was so sweet when he asked me to go. He even looked excited about going. And I’m finally going to meet his mom for the first time. I know dad isn’t too thrilled with me dating, but he’ll get over it. I don’t know why he always gets nervous whenever I bring up Alex. Guess he’s afraid I’m all grown-up now. He probably doesn’t know how to handle a dating teenager. Thank god I have Aunt Maggie. She is the only one who can talk sense into dad. She even helped me pick out a dress. It’s the cutest grey taffeta dress.
What a letdown. No dreams in this entry. I pull the photo out from where I tucked it in the back of the journal. I take a closer look at the couple. I’m not a fan of dresses, but it’s definitely cute.
I head straight for the closet and find the grey dress. It’s a simple poof dress with a halter style top. Only it isn’t grey like they way it’s described in the journal, it’s more shimmery platinum. My dream! This is the same knee-length formal I dreamt about when I was at Dominion House. How is that possible?
I re-examine the photo that’s still in my hand and try to picture the meeting between the other Etta and Alex’s mom that night for the first time. Any mother would have been impressed to have their son date a girl like the one smiling back at me from the photo. Even though we’re the same person, I don’t think I could have pulled off looking as good as that. There’s a special look in her eyes. All those years being in foster care robbed me of that.
My thoughts are disrupted by my cell ringing. I bet it’s Alex. I look at the number on the screen. Damn, it is Alex. I can’t not answer it, especially since I just smoothed things over between us. “Hey,” I put on my sweet voice. “I was just thinking about you.” I’m still staring at the photo of the two of us, not taking my eyes off their smiling faces.
He doesn’t say anything, but I hear him breathing on the other end of the line. I wait patiently until he finally says, “Are you sure? Not that Cooper guy?”
“Just you. Actually, I’m looking at the photo we took at the Spring Fling.”
“One of these days you’re going to have to tell me about him.” Alex ignores my last comment.
Okay, I deserve that. “You don’t need to worry about him.”
“You’re right, I won’t. Besides, you’re going out with me on Tuesday, right? You haven’t changed your mind or anything have you?”
“Not in the last half-hour. I’m actually looking forward to it.” But not for the reason you think.
“Don’t sound too excited.”
Am I that transparent? “Seriously, I’m really looking forward to going. Are you sure your mom won’t mind me hanging around her party with all those political types?”
“No way, she knows I hate these things. Anything to make her only son happy.”
Maybe her hospitality will extend to answering questions about my dad. If my dad works for the government, there’s a small chance Senator Stewart would know what he’s up to.
We say our goodbyes and promise to meet up in the morning for school. Not ready to fall asleep just yet, I go back to Etta’s journal.
March 20
The Spring Fling was a total bust. And worst of all, I don’t know what I did. Alex was so excited to introduce me to his mom and everything was going really well I thought, until right before we left for the dance. His mom got all abrupt and it’s like she couldn’t wait for us to leave. Later that night, Alex was acting all distant and didn’t seem like he was very happy to be there. Did his mom not like me? Did she tell Alex something?
Then, Jaime gets all drunk and I have to call us a cab to get her drunken ass home. Alex didn’t want her to puke in his truck, so I got stuck paying for a taxi to get us back home. Some fairy tale dance. And to top it all off, today, Alison tells me during tennis that Jenny was all over Alex after I left the dance. What a bitch.
What happened that night that made his mom did a one-eighty? And what was up with Alex being a total jerk? I keep on reading.
March 26
What the hell? Jenny is going out with Alex now? Jaime just called and told me they were seen at the movies.
March 28
I’m not even going to write about Jenny and Alex. I’m done with them. Alex tried to talk to me at school, but I just ignored him. I don’t really care what he has to say.
But I did have another dream last night. This one is weirder than the others. I was at Battle Grounds and I meet the most gorgeous guy. Then Jaime makes me go back to some dorm room where we lived. The dream seemed to fast forward and the next thing I know, I’m driving around
town with him.
Why can’t I meet someone like that here? I bet he wouldn’t go out with someone like Jenny. Oops, wasn’t going to mention her.
That was several days ago! Her—my—dreams are almost in sync with my reality. How is this possible? I flip to the next page. Blank. This was the last entry written. I check the date. This was two days before I showed up here. And the entry about Alex, what’s up with that? He ditches me for Jenny, and then apologizes to me in the backyard, saying that it’s all a misunderstanding? This is a timeline that’s played out as if I truly always existed in this world.
Chapter Twenty-One
$1,000 a Plate Dinner
Alex doesn’t pick me up or show up at the house with flowers. Nothing to suggest that this is supposed to a typical date. Instead, he calls to tell me he has to help his mom set up for the event and wants to know if I can possibly come over on my own. So, I head over to Alex’s house all by myself, which is fine. His place isn’t that far from my own, so I decide to walk. I don’t know how many people the senator is expecting, so I’d rather not go through the trouble of finding a parking space that’s just as far as my own house.
I walk up to the Stewart house and for some reason, I’m not as impressed as when I first went over to his house for the pool party. The absence of moonlight just made the neighborhood look, well, dark and uninviting. I continue up the drive and notice that the senator arranged valet parking for this shin-dig—guess I didn’t have to worry about parking after all.
When Alex first told me his mother was a senator, I was a bit confused. The way I understand it, most members of Congress hole themselves up in tiny townhomes in the District while in session, while their families live in much larger homes within their home state. So, I did a Google search on Constance Stewart and it turns out she’s actually a senator from this district, so it only stands to reason that this is where she keeps her primary residence. The Wikipedia page on her didn’t mention a husband, so I assume Mr. Stewart is out of the picture.