for a reaction, got none.
You moved here, didn't you? Your son's been accepted as Alex and Jenny and Christian'sbrother.
Ice was forming in Megan's stomach, thin, brittle strips of it.
That has nothing to do
with him.
Don't be a fool. A man like Dumont thinks the world revolves around him. His eye's on politics, girl, and the way that particular circus is running, a few well-chosen words from you to the right reporter...
The i.e. was pleasant enough to make Colleen smile.
Well, his road to Washington would be a steeper climb.
I've no intention of going to the press, of exposing Kevin to public attention.
Wise.
Colleen sipped again.
A pity, but wise. You tell me if he tries anything. I'd like to tangle with him again.
I can handle it myself.
Colleen lifted one snowy brow.
Perhaps you can.
How come I have to wear a dumb tie?
Kevin squirmed while Megan fumbled with the knot. Her fingers had been stiff and cold ever since her talk with Colleen.
Because it's a special dinner and you need to look your best.
Ties are stupid. I bet Alex doesn't have to wear a stupid tie.
I don't know what Alex is wearing,
Megan said, with the last of her patience.
But
you're doing as you're told.
The sharp tone, rarely heard, had his bottom lip poking out.
I'd rather have pizza.
Well, you're not having pizza. Damn it, Kevin, hold still!
It's choking me.
I'm
going to choke you in a minute.
She blew her hair out of her eyes and secured the knot.
There. You look very handsome.
I look like a dork.
Fine, you look like a dork. Now put your shoes on.
Kevin scowled at the shiny black loafers.
I hate those shoes. I want to wear my sneakers.
Exasperated, she leaned down until their faces were level.
Young man, you will put
your shoes on, and you will watch your tone of voice. Or you'll find yourself in very hot water.
Megan marched out of his room and across the hall to her own. Snatching her brush from the dresser, she began to drag it through her hair. She didn't want to go to the damn dinner party, either. The aspirin she'd downed an hour before hadn't even touched the splitting headache slicing through her skull. But she had to put on her party face and go down, pretend she wasn't terrified and angry and sick with worry over Baxter Dumont.
Colleen might be wrong, she thought. After all, it had been nearly a decade. Why would Baxter bother with her and Kevin now?
Because he wanted to be a United States senator. Megan closed her eyes. She read the paper, didn't she? Baxter had already begun his campaign for the seat. And an illegitimate son, never acknowledged, hardly fit the straight-arrow platform he'd chosen.
Mom.
She saw Kevin's reflection in the mirror. His shoes were on and his chin was on his chest. Guilt squeezed its sticky fingers around her heart.
Yes, Kevin.
How come you're so mad at everything?
I'm not.
Wearily she sat on the e.g. of the bed.
I've just got a little headache. I'm
sorry I snapped at you.