Page 124 of Give In

“Unfortunately, I have a class I’m already late to.” Eden looked at her parents. “My lunch is at twelve thirty. Would you like to eat in the cafeteria?”

“Not in the cafeteria, baby,” her mom said, each word slurring into the next. “We saw a nice place on our way here. We’ll take you out.”

Fifty bucks says that place has a full bar.

“I’ll meet you at the fountain then. Enjoy the rest of your tour.” She returned her attention to President Diaz. “It was so nice to meet you. Thank you again for showing them around.”

If she’d added a curtsy, I wouldn’t have been surprised.

“My pleasure, Eden,” President Diaz said.

Shoulders back, spine straight, and chin up, Eden practically glided from the room as though she were carrying invisible books on her head.

How did I not know?

“You must be very proud she’s following in your footsteps, Governor Wilkes,” Professor Diaz said. “Ben Peters, the Pol Sci department head, told me she’s one of the best students he’s had. She’s got a mind for politics.”

“It’ll be helpful down the road,” Wilkes agreed, though he didn’t expound or ask any more about his daughter.

For twenty minutes, I stood with my boss and the parents of my student-slash-lover.

Twenty minutes President Diaz spent regaling them with the many attributes the school, the department, and I had to offer, while conveniently mentioning how much was accomplished thanks to generous, tax-deductible gifts.

Twenty minutes Wilkes spent with an affable smile on his face, saying the right things at the right time, and playing the caring politician.

Twenty minutes I’d hoped to spend learning about Eden, but had instead spent trying not to punch her father in his affable face for whatever the hell he’d done to make her live the way she had before me.

And twenty fucking minutes her mom had spent growing sober and shaky until she’d excused herself to the ‘little girl’s room’ and returned swaying.

When they were ready to move on, President Diaz swung her arm out. “There are some lovely murals in this corridor. Please, have a look, and I’ll be right out.”

Ruth Wilkes gave a drunken nod, hummingBrick Houseby The Commodores as she shimmied out to the hallway.

Wilkes watched his wife, disgust clear before he schooled his features and looked at me. “It’s very reassuring to know my daughter is in such capable hands.” I’d have cringed or laughed had he not added, “The skills and knowledge will benefit her when she comes home.”

The hell they will.

And the fuck she will.

Sheishome.

He glanced toward the door and sighed, speaking low enough so only I could hear. “No one wants an ignorant wife.” Turning, he followed his wife.

It took a moment for the misogyny to sink in.

President Diaz moved before I could, blocking me as her plastic smile practically melted from her face. “That poor girl was practically a robot,” she whispered, making it clear she hadn’t actually believed Eden’s forced responses.

Good to confirm President Diaz is sharper than a balloon.

She grimaced. “I fucked up.”

“You did,” I agreed.

“I could get sued.”

“You could.”

And should.