Page 210 of Incisive

Leo and I eat our salads and between courses we start to make the rounds of the tables, shaking hands and taking pictures with various guests. We leave the table Ellis and Stella are sitting at for last and I force myself to shake with Ellis.

I should have known the sonofabitch couldn’t keep his mouth shut in an attempt to make himself look good for the other guests at the table.

“So, which one of you is the bride?” He follows that with a guffaw like he thinks he’s the funniest fuck on the planet.

Scanning the table, I notice no one else is laughing. In fact, the two GOP Senators and their wives are actually scowling, and the other GOP guests now look decidedly uncomfortable as well.

“I’m sorry, Ellis,” Leo says before I can think of a scathing response. “I didn’t hear your question. Could you please repeat that?”

Ellis’ laughter dies as he finally reads the room and realizes that no one at his table, not even Stella, is smiling now.

“Congressman McMurtry,” says Senator Axleton, “that was not only out of line, it’s downright rude and disrespectful. Even if he is your brother-in-law he’s still the president. Show some damned dignity.” Axleton’s a very moderate Republican and the new Senate minority leader. I’ve heard plenty of rumors about his hatred for my brother-in-law.

The rest of their tablemates aren’t very fond of Ellis and Stella, either.

So, okay, yeah, maybe I did ask Jordan to seat Ellis and Stella with them more because of that fact than because they’re all GOP.

Ellis nervously swallows. “I-I—”

“Ellis McMurtry!” Kayley says from where she suddenly pops up on Ellis’ other side. “I believe I might have attended school with one of your nieces.”

Ellis dives for the easy out and focuses on Kayley. “Oh? Which one?”

On the other side of the table, Axleton stands and makes a point of walking around to shake my hand and Leo’s again. “Congratulations to both of you,” Axleton says. “My wife and I are honored by and appreciate the invitation.” He turns his back to Ellis and drops his voice. “But do you hate us so much you had to saddle us with your brother-in-law?” He smiles. “What do I have to do to earn my way back into your good graces?”

“Sorry, Senator. Someone had to draw the short straw.” He laughs and we shake hands again before he returns to his seat.

Axleton is no newbie to politics and he conveyed a lot of information in that brief exchange.

Like the fact that he knows he has to workwithme and my agenda if he wants to get any of his own bills signed into law.

And outright telling me he wants to remain in my good graces.

Hey, I’m very fluent in political subcontext.

Unfortunately.

Leo and I are almost back to our table when Kayley catches up with us. “What part ofnotpoking the narcissists did Inotmake clear to you, Elliot?”

“No more poking today, I swear.”

Leo sighs melodramatically. “Sis, you’re always cock-blocking my fun.”

Somewhere during the main course, I look up after my conversation with the House majority leader, who stopped by our table to chat, when I realize Stella and Ellis aren’t at their table. I glance around and Mom leans forward to catch my attention.

“They left,” she says. “About twenty minutes ago. Didn’t even say good-bye to us. Just slunk out of here with their tails between their legs.”

“Huh.”

Mom grins and I swear to god she looks ten years younger. “That’s okay. Means more cake for the rest of us!”

CHAPTERFIFTY-SIX

Before we eatdinner and head to the museum for our private tour the three of us have to take a shower because of the sticky white stuff dried in our hair.

No, not cum, you pervs.

Frosting.