Alpha’s Baby(56)

“Governor, meet Bella and Stefan,” Terry announced. “Bella and Stefan, this is Governor Gary Rich.”

“Pleased to meet you, sir,” I said diplomatically, taking the man’s hand. He gripped it firmly and shook it and then shook Stefan’s.

“It’s a pleasure.” Gary turned to the young man beside him, who was smiling at me. “This is my son, Cory. He’s a lawyer for one of the top firms in the city.”

Cory stepped forward and grabbed my hand, bringing it to his lips for a kiss. “Nice to meet you.” His eyes flashed as he looked at me.

“Nice to meet you too,” I replied, blushing. I didn’t mean anything by it—it’s just a natural reaction.

Beside me, I felt Stefan stiffen, but he remained silent.

When Cory moved on to shake Stefan’s hand, he hesitated a second before taking it. “It’s a pleasure,” said Cory.

“Likewise.” Stefan’s voice was strained. I was worried the two of them, obvious alpha males, would go at it, but then an aide came over and Cory had to leave, defusing the situation.

Terry and the Governor continued chatting for a few minutes before the Governor pleaded that he needed to greet more guests and walked off.

As soon as the man was out of earshot, Terry turned on Stefan. “What was all that about?” he demanded.

Stefan glanced at me. “I didn’t like the governor’s son.”

“Why not?”

Stefan shrugged his shoulders. “I don't know. There are just some people you don’t like on sight. He’s one, that’s all.”

We spent the next thirty minutes walking around and talking to snobby rich people. Stefan hardly spoke whenever introduced and kept his eyes either on me or roving around the ballroom.

I soon grew tired of shaking people’s hands and of people walking on the train of my dress. I nearly tripped because of it. Luckily, Stefan caught me in his arms.

When it was time for the food to be brought out, I sighed with relief. I'd had it with the fake smiles and the fake greetings. Somewhere along the way, I started suffering from cramps and it had become difficult for me to stand, and my smiles started to look like I was constipated because I was in so much discomfort.

Our family was seated at a small table near the right center of the room, near the stage that had been set up for a presentation.

“This is just mind-blowing,” my mother muttered, eyeing the expensive silverware.

“Tell me about it,” I replied, situating myself in the seat in such a way where my sides hurt less.

The wine and drinks came out first, followed by the food. My mom raised an eyebrow when she saw me have the waiter load my plate with clams, oysters, and scallops, but I didn’t care. I was hungry.

While everyone ate, several people got on stage to speak about boring crap. But my attention was turned to the stage when someone announced the governor.

“Ladies and gentlemen, your host for the evening—your beloved Governor, Gary Rich!”

The room erupted in applause, but I was too busy eating to clap.

The governor walked up on stage and stood there before the podium, basking in all the adulation for a full minute before motioning everyone to quiet down.

“Thank you everyone,” Gary said into the mic. “I thank you all for coming.” Then he launched into a speech about how glad he was to serve the people of our state as our governor. I zoned him out and continued to eat my meal until he started talking about Terry.

“I’ve known Terry for a very long time, back when we went to high school together, and he is nothing but the consummate professional. When I first envisioned a new theater for our capital city, Terry was the first man who came to mind who I thought could make it happen. So, without further ado, I proudly present to you, The Gary Rich Theater!” The room burst into applause as the screen behind Gary dimmed. “My son, Cory, will do the honors of showing you all the video of our spectacular new center.” Gary gestured to Cory, who was standing somewhere off-stage, out of view. “Cory.”

There was movement around the side of the stage, and everyone waited for something to come on the screen. Time ticked by and people began muttering to each other.

Gary leaned away from the mic to speak to his son, but his voice was still picked up. “What’s taking so long?” he whispered loudly.

I heard the muffled sound of Cory’s voice, but couldn’t understand what he was saying, and it looked like Gary grew agitated by whatever his response was.

“Got it!” Cory called out quickly after several moments. He ran up on stage and casually wrapped his arm around his father’s shoulders. “See, Dad? I’m useful for something after all.”