“Whoa, careful,” he says as he straightens me up.
“Thanks,” I reply as I turn to him and tuck my hair back behind my ears. “You escaping from the commotion, too?”
“Yeah. I don't really enjoy these things.”
“Really? You're so…” I trail off.
“What?” he asks with a grin.
I groan. “Fine. I was going to say 'charming,' OK?”
“I knew it,” he replies jokingly. “Well, whatever charm you might be noticing has been developed over many years of practice. My dad has been dragging me to these kinds of events for years. I know the routine. Smile, shake hands, tell the kinds of jokes that don't make anyone think too hard.”
“Sounds…horrible. But at least there's a lot of free food.” He gives me a bemused glance. “Right. Sometimes I forget I don't have to worry about that stuff anymore.”
“You were, um, not well-off before our parents—” he drops his gaze.
“I'd say we were struggling. But it was just the way I grew up. I never wanted for anything big, though we certainly frequented the Goodwill racks often enough. But I don't want you to think…I mean, my mom, she really cares for Pierce.”
“Relax—I don't think your mom's a gold digger. There have always been some of those around, and I can practically smell them at this point. I mean, maybe at first I was worried, but I'm not now.”
“Was your mom—” I begin, feeling brave.
“I don't like to talk about her,” he cuts me off, and chucks another rock out onto the water. It hits the surface with a plopping sound and sinks.
“Sorry,” I whisper. “How's your shoulder?”
“Hurts,” he replies shortly.
“I'll see you up there,” I say after a moment, since he's clearly done with the conversation.
“Hey,” he calls after me as I climb the steps. “Jackson and his parents are here. They're family friends. They're on the guest list every year.”
“Got it, thanks,” I reply, before mounting the rest of the steps. That was considerate of him, and it sounds like he was telling me that he didn't invite Jackson himself.
As I walk across the lawn, I can see that the first guests are beginning to arrive. I wonder if now that I'm Pierce's stepdaughter, I'm going be expected to put on the same song-and-dance routine as Nate. Usually if I have to go to a party, like my aunt's Christmas party, I'll hang out for a while, and then disappear somewhere to read a book.
My fears are realized as my mom waves me over to where she and Pierce are standing with two guests. I'm introduced to the couple, who turn out to be higher-ups for the State Department, and my accomplishments are trotted out while they murmur enthusiastically, though I have to wonder if anyone could possibly be genuinely interested in such self-serving prattle. As we talk, my mom breaks away to greet the guests that are now pouring in. I listen politely as Pierce chats away, impressed with his wit and charm. Clearly Nate gets it from his dad, even if he does insist that it's a learned skill.
I manage to slip away and head over to the buffet table. Like any good Maryland girl, I absolutely love crabs. As I pile my plate high, I feel a hand on the small of my back. I turn to see Jackson grinning at me. With his open, friendly face, it's hard to keep in mind what Nate told me about him, and what I experienced for myself.
“Hey, Brynn!” he says, brushing a kiss against my cheek.
“Jackson, good to see you,” I reply politely.
“You disappeared so fast the last time I saw you! I was worried,” he replies.
“Sorry about that,” I respond, wondering if Nate gave him any explanation.
“We ever going to go on that date?”
I'm saved by the sight of Allison walking out onto the deck. “Could you excuse me for a moment? My best friend just got here and she doesn't know anyone else,” I explain as I slip away. I wave at her as I approach, but she's looking around nervously and doesn't register my presence.
“Allison!” I call out, just ten feet from her.
“Oh! Oh my gosh, I didn't recognize you,” she says. I give her a hug as I walk up. “This party is really fancy! And this house! I mean you said it was big, but I didn't think it was this big.”
“I know,” I groan. “I'll give you a tour later if you have a couple hours,” I add wryly. “Come get something to eat with me—I was just filling up a plate. I'm so glad you're here. I don't really know anyone else, and none of the interns have shown up yet.”
“The interns?” Allison asks as we head back over to the buffet, where I pick up my abandoned plate.
“Yeah, Pierce invited all the interns from the office.”