I take a couple of steadying breaths as the town car comes to a halt. It's just a fundraiser. It's classy, upscale, and sophisticated. Everything will be fine. I doubt Corrine would start drama in front of Sawyer's parents.

Oh, God. Have they met her? Do they like her?

No. Whatever. I don't care. I'm doing this because Oliver asked me to be his date. His fake date. His real date? No. Definitely fake. We're going with fake. Fake is easier, fake is safe, fake doesn't require feelings. No feelings. None.

Business partners. We are business partners.

Nothing else.

"Miss? I can't idle here," my driver says.

"Sorry! Thank you!" I squeak, getting out of the car.

Here goes nothing.

Swarms of photographers and newscasters linger outside the front doors of the Plaza Hotel trying to get shots of all the attendees supporting Malcolm Redford's platform. I don't see how he can be 'For the People' when the majority of his constituents exist of the one percent but hey, all is fair in love and politics.

I straighten out my shoulders, a tingle pulsing in my fingertips when I spot Ollie by the front doors.

"Hey."

"Hey," he says, a cheeky grin spreading on his face as I approach. He cocks his head to the side, letting out a laugh. "Wow."

"What's so funny?" I ask, narrowing my eyes at him as I adjust my Chanel blazer. "Stop smiling, you're freaking me out."

"Oh, nothing at all," Oliver blinks, suppressing another chuckle. "You've just somehow managed to age twenty years. Seriously, Kennedy, you look like a librarian. All you're missing is a pair of specs; they would complete the entire ensemble perfectly."

"A librarian? Yeah, well, you look-" I scoff, giving his surprisingly stylish suit a once-over. Damn, he cleans up well. Did he comb his hair? Shocking. I would've bet good money on the fact he didn't even own a brush. "You look like you finally discovered the wonders of a bath."

"I'm sensing there's a compliment somewhere in there," Oliver smirks, opening the door for me as we head inside. "I do look quite dashing, don't I? Perhaps my granddad isn't a total knob."

"If only your IQ was as high as your ego," I mutter, rolling my eyes.

He glances at me, leading the way to the ballroom. "Oh, come on now, I was just joking. You look great, I almost wish I had overdue library books." His eyes gleam with humor as he lowers his voice. "I've always wanted to get slapped with a fine and use my charms to get out of it."

I blink. "Someone watches a little too much porn."

"Call it revision, love," he whispers, placing his hand on the small of my back as we enter the executive ballroom. "It's educational really. I'm a visual learner, you see."

"Right, educational," I snort, looking around the packed room. "I'm sure the naked women don't have anything to do with it."

"Perhaps you'd like to quiz me one day?" Oliver tosses me a wink. "I've been told I exceed expectations."

"What a romantic proposition but I think I'll pass," I say, clearing my throat, my cheeks burning up. "Can we not talk about sex right now? I hardly think it's appropriate."

"Lighten up, love," Oliver says, his jaw tightening as he spots an elderly man at the far end of the room. He reaches for my hand, weaving us through the crowds. "Nothing's more natural in life than sex."

"Except death," I note, casting him a threatening smile. "Need I remind you who my father is?"

Oliver chuckles, "Well played, Carmichael."

"Commendable effort, Knight," I retort in a whisper as we stop in front of Ollie's grandfather.

"Oliver, you've made it," his grandfather states, his gaze darting between the two of us. "And you brought a friend. How lovely."

"Seeing as I had no choice but to be here, you should hardly be surprised," Ollie jeers, his grip tightening around my hand. "This is Kennedy Carmichael, my uh- my girlfriend." He faces me, forcing a smile. "Kenny, this is Charles Knight, my granddad."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Knight." I put on a friendly smile, holding out my hand.

"Likewise." Charles shakes my hand, studying me with a wary eye. "I must say, when my assistant told me my grandson was bringing a friend, I was anticipating someone more...colorful."

"Granddad," Ollie grunts through his teeth. "If I recall correctly, it is customary to make small talk for more than ten seconds before insults can commence."

"Insults?" Charles asks. "I am merely making an observation. You mustn't be so sensitive, Oliver, it is a poor trait in any man." He peers down at me through his glasses. "Your name is Kennedy, is it? How unique."

"My parents were big fans of the Kennedys," I explain, my spine shivering from the icy atmosphere. "My dad loved JFK, my mom-" I swallow. "My mom adored Jackie O."

"Is that so? How fascinating," Charles muses. "And you attend Hilton with Oliver?"

"Mhmm," I hum. "I do."

"And how is he getting on?" Charles asks, glancing at Oliver who's stiff as a board. "Is he making any friends or just-" He pauses, his lip twitching. "Girlfriends?"

"I think he's adjusting quite well to the American life," I state, picking up on the mild disapproval. Reminds me of my dad. "It's never easy changing schools let alone countries."

"Yes, well-"

"Charles! There you are!" We turn our heads towards the deep voice calling out in the distance. Striding towards us, Sawyer and Corrine in tow, are Malcolm and Sarah Redford. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

"Here we go," I murmur, peering up at Ollie. "Let the games begin."

"I've always loathed sports," Oliver mutters, taking a step closer to me as he glares at Sawyer. "Athletes in particular."

"Shh," I scold, elbowing his ribs as they approach. I bite the inside of my cheek, tossing Corrine and Sawyer, who are dressed to the nines, a polite smile. "Play nice."

"Malcolm, Sarah!" Charles exclaims. "I'd like to introduce my grandson, Oliver and this is his friend-"

"Kennedy, of course!" Malcolm says. "How are you doing? It's been far too long. How's your father? Still in DC?"

"As far as I know he hasn't been fired yet, so yes, he's still in DC," I say, shifting my weight between my legs.

"Excellent, excellent," Malcolm says, nodding his head. "I've been meaning to get in touch with him but he's a hard man to reach. Perhaps next time you talk, tell him to give me a call."

"Of course, Mr. Redford, gladly," I lie. He doesn't answer my calls either. "He's probably just busy thinking of ways to, you know, invade other countries and claim their natural resources or whatnot."

"Kennedy, I have definitely missed your sense of humor." Malcolm lets out a boisterous laugh. "Such a funny girl, isn't she?"

"Simply hilarious," Ollie teases in a whisper.

I toss him a subtle scowl. So annoying.

"Your father works in DC?" Charles asks. "What does he do?"

"Kennedy's father works for the White House," Malcolm answers on my behalf. "He's a Military Advisor."

"Is that so? Interesting." Charles's eyebrows pinch together. "How is it that you are all acquainted with one another?"

"Kennedy and our son dated for two years," Sarah says, flashing me a warm smile. I catch Corrine's eyes harden. "Malcolm and I were so disappointed when Sawyer told us that the two of you split up. It was truly heartbreaking to hear."

"Mom!" Sawyer hisses. "Please."

"Oh!" Sarah covers her mouth, an apologetic glow in her eyes as she looks at Corrine. "Sorry, dear, I didn't mean anything by it. We are so thrilled that you and Sawyer are together-" She glances at her husband. "Isn't that right, honey?"

"Yes, thrilled," Malcolm says, not hiding the disdain in his voice. "Kennedy and Sawyer both have their sights set on Harvard." He looks at Corrine. "What college are you applying to again? State?"

Corrine swallows, looking nervous. "Oh, um...I haven't really decided yet...sir," she stammers. "I might um...take a gap year, you know, travel a bit. See the world."

"A gap year?" Charles muses, expelling a derisive laugh as he looks at Malcolm. "Children these days, I will never understand."

"How about you Oliver?" Malcolm asks, his gaze drifting to our clasped hands. "Will you be attending Harvard with Kennedy? I take it you two are-" He blinks. "An item."

"I'm not-" Oliver begins to say but I cut him off.

Sorry, Knight. I'm taking the reins.

"Ollie's trying to keep his options open," I state. "But I'm hoping he'll stay in the States for college." I rest my head on his shoulder. "I think the UK hogged him long enough."

"What are you doing?" Oliver asks under his breath.

"Saving your ass," I hum. I clear my throat, looking at Corrine. "So, travel? Where do you want to go? When we were little you mentioned South America, is that still the plan?"

Corrine's body tenses. "Nothing's set in stone, Kennedy," she states in a bitter tone. "Maybe I'll go to college, we'll see."

I frown. Did I say something wrong?

"I don't think there's anything wrong with taking some time to figure out what you want to do with your life. A gap year's pretty normal."

"Well, not everybody plans their entire future then they're five," Corrine snaps.

"Uh-"

Is she getting mad at me? Seriously?

"Since you were five?" Charles asks, raising an inquisitive brow. "That is quite impressive. And what are your career aspirations?"

"Kennedy wants to be a senator," Oliver pipes up. "She's going to change the world, you know, when she's sixty."

"Oh, shut up." I cast him a playful scowl before turning my attention to the grown-ups. "That's the long-term plan but yes, eventually a senator."

"Strong ambitions for a teenager," Charles notes with an approving nod. "Rare to come across these days."

"Are these your ambitions, Kenny?" Corrine asks with a bitchy smile. "Or your daddy's? Didn't you want to be a-" She pauses, scrunching her nose. "Social worker or something?" My gut clenches. "What happened to that? Hmm?"

"You wanted to be a social worker?" Charles asks in a condescending tone.

"Oh yeah," Corrine says. "Kenny was going to help kids from broken homes because you know-" She pouts. "Her mommy left and everything. But a senator's cool too. Probably way more money, not that you need it."

"Corrine," Sawyer says, shaking his head.

"What?" Corrine says, rolling her eyes. "It's the truth."

Why? Why does she do this? Why does she hate me so fucking much? What the hell did I ever do to her? What? I bite the inside of my cheek, my eyes threatening to spill tears.

"It was a phase," I say, my voice wavering. "I grew out of it."

"Excuse me, Mr. Redford," a man with a camera says, thankfully putting an end to that conversation. "Can we get a photo with all of you together?"

"Of course!" Malcolm exclaims. "All right, huddle up!" We all squeeze together for the picture, me and Corrine bookending the shot. "On the count of three, say 'Family First'."

"I fucking hate politics," Oliver mutters as we smile for the camera and take a few shots.

"I hate pictures," I whisper, trying so dang hard to smile.

"Thank you so much," Malcolm says, shaking the photographer's hand. "Please send copies to my office."

"Well, it has been a pleasure chatting with you all but I'm hungry," Oliver says, addressing his grandpa. "I think we'll go get something to eat, yeah?"

"Yeah," I say, keeping my tone light. "It was uh- it was really nice meeting you Mr. Knight and it was great you seeing you Mr. and Mrs. Redford, good luck on your campaign trail. You'll do great." I glance at Sawyer. "Have a good night you guys."

"Bye, Kenny!" Corrine sings. "See you next week! Love you!"

I wipe the corners of my eyes as Oliver leads us to the buffet table. That was a low blow, even for Corrine.

"You alright?" Ollie asks, craning his head.

"I'm fine," I whisper, grabbing a plate and piling on three chocolate-covered strawberries. "Do you want one?"

"Sure," Ollie hums, a frown marring his brows. "I don't think you're fine, Kenny. That was quite shitty what she said."

"Yeah well, what else is new?" I sigh, my appetite nonexistent as I watch Oliver fill his plate with appetizers. "Someone's hungry."

"I'm a growing young lad," Ollie jokes as we take a seat. He pops a grape in his mouth. "So...do you want to talk about it? I'm an excellent listener, lay it on me, Carmichael, release your inner rage."

"I have nothing to say," I mutter, playing with the food on my plate. "It's been like this for three years and it's not going to change until we graduate, so I'm fine. Really."

"Come on now, that's a load of shit, you're pissed, let it out," Ollie probes, hiking his ankle over his thigh. "It's not healthy to keep anger bottled up, Kennedy. You need to acknowledge it, deal with it, and move on. At least that's what my counselor told me."

"You went to counseling?" I purse my lips. "For what?"

Ollie shrugs. "Fights in school. It was either counseling or expulsion. I opted for the former, well, at least until I got into another fight and then I didn't have an option but to leave."

"Why'd you fight?" I ask, leaning back into my chair.

"I don't even remember," Ollie admits. "Some tosser said something I think, I don't know. I kind of blacked out when it happened."

"Does that happen a lot?" I ask, lowering my voice. "You getting into fights?"

"Used to," Ollie hums, averting my gaze. "Not so much anymore. Not since I moved to the States."

"So maybe getting away was a good thing?" I offer. "A fresh start."

"Yeah, I suppose," he mutters. "Being thousands of miles away from my father also helps."

"Dad sucks?"

Oliver snorts. "He's my granddad's son, what do you think?"

"Yeah, your grandpa is a bit-" I bite my lip. "Blunt?"

"Christ, you're polite," Oliver chuckles. "Yeah, blunt, let's go with that." He pauses, narrowing his eyes. "Why'd you tell them I was considering my options for college? I told you I don't want to go."

"'Cause they'd judge you if you said that," I explain. "Did you see how they were looking at Corrine? Best to avoid those looks."

"Yeah, I saw but I don't care if they judge me, Kennedy," Oliver says, tilting his head. "It's my life, not theirs."

"Are you mad at me?" I ask in a low tone. "I'm sorry-"

"Don't apologize, you were just trying to help, yeah?" he says, shoving a piece of salmon tartar into his mouth. "Blimey, this food is total ass." He winces, chugging a flute of champagne. "Did I just eat raw fish?"

I blink. "Do they not have sashimi where you're from? Caviar?"

"I like my meat fried or grilled, Kennedy, and preferably from a land animal; fish freak me the fuck out," he says, pushing his plate away. "Can't they serve burgers or something?"

"There's a really good burger place a few blocks away." I pause, adding with a grin. "They use land animals."

"Really?" Oliver stands up, holding out his hand. "Shall we go?"

"We just got here though," I say. "Isn't your grandpa going to be mad if we leave?"

"We came, we took a photo, and now it's time to leave," Ollie says, wiggling his fingers. "That's all he wanted, evidence of a loving, happy family. Let's go."

"If we're done here, I think I just want to go back to Max's," I whisper, pushing in my chair. "I'm not really hungry."

"Everyone's got to eat," Ollie notes, cocking his head. "Even closeted angry girls."

"I'm not angry," I insist, checking my phone. "I'm just tired and I have homework to do and-"

"Christ, Kennedy, if you don't want to hang out with me just say so," Oliver jokes. "I won't be offended."

"No, it's not that," I say, ordering a car. "I just-" I let out a sigh. "I just want to sleep."

"Oh," he hums, nodding his head. "I was wrong."

I narrow my eyes. "What?"

"You're not angry, are you?" he muses. "You're sad."

"No, I'm not."

"Give me your phone," he says, holding out his hand. "Quickly now."

I hesitate for a second before handing him my phone. "What are you doing?"

"Downloading a playlist that will ideally cheer you up," he mumbles, his eyes narrowed in concentration. "I made this for my little brother, Freddie, he used to come home crying a lot when he was in primary school." He peers up at me. "Small kids are dicks."

"You have a little brother? I didn't know that," I say, smiling at him. "How old is he?"

"He's ten now," Ollie says, handing me back my phone. "Doesn't cry as often."

"Do you miss him?" I ask, scrolling through the playlist, a few familiar tracks catching my eye.

"Moreso than anyone else," Ollie sighs, clicking his tongue. "Well, I suppose I'll see you next week, yeah?"

"Yeah," I hum, a town car notification popping up on my phone. "Thanks for the playlist, hopefully, it'll work."

"I know it will," he states, casting me a confident grin. "I made it, after all." He scratches his head. "Thanks for coming with me tonight, Kenny, I appreciate it."

"Yeah no worries," I say, biting my lip. "Maybe um...I'll see you at movie night? I think it's one of the new Star Wars or something?"

"I'm not entirely a fan of intergalactic space battles," he says, his grey eyes scanning my face. "But maybe we can watch something else? You know, together."

I blink. "Like go to the...movies?"

"Or in my dorm," he says casually. "We can stream something, if you'd like."

"Um, okay," I say, my heart fluttering my chest. "That sounds nice, I'd be down."

"Cool," he hums, nodding his head. "I'll be sure to bring lots of popcorn."

I roll my eyes. "Drop it, Ollie."

"Never," he says with a wink. He points to my vibrating phone. "Your car's here. Better get going."

"Right," I say, texting the driver that I'm on my way. "I'll see you next week?"

"Can't wait," he grins as I walk past him and out of the ballroom.

When I get into the car, I put in my headphones and listen to Oliver's playlist.

I feel happier already.

___________________

We're back!! Thank you all for being so patient!

Corrine and Kenny have some serious unresolved issues. Do you have any theories why Corrine is such a meanie bo beanie?

A movie? Alone? Together? HMM.

THOUGHTS??

Kenny smiling for the picture like...