First Love (26 page)

“Jordan….”

“Drew, please. I just want to enjoy this time with you. Let me.”

Drew was hesitating. “Fine. It’s a beautiful day. What shall we do?”

“Can we just stay here? Tomorrow we can sightsee. Most of the museums will be open until New Year’s Eve.” She slid her hand under Drew’s shirt and heard the catch in her breath. “I think we need to get some rest. Tomorrow could be a long day.”

Drew grinned. “It could be a long night.” She stopped Jordan’s wandering hand and led her over to the bed. “Shall we get comfortable?”

*

Drew was frustrated. It was December 30th, and she hadn’t been able to have any discussion with Jordan about their future, her parents, and Jordan’s avoidance of her family during the past week. Instead, Jordan had kept them busy visiting museums, going to various events, eating out, and enjoying D.C. On top of that, Jordan was avoiding calls from her parents. Something was wrong. Drew couldn’t figure out how to get Jordan to talk to her.

As soon as Jordan got out of the shower, Drew forced her to sit down.

“Come sit by me,” Jordan said.

“No. If I sit by you, we won’t talk and I need to talk. I almost feel like you’re hiding out here. What’s going on?”

“Aren’t you glad I’m spending so much time with you?” Jordan stood and leaned into Drew.

Drew stiffened and walked away. Water droplets on Jordan’s skin were too tempting. “We need to talk.”

“I just want to be with you.”

“Jordan, you know how much I want to be with you. There have been times, though, that I felt you were emotionally absent. When you left Gainesville, you very specifically asked me to be here. You’ve barely mentioned a thing about your family. Fuck, your brother is on the same floor and we haven’t even met him. I’m trying to be patient and understand, but I’ve got to admit, I feel I’m on shaky ground. And you won’t talk to me.”

Jordan wrapped the towel around her body. “What do you want me to say?”

“Well, for one, why aren’t you answering your phone?”

“I know why they’re calling and I don’t want to talk to my parents.” Jordan turned away and walked to the window. Drew stayed where she was. She needed space and wondered if Jordan did, too. “I know. You want to know why.” She finally turned around to face Drew. “My parents want me back at the White House. They keep reminding me of my responsibilities, of my father’s campaign.” She paused and pouted. “And Brandan Carter.”

“And?”

“And they don’t understand how I can put my friends ahead of family responsibility.”

Drew stiffened. “So the way you handle this is to avoid their calls?”

Jordan grabbed a bathrobe and pulled it on. She began to pace. “What do you want me to do?”

“I can kinda understand about you not telling your parents about me. Us. I’m having trouble understanding about Brandan.”

“I’ve told them Brandan is just a friend and not interested in me.”

“Why exactly am I here? Am I your hide-a-way girlfriend?”

Drew watched Jordan pace. She noticed Jordan’s tongue at the corner of her mouth followed by her biting her lip. Definitely signs of concentration.
She’s trying to understand something. But what?

“I’m sorry,” Jordan started. She reached for Drew’s hand. “When I’m with you I feel alive and real.” She swallowed hard. “And I’m not sure what to do about my parents.”

Drew sat quietly. She sensed smoldering anger under the thin veneer of calm.

“All my life I’ve tried to be what my family expected me to be. Do what my parents asked me to do. My mother hassles me to get ready for their big New Year’s party. My father wants to know why I haven’t returned Brandan’s calls. My parents want me to be somebody I’m not. I hate those parties. I walk around and am pleasant to my father’s friends. They’re not my friends.” Jordan picked up some objects and slammed them down again.

“Do you know that I was so shy when I was younger that I used to hide from my parents when we had some event that required Jack and me to be there? I knew that my parents would only look for so long before they would have to leave. Jack and the help would stay around until I was found. My parents would be angry with me. I only did it twice before they caught on and refused to let me out of their sight. Kids in school teased me about my weight, wearing glasses.”

Drew felt her own anger rising. She closed the distance between them and pulled Jordan close, rubbing her back, desperately trying to ease the youthful pain.

Jordan leaned against her. “I’ve learned to put up a wall and pretend. I’ve pretended so much I don’t know who or what I really am. Do you know why I had those parties at my house? My parents called and suggested I invite a few friends over and then they send a list of people to invite. You and Mark were the only people I’ve ever invited that I wanted.” She looked into Drew’s eyes. “You helped me see I am a person separate from my parents.”

“What about Brandan? Sorry to be a broken record.”

Jordan stomped back and forth. “I can’t stand him. He’s egotistical, self-righteous, and self-serving.” She stopped in front of Drew. “His only interest in me is being associated with my father. He’s also a bigot. Apparently, his father has told my father that Brandan is in love with me. The only person Brandan loves is the face he sees in the mirror in the morning.”

“That’s the most critical thing I’ve ever heard you say about anyone.”

“I can’t stand to be around him anymore.”

“You can’t hide from him forever.”

“I’m not hiding from him. I’m choosing to be with you. You make me feel loved and cherished. You make me feel beautiful. When we’re together, I actually believe I can tackle the world. I love you, Drew Hamilton, and I want to be a part of your life. And I want you to be a part of mine. In fact…” Jordan picked up her cell phone and made a quick call. She hung up and turned to Drew. “My brother, his fiancé, and her family are having lunch at one thirty in their hotel room. They want us to join them.” She needed to move forward with her life. This was a small step, but at least it was a step forward. “Is that okay? If not, I can call back.”

“Jordan, I’m not trying to force you into anything. I would be happy to meet your brother if that’s what you really want, but are you sure?”

“I feel like my life is in a thousand pieces and I’m trying to fit them all together. My brother’s the literary scholar and family nerd, but I love him. I think you two will get along.”

“Are you saying I’m a nerd?”

“Just smart. A wonderful smart ass, I might add.” She reached around and pinched Drew’s ass. “Jeans are no fun. I can’t really grab.”

Drew laughed. “You grabbed plenty, my love. I do think you should put some clothes on before we go anywhere.”

Jordan gave her a huge smile. Once again, the deep dimples were visible.

*

Drew liked Jordan’s brother. She especially enjoyed his gentleness and the obvious love he had for his fiancé. She was also touched by the respect he showed to Sandra’s parents.
He’s a good man. Two good Thompsons.

Lunch was relaxed and conversation was lively. After dinner, Drew ended up talking to Jack.

“My sister thinks you walk on water. She can be a very loyal friend.”

“I know that. I think the world of her. She’s so bright. I’m not sure why she thought she needed a tutor.”

“You made school easy for her. She needed to know that she could succeed, and you helped her to do that. I’ve seen a positive change in her in the last two years. Thank you. I know you care about her. I can see how deeply. Thank you for that. Now, if you’ll excuse us, Sandra and I need to check on her parents.” Drew and Jordan left and returned to their own suite.

Mark was sitting on the couch looking sad. “My honey just left. Guess it’s time to start packing.”

“You’re not leaving yet?” Jordan asked.

“It depends. I thought your parents were expecting you tonight. We could get on the road this afternoon and at least get into the Carolinas. I wanted to see my brother in Atlanta before we head back.”

“But classes don’t start for another ten days.”

“Jordan, our classes start on the third.”

“I forgot.” Jordan wasn’t able to hide her disappointment. “I’ve just enjoyed the time without either one of us having to study or go to class. My parents do want me and my brother at some New Year’s Eve event. I’m going to miss you.”

Mark stood. “I’ll go get packing. Give me a hug. I’ll see you when you get back.”

When they were alone, Jordan began to pace. She finally stopped in front of Drew. “Last week, I was talking to my mother and I told her I may not want to get married. She said I hadn’t found the right boy. Drew, I’m scared. What if my parents can’t accept who I am?”

Drew reached for Jordan’s hand. “I’m sure your parents love you and want you to be happy. It may take them a little longer to become accepting, but don’t give up on them.” Drew had her own doubts about how well the Thompsons would deal with Jordan being gay. She stopped. Did Jordan think of herself as gay? “Jordan, I know we’ve talked about this before, but, how do you describe our relationship?”

“You’re my best friend and my lover. I love you. You know that.”

“I know, but do you recognize that this is a lesbian relationship?”

Jordan pulled away. Her tone of voice was sharp. “Of course I know what it’s called. I just wonder why people have to label things. Why can’t they just see how much I love you?”

“For the same reason Brandan became unglued with the play, with me, and with Mark. Enough of those people elected your father to his current office, and I’m sure he knows it.” Drew could see how upset Jordan was becoming. “Come here and let me hold you.” She waited for Jordan to sit down. “Sometimes it’s easier to label or categorize. Your parents are probably following the same path as their parents. After all, your folks are about ten years older than my parents. Give them time. It’ll work out.”
I hope
. “If not, you’re part of my family.”

Jordan rode back to the White House with her brother and Sandra. Conversation was relaxed with all three complaining about having to be on their best behavior for the entire evening. Jordan laughed. She couldn’t imagine her brother doing anything to get in trouble. When they were younger, she was generally the instigator of childish pranks. They were both too reserved to ever get into any serious trouble, but she occasionally found herself being reminded to behave. She had always complied, until now.

Not long after arriving, Jordan was greeted by her mother. “Jordan, why didn’t you come back sooner? Your dad and I were hoping you could join us for dinner. The Carters have been here the last two nights, and young Brandan seemed quite distressed you weren’t here.”

“Mom, I was spending time with my friends.”

“That’s nice, but what about your family?”

“I had lunch with Sandra and Jack today.”

“Dear, we don’t see that much of you, and you’ve been gone all week. And you know your dad is campaigning. You know how important it is to have the family together for these events.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry. I just forgot about the time.” Jordan wanted to ask why Jack and Sandra were not being asked to be at all these events. She knew the answer. They were engaged and spending time with her family. That was okay. She was just spending time with her friends. That wasn’t okay. What could she say that would make a difference?

“Have you decided what you’re going to wear tonight? I’ve got the hair people coming around four.”

“No, ma’am. Whatever.”

“Jordan Thompson, what’s gotten in to you?”

She tried to feign more interest. “I’ll go find something. Who am I sitting with?”

“We have you at the Carter’s table and Jack and Sandra at General Schrader’s table.”

She gritted her teeth and tried to keep a calm tone to her voice. “Is his son going to be here tonight?”

“Why, yes, he is? Would you like to sit at their table?”

“Please. I think I’d have a much more enjoyable evening.” She needed to defuse Brandan’s attention. “Mom, I would prefer not being around Brandan Carter. I know the Carters are friends, but I don’t like Brandan much.” She told her mother about the couple of times her security had to intervene, carefully editing her story.

“Jordan, I’m surprised. Why didn’t your security inform us? That’s unacceptable.”

“I asked them to not say anything. I know how close you and Dad are with the Carters.”

“That doesn’t matter. Your safety is more important to us. Your team must let us know if there is any threat.”

“I didn’t want to worry you. There wasn’t any physical danger.”

“Jordan, it doesn’t matter. Especially with the recent threats we have been getting.”

Jordan turned away. She couldn’t look her mother in the eyes. “I promise I’m safe. I’m sure Brandan was just having a bad day.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll have the table settings changed. Captain Schrader seems like a nice young man. In the future, please let your father and me know of any future unsafe situations. Understand? We don’t care who or what the situation.”

Jordan nodded. She had no false notions that Brandan would leave her alone, but at least she had an escort for the evening that she would enjoy being around. And Brandan couldn’t very well argue with the son of a three-star general.

*

Dinner was nearly over before Brandan Carter approached her table. “Jordan, I need to speak to you.”

Jordan remained seated. “Of course.” She had no intention of being alone with Brandan.

“Privately.”

“I’m sorry, but the music just started and Ms. Thompson promised to dance with me this evening.”

Jordan gave Rob a thankful smile.

“I didn’t like his tone of voice. Is he always so commanding?” Rob asked when they stepped away.

She didn’t want to get involved in personal politics, but she appreciated Rob’s perception of the situation. “He can be, especially if he thinks things aren’t going exactly as he planned.”