We sit in the boardroom as the votes are read out. My mind is heavily on Theodore today.
Where is he now? Did he find the peace he was looking for?
When did I last speak to him? I discreetly take my phone out of my pocket and put it under the table on my lap. I go through my call register and scroll back as I search for his name. I’m scrolling and scrolling when something rolls past. I frown, stop, and scroll back up.
Huh.
Outgoing call: April 4th 8 minutes Helena
When did I call Helena?
What?
I look at the date and frown. When was that? Did I butt dial her by accident or something?
I think back to the date. Why does that sound familiar?
I do the math.
My heart drops.
That’s the night I was drugged.
My heart begins to hammer in my chest and the room spins. I don’t remember anything about this.
Why the hell did I call Helena? And what the fuck did we talk about for eight minutes?
“The next Prime Minister of The United Kingdom is Sebastian Garcia,” the speaker announces.
I glance up to the sound of applause, completely rattled. The room is in a standing ovation. I stand and fake a smile. “Thank you.”
What did I talk to Helena about?
Fuck.
28
April
I sip my coffee as I watch the television on my work computer. The office is abuzz with excitement as everyone waits for the final vote. They’re all doing the same as me, watching the coverage live from their desks.
The footage shows the candidates all sitting in the House of Lords in what looks like a courtroom. The commentators are rattling on about who they think is going to win, and how Garcia is the front runner.
Garcia.
I smile proudly. It seems so surreal that this is my life—that I am dating the Sebastian Garcia.
To me, he’s just a guy who gave a beggar in the street money, and then he bought a bad cup of coffee. It seems like forever ago that we met, and we’ve been through so much bullshit, but somehow, he made me fall madly in love with him.
And, oh, do I love him.
The footage hones in on Sebastian.
This is it.
“The next Prime Minister of The United Kingdom is Sebastian Garcia,” the speaker announces.
“Yes.” I clap my hands in excitement. The rest of our office breaks out into cheers and loud yelling.
I watch on as Sebastian glances up to the sound of applause. He looks completely rattled, and I laugh at his shocked face.
The room performs a standing ovation, and Sebastian rises to nervously dip his head and smile. “Thank you.”
I well up with tears as I watch him take to the podium. He’s so humble.
With his dark hair and olive skin, and his big, beautiful heart on display for the rest of the country, I could just die with pride.
“He did it.” Jeremy laughs as he comes around the corner. He hugs me and nearly knocks me from my feet. “He did it!” he cries.
“I know.” I put my hands over my mouth, hardly able to believe it. “He did.”
"I can't wait to speak with him." I gush.
Jeremy lies back on the chair in my room wearing a goofy grin. “Look at you, all in love with the Prime Minister and shit.”
I giggle as I turn the television coverage off. “Who even am I?”
“The envy of every woman.”
I pick up my pen, and an idea springs to mind. “Don’t plan anything for lunch break today.”
“Why, what are we doing?”
“Buying a congratulatory present.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. Something special that Sebastian can keep forever. A keepsake.”
“Hmm.” He narrows his eyes. “I’ll brainstorm. We need to blow his fucking mind with this gift.” He walks toward the door and turns back. “Lunch at one?”
I smile. “Sounds good.”
My phone rings and the name Eliza lights up the screen, I smile and pick up.
"He did it." She cries,
I laugh out loud, "I know."
“And can you engrave those?” Jeremy asks.
I smile to myself. We’ve just bought Sebastian the most beautiful set of cufflinks from Tiffany’s. They are simple, gold, and complete with diamonds in the classic pattern on each one. I know he will love them.
“Yes,” the jeweler replies.
“How long will that take?” I ask.
“Around twenty minutes.”
I cringe. “I have to be back at the office. I have a client coming in.”
“I’ll wait for them for you,” Jeremy offers.
“Really?” I smile. “You’re the best.” I kiss his cheek because he really is. I swear he spent all morning Googling these damn cufflinks and where we could buy them from.
He nailed the brief. These are perfect.
It just completely filled my credit card, but who cares. It’s for Sebastian.
My phone rings.
April’s fool
I quickly kiss Jeremy, and with a quick wave, I walk out of the store.
"Congratulations Mr. Prime Minister." I smile.
"Can you believe it?"
"I can. I'm so proud of you Sebastian."
"Thank you, it means a lot."
"I guess you're busy?"
“Swamped. Listen, I know we said that we were going to celebrate tonight but—”
“It’s okay if you have something on,” I cut him off, and my heart drops. I can’t help but feel a little disappointed. I wanted to give him my present.
“Well…” He pauses. “My parents have organized a little get together for my close family and friends.”
I frown. His parents?
They live here? Why hasn’t he mentioned them before?
“Oh.”
“So, I’ll pick you up on my way home.”
“You want me to come?” I squeak.
“Of course.”
I open my mouth to say something, but words fail me. I mean, it’s one thing to meet the parents and family, but to do it in front of everyone on the night he has been elected Prime Minister of the entire fucking country is my worst nightmare.
“I’ll be there about seven.”
“Okay, sounds great, I lie.
“See you then.” He hangs up.
I begin to power walk back to the office in complete panic.
Shit.
Fuck me fucking swinging, what the hell do I wear to this?
A family party at his house… argh!
I text Jeremy.
SOS. HELP!
Sebastian is having a family celebratory party tonight.
What the hell should I wear?
My phone instantly rings. It’s Jeremy.
“H-hello,” I stammer.
“He just threw this on you?”
“Yes, and I’m meeting his parents. What will I wear?” I shriek in a panic.
“I don’t know. I’ll have a look for something. Leave it with me.”
“I’m going to get you fired.”
“Oh, like I care. My boss is an asshole.”
I widen my eyes. “One you happen to be dating.”