For the Record (Record #3)(77)

“Are you happy that the primary is so close?” Liz asked Heather, trying to strike up conversation.

“Sooner it’s over the sooner we can work on the real race,” she said, barely glancing at Liz.

“Crazy how much has changed in two years. This was the night you first found out about me and Brady.”

“Perhaps you shouldn’t just say everything that’s on your mind tonight. No one needs to know you were here before,” Heather said harshly.

“Look, I know you hate me, but do you mind toning down the condescending-bitch voice for two seconds? I was just carrying on a perfectly normal conversation with you, and every time I try, you snap at me. I’m not here to mess up Brady’s chance at reelection. In fact, I’ve done nothing but support him. I’ve even been writing Brady’s speeches. Good speeches! I’ve done everything exactly how I’ve been told.”

Well, aside from the Dear Congress articles, but she wasn’t about to bring them up.

“He loves me. He told you two years ago, and it still hasn’t changed. I’m going to be around for a while. I’d appreciate if you started treating me like a human being.”

Heather didn’t say anything for a moment, and then she turned to look at Liz. “You’re right.”

“What?” Liz gasped.

“Would you prefer I disagree with you?”

“No. I just . . . was expecting you to.”

“You’re a liability. That much is very certain, Liz. I’ve stood by that from day one.”

“Yeah. I remember.”

“But . . .” she said, cutting Liz off. “He is happier.”

Liz beamed. She made Brady happier. She wasn’t sure Heather could have said anything that would have made her feel better in that moment.

“He’s not happier with me, mind you. And even I can objectively admit that your speeches are good. I read the draft you gave him of his acceptance speech for the primary.” Heather cut her eyes back to Liz. “It’s solid.”

“Thank you,” Liz said, a little shocked.

“The only problem with that is that you can’t f*ck up now.”

“I didn’t plan on it,” she said stiffly.

“If you hurt him, if you break him, if you make him forget what is important, then you’ve ruined a brilliant and driven man. Just remember that.”

Well, it seemed the old Heather still existed.

“I’d never do that.”

“Intentionally. Now don’t do it unintentionally either. Prove to me that you’re not going anywhere,” she said before turning and walking to the event planner.

“How pleasant,” Liz muttered under her breath.

“Ready to go, baby?” Brady asked. He extended his arm and she placed her hand on his elbow.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

They walked through the double doors into the massive ballroom decorated in black and gold. A group of people waited at the entrance to greet them. And then came the almost endless number of pictures. Liz was introduced to person after person she was sure to never remember. Only a few faces were familiar from previous events, and even then she wasn’t sure she remembered all of their names.

Barbara, whom she had met at the Jefferson-Jackson gala, was there and hugged her as if they were old friends. Liz promised to find her later to talk about the education for underprivileged children that they had discussed earlier in the summer. Apparently Barbara had thought it a great idea and wanted to help. Liz was a bit floored by it, but Brady just whispered how important and charming Liz was and then they moved on.

Finally at the end of the entrance line was Brady’s family, with Clay noticeably absent. Marilyn gave her a firm hug. “You’re doing great,” she said discreetly, then pulled back to observe her for the cameras. “You look lovely, dear.”

“Thank you,” Liz said graciously.

Savannah was in a strapless gold number in a silky material that hung on her frame as if she were a runway model. They hugged and Liz realized how much she had missed her. They hadn’t been around each other much since Hilton Head. Liz had never had a chance to ask her about what had happened with Lucas, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to admit to having even witnessed it.

“We should hang out more,” Savannah said with a laugh.

“I know. I feel like we’ve been together but apart all summer.”

“Agreed.”

“Is Easton here?” Liz asked, glancing around.

“No. He went home for the summer after he left Hilton Head.”

“That sucks.” Or maybe it didn’t. Liz spotted Lucas standing near Chris and his girlfriend, Mollie.

Savannah followed her gaze and her face darkened. “Well . . . that doesn’t suck,” she said pointedly, nodding her head at Lucas.

Savannah sighed. “If you say so.”

Liz didn’t get to say anything more, because Brady touched her arm to motion her for another picture. Liz stood among his family as if she belonged there. The flash went off several times and then they were free of the first crowd. Now they had to mingle with the other guests for pictures.

After a seemingly endless number of people she didn’t know, though Brady somehow remembered every single person’s name, they found a familiar face.