“Yeah. I didn’t know he would be here either, to be honest. He showed up letting me know that we were to switch positions for the night. I wanted to let you know, but the last time I peeked out at you sitting by the pool, you’d been taking a little snooze. So I told him to make sure you got back in the house safely before you caught a cold out there.”
I nodded. “Yeah. He came to get me and I turned in early for the night.”
“That’s good. Are you hungry? I bought some bacon and eggs to help get your morning started. Or would you prefer pancakes?”
“Just eggs will be fine.”
“Is Colt awake yet? He’s due to be back with your father soon.”
“I’m not sure,” I said, looking around the house as if I didn’t know where Colt was. “I haven’t seen him this morning yet.”
As if right on cue, Colt appeared. “Oh—good morning, everyone,” he said, fully dressed. He exchanged a secretive glance with me, and I hurriedly averted my gaze.
“Morning, Colt. You better hurry and get to the Speaker’s house. I’ll take things from here. You want some breakfast before you go? I’ve got eggs and bacon.”
“No thanks. I’m good,” Colt said. He nodded to us both. “See you later.”
“Good bye, son,” Jones said.
“Good-bye,” I said. Colt winked at me when Jones’ back was turned, and then headed for the door.
How I hated seeing him leave. I already wondered how much longer it would be before I saw him again.
I sighed.
“Something wrong, sweet-pea?” Jones said, stirring the eggs.
I shook my head. “No. Just uhm…Another long day of studying ahead for me. It’s getting tiresome.”
“Don’t worry about it. All your hard work will pay off in time. You’re going to ace that test, miss. I just know it. I feel nothing but good things in store for both you and your dad.”
I smiled. “I hope so.”
* * *
The days after of Colt’s appearance drug by with such excruciating slowness, I felt like the universe had to be playing a prank on me. I tried my best to feel thankful that I at least had good memories to keep me satiated. Whenever I found myself missing him, I tried to think about the last time we’d been together, frolicking at the pool and having the time of our lives. Nevertheless, every moment away from him was starting to feel more and more like torture, and I longed for a time when we could be together permanently, without having to worry about safety precautions and my father’s campaign schedule. Sometimes I felt panicked thinking that such a time would never occur, but I tried to dutifully push such depressing thoughts aside. I wanted to hold on to the hope that one day, Colt and I would officially be able to be together the way we wanted.
I’d been heading to my bedroom, prepared to go to bed hugging my pillow with visions of Colt dancing through my mind.
“Goodnight, Jones,” I said.
Yet, before he could respond, the doorbell rang. “Hmm,” he said, struggling up from the couch and heading to the door. My heart skipped several beats…wondering…hoping…
“Looks like another shift switch.”
“Oh,” I sa
id, trying not to show how pleased I was. Moments later, Colt came through the door.
“Good evening, Jones,” he said, nodding his head at the older man.
“Good evening, Colt. Am I to report to the Speaker’s place again?”
“Yes, sir. He has a meeting tonight, but it shouldn’t last long.”
“All right. See you in the morning, Natalie.”
“All right, Jones. See you. And tell my father I said hello.”