On cue, both Brett and his dad stood when Elizabeth Sherbrooke reached their table. Jen guessed standing when a woman such as the First Lady approached a table was included on Jonathan Sherbrooke’s list of things every gentleman must do. Brett still hadn’t shared the list with her. Then again, maybe it pertained to all women. Brett had done the same thing when she’d walked in her living room the first time he’d visited her home. Thankfully, he hadn’t done it since. It’d be way too bizarre and annoying for him to stand every time she walked in the room or approached a table.
“Aunt Elizabeth.” Brett hugged the First Lady and then pulled a chair out for her. “I’m glad you made it tonight.”
“I wouldn’t miss it,” the woman replied, her British accent still present despite the number of years she’d lived in the United States. “Warren wanted to attend, but it wasn’t possible. He sends his regards.”
Warren. Jen wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to hearing people address President Sherbrooke so casually.
“Jen, this is my aunt Elizabeth,” Brett said as he took his seat and once again slipped his hand over hers.
Brett’s aunt turned her gray eyes Jen’s way. For a moment or two, the woman studied her as if trying to peer into Jen’s thoughts. Perhaps happy with whatever she’d determined, a whisper of a smile formed. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Finally meet her? Did that mean Brett’s other family members had spoken to the First Lady about her, or had she read one of the many articles published along with the photos of her and Brett kissing? Jen wasn’t sure which would be worse.
“I look forward to getting to know you better this evening,” Elizabeth Sherbrooke continued. “My son, Jake, said you are quite adept at keeping my nephew on his toes.” A twinkle formed in the woman’s eyes. “Between us, I believe it’s exactly what Brett needs. Don’t you agree, Judith?”
“Fully,” Brett’s mom answered.
Reading between the lines and making assumptions could be a risky venture. However, in Jen’s head the women’s comments were their way of saying they approved of her and Brett’s relationship despite their different social backgrounds.
“I promise to do my best to keep him there,” Jen said. Her statement earned her nods from both Sherbrooke women.
Chapter Thirteen
Phillip finished reading the documents in the file and closed it. “About damn time.”
Ted had given him two weeks to uncover anything regarding Jennifer Wallace they could use against golden boy Brett Sherbrooke. He’d had his team working round the clock digging through everything they could get their hands on. Not a single person had found anything useful. Out of time, he’d been about to concede defeat and develop a new angle.
This morning, though, one of his associates delivered the file now on his desk. The information contained in it might be just the thing they needed to give Ted an edge. First, he needed to determine how to handle what he’d learned. Normally he’d outline a few ideas before deciding on the best one and putting it into action. This afternoon he didn’t have the time that required. Ted was due any moment for another brief private meeting. Not long afterward, the rest of Ted’s campaign team would arrive for a strategy session.
The office door opened without so much as a knock first, and Ted strolled in as if he owned the room. “Have you seen the latest polls?” Ted demanded, his voice vibrating with anger. “I was told you were one of the best.” He dropped a stack of papers on the desk. “These numbers say otherwise.”
Of course he’d seen the polls. Rather than the gap between Brett and Ted shrinking, it had grown larger over the past week. Phillip understood his employer’s frustration, but the man only had himself to blame. If Ted had done a better job keeping his private life private, h
e wouldn’t have such a sordid reputation working against him.
“I saw them. Don’t worry, we still have plenty of time to change voters’ opinions.”
Ted ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t share your assessment, Phillip. The vote is less than two months away.”
To say they had less than two months was misleading. Technically they had six weeks and a few days until the primary, but considering Ted’s mood this afternoon, Phillip wasn’t going to split hairs with the man.
Without an invitation, Ted crossed to the wet bar and poured himself a generous portion of scotch. In one shot, he downed half the tumbler before refilling it and coming back toward the desk. “You’ve had your two weeks,” he said as he sat down.
Again the man was technically incorrect. His two weeks had been up four days ago. If Ted didn’t realize it, Phillip sure as hell wasn’t going to remind him.
“Time to earn the money I’m paying you and come up with a new strategy, because you’ve obviously failed to find anything on Sherbrooke’s girlfriend.”
Phillip ground his teeth together and waited until he knew he wouldn’t say something he’d later regret. “Actually, we might have found something. My associate delivered this earlier.” He pushed the folder across the desk so Ted could read the contents and reach his own conclusion.
Ted flipped to the top page and started reading. “Interesting.” He turned to the next page and kept going. He didn’t comment again until he finished reviewing all the documents enclosed. Closing the folder, Ted pushed it back across the desk. “You plan on using this, right?”
As soon as I verify the information and figured out the best way handle it, I will. Considering Ted’s current mood, Phillip wisely kept the thought to himself. “Definitely, but we’ll need to time it perfectly. For now let’s keep this information away from the press.”
Chapter Fourteen
Brett tossed his suit in a bag for the dry cleaner and left his bedroom in search of a snack. A full meal would have to wait until Jen arrived, but if he didn’t grab something in the meantime, his insides were going to digest themselves. He’d had groceries delivered this week, so he had no shortage of options tonight. Having a fully stocked kitchen also meant he and Jen could stay locked inside all weekend and not venture out to any restaurants. The last few times they’d dined out, he’d felt as if they sat in a giant fishbowl. People had no qualms about watching them. They didn’t have any problem approaching him when they were out either. If he was alone or with Carl, he didn’t mind the unexpected interruptions. It was all part of being a public figure. When he was with Jen it was different. They had a limited amount of time together. He didn’t want to waste it talking to businessmen or other politicians. When it happened, Jen brushed off his apologies and insisted it wasn’t a big deal. He appreciated her constant understanding, but knew it might not last forever.
After he grabbed a beer, he raided what had turned into his snack cabinet. He’d loaded it with all his favorite junk food as well as Jen’s so she’d have it when she came over. He’d even added several boxes of dog treats to the kitchen closet for Bo, who was another regular visitor. In fact, Bo even had his own dog bed in the living room now.