Gray’s mother spoke with passion, every one of her words punctuated with each day, each month, each year she’d given to his dad’s political career. And yeah, he was listening. It was hard not to.
“It’s also an opportunity for me, something I’ve worked for all my life. I have an agenda, Grayson, a chance to make a difference, to let my voice be heard. You know how much literacy and education means to me at the state level. If your father gets the vice presidency, it would mean so much more exposure for me and for my agenda. A chance to spread this message nationwide, to fight for more funding, to gain national attention for a cause that’s so important for children everywhere. And if by the grace of God your father should someday get to the White House, this would be my platform, and who knows how much attention it would get.”
She stopped and looked him directly in the eyes, and he saw the determination in hers. “If not for him, would you do this for me?”
Loretta Preston was a fire-breathing dragon when it came to the causes she wholeheartedly believed in. He hadn’t once thought about her and what this would mean for her in terms of national exposure for her causes, because he’d been too busy holding on to the grudge against his father.
He was such a selfish asshole.
He reached across the table and held her hand. “I’m sorry, Mom. You know Dad and I don’t see eye to eye and haven’t for a long time. But you know how much I believe in you and in what you do. Hell, I wish you were the one running for president.”
She sniffed, then laughed. “I don’t think that’s my cup of tea, son. And don’t sell your father short. He’s an amazing man and wants to do good things.”
“Well, whatever. I’ll do what I can to make sure your dreams come true.”
She stood and hugged him. “Thank you for believing in me.”
It felt good to feel his mother’s arms wrapped around him. “I’ve always believed in you.”
She pulled back. “You should try believing in your dad. Try talking to him, reconnecting with him. He’s changed, Grayson.”
“I don’t know if I could ever believe that. But I’ll help out the campaign. For you.
And just for you.”
She patted him on the cheek. “I’ll take that. For now. But at some point, I think you’ll see the light about your father.”
He’d seen the light a long time ago. He’d rather stay in the dark.
She checked her watch. “Okay. I have to go. I need to be back in D.C. by tonight.
I’ll call Evelyn and let her know you’ll meet with her at your next city—” She waved her hand and laughed. “Wherever that is. I can’t keep up with you, son. But I always make sure to watch the races. I have one of the staff DVR them for me.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that. And yeah, I’ll work with Evelyn. She called and complained about me, didn’t she?” he asked as he walked his mother to the private car that was waiting for her right outside the gate.
She held his hand and grinned. “Of course she did. She’s a tiger, that one. I’m glad she’s working for our side.”
Gray shook his head. He’d underestimated Evelyn when he’d kicked her to the curb yesterday.
She kissed his cheek and hugged him again. “Be a good boy and behave. We’ll talk soon. I love you, Grayson.”
“Love you too, Mom.”
He waved as the car pulled away. For some reason, his mother could always make him feel like he was a misbehaving eight-year-old again.
He headed back to the trailer with a mental list of a hundred things he’d have to do today before they pulled up and headed to Kentucky.
And then he’d have to deal with Evelyn.
But not until tomorrow. At least he could push her off his agenda until then.
Tomorrow, though, he and Evelyn were going to have a conversation and get a few ground rules straight.
THREE
EVELYN BLOW-DRIED HER HAIR, PULLED IT BACK IN A ponytail, then finished her makeup. She pulled on a pair of jeans and a tank top, then grabbed a long-sleeved white button-down shirt out of her suitcase, and finished off the outfit with a pair of ankle boots.
She’d been grossly overdressed for that first race. A misstep. She should have blended in with the crowd, made Gray feel more comfortable around her, instead of standing out like a bottle of expensive wine shoved in the soda section of the grocery store. Plus it had been damned uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally, dressed in her suit and wearing heels while sitting in the stands with the rowdy crowd.
Everyone around her had stared at her, and rightly so. A designer suit did not go with beer and hot dogs. She wouldn’t make the same mistake again.