To Love a Kennedy

Chapter 9

The ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria was alive with the glitter and glamour of New York's elite. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above, and laughter mingled with the soft strains of a string quartet. The evening was in full swing — the annual charity gala hosted by the Rothschilds was one of the most anticipated events of the year, and tonight was no exception. The room was filled with society's finest, dressed to impress and buzzing with anticipation.

John and Betsy, however, were not enjoying themselves nearly as much. As they made their way through the crowd, their smiles were strained, and their words laced with a tension that had been building all week. Since their conversation at the Kennedy compound, there had been a shift between them — a charged, unpredictable undercurrent that neither of them knew how to handle.

Tonight, that tension was set to explode.

John leaned in close to Betsy, his breath warm against her ear, and whispered, "You know, if you keep scowling like that, your face is going to freeze that way."

Betsy shot him a sharp look, her green eyes flashing. "Oh, don't worry, Kennedy. It's your face I'm trying to avoid freezing on."

John chuckled, enjoying the game far more than he should. "Touché. But come on, Bets, we're supposed to be the picture-perfect couple tonight. Try to at least look like you're having fun."

Betsy smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Oh, I'm having a blast. Really. Nothing makes my night like being dragged to yet another society event with you."

John's grin widened. "You're too kind. Really, I'm flattered."

They continued their banter as they made their rounds, greeting guests and smiling for the photographers. To the outside world, they seemed like any other couple — playful, engaged, even affectionate. But anyone close enough to listen could hear the sharp edge to their words, the underlying tension crackling like static electricity.

As they moved through the crowd, they caught the eye of Gloria Vanderbilt and Jackie Kennedy, who stood together, watching them with hawk-like intensity. Gloria gave a small nod of approval as they approached.

"Betsy, darling," Gloria said smoothly, "you look stunning tonight. And John, as always, you're charming the room."

John gave a mock bow. "I do my best, Mrs. Vanderbilt."

Jackie's smile was tight. "You're both doing wonderfully. Keep it up. Everyone is watching."

Betsy's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Of course, Mother. We wouldn't want to disappoint."

John placed a hand on the small of Betsy's back, guiding her away from their mothers. "Come on, Bets, let's get a drink. We're going to need it."

Betsy let out a small sigh. "You read my mind."

They made their way to the bar, and John ordered two glasses of champagne. As he handed one to Betsy, she took it with a muttered "Thanks," barely glancing at him.

John leaned against the bar, watching her closely. "What's going on with you tonight? You seem... tense."

Betsy took a sip of her champagne, her eyes narrowing. "Maybe because I'm tired of being paraded around like a prize horse."

John's smile faded slightly. "You think I like it any more than you do?"

Betsy sighed, setting her glass down a little too forcefully. "I don't know what you like, John. I don't think even you know what you like."

John chuckled, though there was little humor in it. "And you do? You seem to have me all figured out."

Betsy rolled her eyes. "Don't flatter yourself. You're not that complicated."