Governor's Daughter (A Mush Meyers Love Story)

Chapter 7: Thanks A Lot

I was stuck at home that weekend. My father had invited Buck to have brunch with us. I wasn’t really looking forward to it. After Buck had hit Mush, I wasn’t his biggest fan. Not that I was ever his biggest fan in the first place. I put on my best blue dress and white flat shoes. I tied my hair in a ribbon and put on a little makeup. My father and sister were still in their rooms so I went to go talk to Lucas our chef. I poked my head in the window. He was listening to music and dancing around the kitchen. I laughed at him.

             “Aren’t you supposed to be cooking for us?” I asked interrupting him.

              He turned around to me. He turned beet red. “Um, I was talking a little break while the pot pie was in the oven.”

               “Better not let my father catch you doing that. He would fire you.”

                “I make sure not to let them see me. So are you glad your dad is trying to get you a beau?”

                “It’s ok. I would rather go over a friend’s house. You know my father can talk up a storm.”

                “I’m sure there are a lot of people you would rather be hanging out with right now.”

                The sarcasm in his voice made me suspicious. “What are you talking about?”

                “I mean your friend Grace.”

                “Oh, yeah, well I’m pretty sure she’s busy anyway. Now, get to cooking before my sister comes in here. You know she’s a perfectionist.”

                “I know.”

                I walked out of the kitchen. My father was sitting in his big chair and my sister was crossed legged on the couch. She looked up at me and smiled walking over to examine how I looked. She kissed my forehead.

                “Oh, Anna,” she said, “You look absolutely radiant. I’m so glad we’re having Buck over.”

                “I’m not,” I said, “I don’t like Buck. He’s not the brightest boy in the basket. But Daddy, you can’t interrogate him ok? You’ll embarrass me and I don’t need him going back and telling his friends about being hassled by the governor.”

                “I promise I won’t,” Daddy said, “But I will show him my gun collection.”

                “Daddy…”

                “Ok, ok. I won’t.”

                The doorbell rang. My father stood up as I went to get the door. I opened it and Buck was standing in the doorway. He had on a sweater vest and slacks and nice leather shoes. I smiled like I was happy he was there. He walked into the house. I led him into the living room where he shook hands with my father and planted a kiss on my sister’s cheek.

                “Mr. Roosevelt,” Matt said, “What a nice home you have.”

                “Thank you, Buck,” my father said, “We’re glad to have you here. Our chef should be ready with the food soon.”

                We all sat at the dining table. My father asked Buck questions most of the time. I looked at the clock. I was hoping I could stop by the newsboy lounge before it got dark at least today. I wanted to see Mush. Lucas came in with the food and we started eating. Lucas glanced at me and Buck before turning around and walking away. I smiled at his little gesture. My dad did most of the talking through the whole meal. I knew he was going too.

                “Dad,” I said, “Stop talking off Buck’s ear. He might need it.”

                “It’s quite alright,” Buck said, “I don’t mind at all, sir.”

                “So, Buck, do you play any sports?” Daddy asked.

                “I play some football. Anna came to one of my games the other week.”

                “Oh yes, I remember. She said she had a wonderful time.”

                “It’s a shame you have to play in the same park as those newsies,” Jane said, “They’re pretty dangerous.”

                “Yes, they are. I had to defend myself against one of them the other day. He bumped into me and wanted to start a fight.”

                “Yeah. Anna had a run in with them a few weeks ago. Who knows what they would have done to her if she had been alone and not with Grace?”

                I choked on my food. Why would she tell Daddy that? I had not told him that for a reason. I knew he saved the newsies from Pulitzer in the beginning of the year, but that didn’t mean he trusted them further than he could throw them. Helping them just meant he got better publicity in the papers. I gave Jane a death glare but she didn’t realize it.

                “Anna hadn’t told me about that,” my father said, “Anna?”

                “Yes,” I said, “A kid did start talking to me, but I walked away from him. He wasn’t going to hurt me.”

                “All the same, honey, he might have. Never stop and talk to a street kid. Do you hear me?”

                “Yes, Daddy.”

                “Wait, what were you doing anyway? Why didn’t you stay at school with your sister?”

                Everyone looked at me. I had no excuse for them. I didn’t even have time to think one up. I knew if I told my father I had gone to Tibby’s, he would be furious. Buck had a suspicious look in her eye. I looked at Jane who looked at me apologetically. I narrowed my eyes at her.

                “Thanks a lot,” I said to her.

                I got up from my chair and threw my napkin down. I stomped off to my room and locked the door. I couldn’t even think right now. I felt like anything could make my father figure out my secret relationship with Mush. Jane wasn’t helping get him off my case either. I grabbed a bag and started putting clothes in it. I opened my window. I made a rope out of my bed sheets. I climbed out my window and landed on the ground on my feet. I ran down the street until I got to town square across the street from the newsboys lounge. I didn’t need to be home right now. I was going to make them wonder where I was.