You + Me and Whatever in Between

7

The drive was excruciatingly painfully quiet. Olivia has managed to fall asleep. My head was against the window in deep thought and Graham was just silent. Was the keyword.

"So, you're the president's daughter?" He looked at me confused but eager at the same time.

"The oldest and previous president." My voice was low. "I didn't want you to find out this way. Actually, in complete honesty I didn't want you to find out at all. Spent so much time making myself to look different. I wanted a better life for myself. I wanted to be more than President Sander's black daughter."

He nodded his head, "I understand. My mom was a lawyer for this big celebrity law firm. She worked with the biggest celebrities. Sofia Warren, Georgia Hammock. Whenever they got into trouble they'd call her and it felt like when I got older they were waiting for the next attorney James to step up. Luckily Adeline took the job and left me to have some self judgement in my life."

I smiled. "She seems really nice."

"She is.. well was at least. Died last year from Leukemia."

My heart dropped while his grip on the steering wheeled tighten so much his knuckles turned white. "I'm sorry for your loss."

"Same for yours. He was a great president."

I smiled again but the words really didn't mean anything to me. Everyone and I mean everyone said that to me. How he was so loving, caring as if I didn't already know. As if he wasn't my father.

The ride ended and he pulled up in front of his house. He carried Olivia into my backseat, buckling her in. Whereas I sat directly in front of my wheel. "Thank you and I mean truly thank you for everything. You didn't have to do what you did for me."

"Well I mean you did do some good things to me last night it would only be fair to return the favor." He winked at me and my cheeks started to heat up. "Give me a call or a text when you get home. Please."

"You really want to still talk to me? After all of this?" I motioned my hands around myself and the sleeping child.

"I want to get to know you Vida. Like I said before, there's something about you." He kissed my cheek and walked up to the sidewalk giving me a wave as I drove off.

Reaching my house door I fumbled around with my keys trying to hold Olivia and my bag of clothes from the previous night. Walking in I remember why I hated living alone. The silence.

Olivia had her own bedroom in my house so that is directly where she went, automatically snuggling under her comforter as she was put down. Closing her door I went to the living room couch plopped down and sent a text to Graham.

Me: Hey it's Vida, made it home with Olivia still sleeping. Thank you so much for what you did today.

Graham: No problem. Would you and Olivia be up for dinner Friday night? I would love to have you two in my company.

I smiled and my heart fluttered. Me: I'll talk to her about it. Have a good night Graham.

Graham: You as well Vi.

I called Jenson a few times and with no luck just shot him a text. Then I texted someone who I never thought I'd talk to again in my life.

Me: Taryn, it's Vida. Come over. Bring alcohol.