If It Was Meant to Be

16

Brooke POV
Within a minute or two Colin is back with my drink, not in a to go cup I might add. He sits down in the place of Barron and we instantly start talking. I just hope he didn't hear Barrons little comment.
"So how do you know him?" Colin asks
"Who? Barron. Oh we're just friends." I say
"So you are not together?" He asks
"No I am as single as it gets." I say proudly
"How is a pretty girl like you not having guys hitting on you at every turn?" He says in a charming-ish way. I know he is flirting with me and I'm not gonna lie he is cute, so what's the harm in flirting back I'm mean it's not like this is going anywhere.
"The same way a charming guy like you doesn't seem that worried what his girlfriend will think of him talking to me." I say
"Well I would be worried if I had one." He responds
"You're full of it." I say sarcastically
"Like your not." He rebuttals in the same tone.
"If you have something to say spit it out." I say
"Why did that guy ask you to meet him at the White House? Are you the important person?" He say I am kinda caught of guard by his question but I keep my cool and answer.
"The reason Barron asked me to meet him at the White House is because our family's work together and since his dad got a promotion, he decided to take us here on vacation. We were taking a tour of all the monuments and the White House happened to be one of them. So if you're here to catch me in a lie you might as well leave."
"I'm sorry it's just that I have a hard time trusting people." He says
"Can I ask why?"
"When I was younger my mom left. It really took a toll on my dad so he started drinking, he almost never went to work and we were barely making ends meet. So when I turned sixteen the first thing I did was get a job to start helping out. I try to save a little bit for university but right now it just seems selfish to leave my dad."
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable-"
"Brooke it's ok. I've made my peace with the situation. I would love to stay and chat but my break is almost over." He stands up to leave. I start to get up and grab my phone.
"It was really nice talking to you." I say meekly
"You too." He leaves with my cup and another server comes by with what looks like a bill. Dammit I forgot my wallet at home. I wasn't planning on buying anything and whenever I try Barron always gets to the bill before me. I guess I could ask on of the agents to give me the White House card but that is really embarrassing for such a small purchase. I open the bill and see it's a phone number. With a little note that says 'call me'.

I left the shop after that note. Not for any particular reason. Just that I wanted to know why Barron was in such a rush to leave. I know I walked but it is slightly chilly. I still have a Barrons jacket, and I do know this city like the back of my hand. I mean I did live here my whole life... not counting Minnesota. I decide that although walking is good for you I'm not nearly patient enough to see what's going on in that big white building.

Within a few minutes I entered the White House. Or as the agents say 'the sparrow is nesting'. We pull up at the main entrance as I walk in confidently. I surpassed the main front desk and went straight to the residency. I stop in front of the elevator because... I have no idea where that is. So I turn around to walk back to the front desk and see a short lady with dark brown hair and I extremely tight bun. I walk up to the desk and ask my question.
"Hi. I was wondering if you knew where I could find the residency. More specifically, Barron's room."
"I'm going to need your key card for that." She says not looking up from her keyboard. I look at the back of my phone case and see... nothing. I must have left it in my purse. Or possibly my lanyard? Well anyway it's not here.
"I wasn't expecting to come here today. So forgive me if I'm a tad unprepared."
"Ma'am I know you probably have some security clearance. I mean you made it through those doors," she says with a slight chuckle still not looking up. "But I see about a million of you a day. And I can't just let anyone upstairs. Because guess what this isn't some trashy tourist site. This is the White House, America's House so in what world do I let you go without a key card?" Normally I would be fine with this. I would try an educat this woman and move on but she was just so rude that keeping calm is just not in the question.
"Mine."
"What" she says still typing away.
"You asked what world. Mine. And no I don't have some security clearance I have all of it. No you don't see a million of me a day because I am Brooke Ballerd and yes this is American's house but she knows damn well that I should be in it." She looks up and I swear the look on her face is priceless. It's a mixture of fear and total embarrassment. She speaks again this time with none of her previous smugness.
"I'm so-so-very sor-ry" she stutters as we walk upstairs.
"Don't mention it."
"I didn't mean-to offend you."
"What part of don't mention it do you not get?" After that we walk in silence. Up the elevator down the hall and to the living room door.
"This is the end of the line for me." She says looking at her shoes.
"Thank you." I say looking at the door in front of me. I know there is probably nothing on the other side of that door but for some reason I feel unsettled.