Chapter 5 : The Meeting

Lena’s POV

My father and mother came with me to meet him. We had landed in D.C. the night before the meeting and stayed in a private suite at a nearby hotel. I was a complete wreck on the morning of. I sweat through two outfits before finally settling on an all-black dress that wouldn’t show moisture.

“You look so beautiful,” my mother noted, admiring me in the elevator mirror as we rode it down to the lobby of the hotel. “Caledon Booker better count his blessings. I think he’s just landed the jackpot.”

“Now, Charlotte,” my father chided her. “Let’s not go putting fanciful ideas in the girl’s head.”

“Oh, what’s a little confidence going to do?” she replied, brushing off his comment. “I’ve got two of the prettiest daughters in London, and I want them to know it.”

My mother pressed her forehead against mine as the elevator dinged open. We all stepped out and headed for the car that was just outside waiting for us. My father held the door for us as we climbed into the backseat.

“How are you feeling?” my mother asked, as the car bumped along.

“Like I could vomit right here in the car,” I admitted, squeezing my hands together in my lap. “What if he’s rude? What if he doesn’t even like me?”

“That’s ridiculous,” my father scoffed. “He’ll like you plenty. The real concern will be whether or not you like him.”

I took his words as a compliment. I looked out the window, praying that by some miraculous gesture, I’d be struck down by lightning right there in the car. I wouldn’t have to marry anyone if I were dead.

When we arrived at the White House, a petite blonde woman named Kate showed us the way to a large conference room. I had only ever seen the place on television, and now, here I was, having the most important meeting of my life in one of the conference rooms.

Caledon Booker and his parents weren’t there when we arrived. I sighed in relief at the sight of the empty room as we all found seats on one end of the table. Kate soon left us to be alone, scurrying off to attend to other matters.

“Here we are,” my father said, with a sweet smile. “This is the first day of the rest of your life, darling. Are you ready?”

“As ready as I can be,” I replied, knots twisting in my stomach.

The pressure was overwhelming. I squirmed in my chair as the clock on the wall behind me ticked away. It was as if it were counting down the seconds to the worst moment I’d ever have. Seconds later, the door handle to the conference room jiggled. I held my breath as I joined my parents in standing to my feet to greet my new fiance.

First came his mother, Bella Booker. She was a sweet looking woman, with a head full of red hair. Her eyes lit up when she saw me and I knew instantly that I was going to like her. After Bella came Vice President Edward Booker. He seemed much more cold and hard around the eyes. His posture was stiff, and he hardly bothered to look me in the eye when he entered. Then there he was—Caledon Booker, the man whom I was arranged to marry.

I felt a shiver travel down my spine when our eyes met. The electricity was instant and I wondered if it was attraction or nerves. He was as handsome as I'd imagined he would be. Still, I found myself wanting to run for the hills as the anxiety brewed inside me.

“Eleanor!” Bella exclaimed, skipping over with open arms. “It is so good to meet you. You’re even more beautiful in person.”

“Thank you, so are you,” I smiled, awkwardly hugging her back.

“Alright, let's get on with it,” Vice President Booker interjected with a grumble. “Eleanor, I'd like you to meet Caledon, my son.”

Caledon didn't take his eyes off of me. He studied my every move, as if I were his prey and I felt myself stiffen under his gaze.

“Cal,” he said, walking toward me with a hand extended.

“Charmed,” I smiled, with a curtsey. As soon as I did, I regretted it. What was this, the 1800s? “Sorry,” I stammered. “I-I don't know why I did that.”

Cal chuckled as I shook his hand, clearly amused by me. His skin was soft and his touch was warm—or was that me? I wasn’t sure.

“Why don't we all have a seat?” my father asked, taking the lead.

I was about to take my seat next to my parents when Cal pulled out a chair next to him. I felt my face flush pink as my mother nudged me toward him and I took his offer.

There was a silence before Vice President Brooker cleared his throat. “The President sends his regards, but couldn’t attend because of prior obligations. Now that that’s said, let’s talk the first order of business—media. How are we going to break this to the press?”

“Let's not jump right into business,” Bella Booker begged. “This is a happy occasion! Let's talk about the couple, get to know one another. We will be family, after all.”

Vice President Booker rolled his eyes as his wife beamed, turning her attention to me.

“Where do the two of you want to settle down?” Bella continued. “Here, in America, or back in London?”

All eyes turned to Cal and I, as if we were already a united couple, already in agreement about our every desire. I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out.

“I think it’d be best if they came to live in London,” my father inserted, sitting forward.

But clearly, Vice President Brooker didn’t agree.

“Hold on,” he cut in, sitting himself forward as well. “Cal has responsibilities here. He can’t just go gallivanting off to London.”

“I’d hardly call it gallivanting,” my father said sternly. “We’re talking about where the couple will make their home, to show the world we’re united.”

“Yes, but Caledon has several obligations—he can’t just up and leave. For example, his philanthropy project.”

Philanthropy? I looked to Cal, who sat up straight in his seat.

“Actually, it’s on hold right now—well, the media portion,” Cal started. “The ecological department is working on a new development in Europe. If I go to London, maybe I can see their progress in person, or at least see what we’re funding. And it’ll show my commitment, which is what this is all about, right? Bridging our countries?”

The Vice President didn’t answer Cal, but judging by the expression on his face, I could tell he still wasn’t entirely on board. Bella looked at her husband and softened her gaze.

“Edward, please,” she started. “We need to come to an arrangement that works for everyone—most importantly, for Cal and Eleanor.”

“You can call me Lena,” I said, smiling in her direction.

“Lena,” Bella corrected, smiling back.

Then, the room was quiet for a moment, everyone too tense to speak their mind, until once again, the Vice President spoke up.

“What if they shared two homes?” he offered. “One in London, and one here? Then Cal could come home when needed, to help with the next election and whatnot.”

“And how will that look to everyone else?” Cal pushed, trying his best to remain respectful. “America’s the one that started all this with that stupid bill. This arranged marriage will only work if we’re willing to make a sacrifice.”

“That’s a very wise perspective, Caledon,” my father nodded. “I completely agree.”

I watched as the Vice President grit his teeth, his face turning a darker shade of red. Then, his fist slammed on the table, causing everyone to jump.

“I said no, end of discussion!” the Vice President growled. “Caledon will remain in America, and Eleanor will join him. It’s final.”

“Edward—” Bella began, but he was too quick.

“I said it’s final, Bella,” the Vice President snarled, his eyes a dark, deep brown. “This has nothing to do with you. You lost your right to speak on political affairs in the divorce. You’re only here because of Caledon. Remember your place.”

Cal grit his teeth. “That’s enough.”

Bella Booker sat back in her seat, completely defeated. My heart ached for her. I looked to my parents, who remained tight lipped. But knowing them, I could tell they weren’t expecting that revelation. The Vice President and his wife were divorced?

Then a terrifying thought entered my mind—one that was completely unprovoked and uncalled for with no evidence to back it up. What if Cal, behind closed doors, was just as cruel as his father? I looked at my parents with sudden, panic-stricken eyes, but my father’s gaze was focused steadfast on the Vice President.

“If this arrangement is going to work, we need to find a compromise,” my father cut in, with a calm and even tone. “Lena has plenty of other suitors and if we walk, so does Britian.”

“He’s right,” Cal added. “If we want this to work, we have to find a medium. Something that works for everyone.”

The rest of the meeting went relatively the same, however, now that my father had threatened to back out, the Vice President seemed to be more…appealing. Here and there he would interject, making sure we all knew that his loyalties lied with America, first and foremost—honestly, it was exhausting listening to him talk.

After the meeting, we readied ourselves for the press announcement that was being set up just inside the entrance to the White House—the one where we’d confirm the rumors of Cal and I dating in secret for months.

According to my father, and the Vice President who so kindly reminded us, there were going to select reporters in attendance, along with paid paparazzi who were to snap Cal and I entering the press event holding hands.

I could feel the sweat dripping from my palms as we waited behind the conference room doors. Cal’s parents had already gone out to open the event, while myself, Cal, and my parents remained behind until called upon.

I took deep, steadying breaths to try and relax myself and suppress the anxiety I knew was coming. I rubbed my palms together in attempt to get rid of the access sweat when I felt a cool hand on my shoulder.

“Are you ok?”

I looked over to see Cal’s bright eyes staring into mine. His hand on my shoulder felt familiar and tender, like a friend simply checking in on another, and in this moment, I appreciated it.

I gave him a small, closed-lipped smile and nodded. “Yeah, just a little nervous.”

“I hate press events too. They’re always so…”

“Stingy,” we both said at the same time.

When we realized, we both laughed and I felt my body relax at the tone of his chuckle.

“We can do this,” he reassured me. “After all, it’s only signing away our lives.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” I joked.

“No, but it’s true.”

Just then, a knock came at the door. Kate peeked her head in.

“It’s time,” she noted.

I looked at my father who gave her a nod. I felt a nudge to my arm and looked down to see Cal’s hand outstretched.

“Ready?” he asked.

It took a moment for me to take it all in, but when I did, I bit back my pride and nerves and took a hold of his hand.

“Ready.”