“Senator? As in a senator senator?”
“Senator as in senator senator. Unfortunately.”
Again. What was my dad thinking? Sending me to school with the children of U.S. SENATORS? “Does everyone have a terrible father?” I ask. “Is it a
requirement for attendance?”
He nods toward Rashmi and Mer. “They don’t. But St. Clair’s dad is a piece of work.”
“So I hear.” Curiosity gets the best of me, and I lower my voice. “What’s his deal?”
Josh shrugs. “He’s just a jerk. He keeps a tight leash on St. Clair and his mom, but he’s real y friendly to everyone else. Somehow that makes it worse.”
I’m suddenly distracted by an odd purple-and-red knitted stocking cap walking into the lobby. Josh turns to see what I’m staring at. Meredith and
Rashmi notice his movement, and they look up from their books.
“Oh God,” Rashmi says. “He’s wearing The Hat.”
“I like The Hat,” Mer says.
“You would,” Josh says.
Meredith gives him a dirty look. I turn to get a better look at The Hat, and I’m startled to realize it’s right behind me. And it’s sitting atop St. Clair’s head.
“So The Hat is back,” Rashmi says.
“Yup,” he says. “I know you missed it.”
“Is there a story behind The Hat?” I ask.
“Only that his mother made it for him last winter, and we all agreed it was the most hideous accessory in Paris,” Rashmi says.
“Oh, yeah?” St. Clair pul s it off and yanks it down over her head. Her two black braids stick out comical y from underneath. “Looks great on you. Real y fetching.”
She scowls and tosses it back, then smoothes her part. He shoves it over his messy hair again, and I find myself agreeing with Mer. It’s actual y pretty
cute. He looks warm and fuzzy, like a teddy bear.
“How was the show?” Mer asks.
He shrugs. “Nothing spectacular.What have you been up to?”
“Anna’s been sharing her father’s ‘gentle reminder,’” Josh says.
St. Clair makes a yuck face.
“I’d rather not go there again, thank you.” I shut my laptop.
“If you’re done, I have something for you,” St. Clair says.
“What? Who, me?”
“Remember how I promised I’d make you feel less American?”
I smile. “You have my French passport?” I hadn’t forgotten his promise but figured he had—that conversation was weeks ago. I’m surprised and
flattered he remembered.