First Love by C.J. Harte

She was beginning to see a very human and sensitive person. It was making it harder to remain impersonal with Jordan. She cared too much about her.
     
    *
     
    February
     
    For Valentine’s Day, Jordan invited Drew and Mark to a small party at her house. When Drew mentioned the invitation, Mark was delighted, but Drew said they weren’t going.
    “Why not?”
    “Because she’s Hatchet’s daughter. And it’s Valentine’s Day.”
    “So? Neither one of us has anything else to do.”
    “No.” Valentine’s Day was just too personal.
    “Come on, this is the closest this queen will get to the presidency.”
    “You may be royalty, but I assure you the President, the First Lady, the First Daughter, and any other First Thompsons probably have a different view of what makes for acceptable royalty and family, and you and I are not included.”
    Mark offered to beg.
    “Why would you want to go?”
    “Because I like Jordan. I don’t know her that well, but what I do know I like. Besides, she told me she really wants us to be there.”
    “When did she tell you that? She didn’t tell me that.”
    “She called this morning to make sure we were both coming.”
    Drew shook her head. “You’re a pain, but if you want to go, go.”
    “I think she just wanted to be sure that you would be there.”
    “I don’t think it makes a bit of difference to her if I’m there.”
    “You’re wrong. Big time wrong. She likes you. That’s why she called this morning.”
    Drew shrugged. She wasn’t sure what else to say.
    “Do you…How do you feel about working with Jordan, then?” Mark asked. “I mean, aren’t you concerned about what will happen when she finds out about you?”
    “Which? That I’m gay or that my father hates hers?”
    “Either. Both.”
    “First, I’m her tutor. This is a business arrangement, remember?” Mostly, she amended. “Second, I have no intention of telling her I’m gay. Third, I doubt I’ll see much of her after next year. She’ll probably get someone else, anyway. Fourth, she’s not that bad if she’s not trying to kill me.”
    “Are you always this analytical?”
    Drew raised her hand as if she was going to count off an answer. “First….” Her smile gave her away.
    “You’re teasing again.”
    “I’m serious about not going to the party. I need to study.”
    “Study what? You could probably quote any textbook or any faculty word for word.”
    “When I’m focused on work, I don’t make time for parties.”
    “Then it’s decided. We’re going.”
    Drew groaned. “You’re impossible. Okay, we’ll go, but only for an hour.”
     
    *
     
    She was uncomfortable as soon as she arrived. The number of people at the party was not huge, but still there were at least two to three dozen present. The guys all had short, well-groomed hair and looked like they were poured from a collective mold. The females had long hair, mostly blond, and wore expensive designer clothes and jewelry. Her jeans and Western cut shirt were clean but not new and not expensive. “I’ve walked into an alternate reality.”
    “God, they’re clones,” said Mark.
    “My friend, look in the mirror. You could almost pass for a Republican. Notice I said almost.” She grinned at Mark’s feigned look of horror. Any response was halted by Jordan’s approach.
     
    *
     
    “Drew, Mark, I’m glad you decided to come.” Jordan hugged them both. “Let me introduce you.” She had nervously waited to see if they would show up. She happily grabbed each one by the arm and led them around making introductions. She hoped Drew, and Mark, she reminded herself, would enjoy themselves.
    Before she had a chance to ask about their day, Jordan was interrupted by Brandan Carter. He inserted himself next to her.
    “Hello, I’m Brandan Carter, Jordan’s boyfriend. Welcome to our party. You know today is Jordan’s birthday. I wanted to privately celebrate.” He moved his left arm around her waist in a possessive manner.