Up For Debate (Love and Desire Book 1) Read online

“Oh please, call me Emily… William, dear, let’s eat before the food gets cold.”

  “Coming dear.” William stands and turns around. He looks the same as he did in all of his senatorial photos. Suited, strong and regal almost. This is South Carolina royalty, one of the oldest families in the south. “Hello, Farah is it?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Wonderful to have you.”

  We head to the dinner table, each grabbing a plate, filling them with all the delicious Thanksgiving foods.

  “Hope you’re prepared for this,” a whisper comes from behind me as I’m loading up on mashed potatoes. When I turn my head, I see it’s Reece whom I’ve yet to greet.

  “What makes you say that?” I ask, smiling back at him.

  “Lawson doesn’t usually introduce women to the family. All he said was that someone would be joining us. He didn’t mention it’d be a girl… or one that looks like you.”

  I hate being called a girl. I know he didn’t mean it offensively. Reece seems gentle enough and I’m not scared off by the new information. I’ve never brought a guy home to meet my parents. “Well, I’m sure I can handle it. Maybe you could throw a girl a bone every once in a while with some distraction techniques if it looks like I need it.”

  He smiles at me. He looks very different from Lawson. Darker. His hair is almost black, like his father’s, but everyone in the family has the same haunting blue stare. “Maybe we should have a code.”

  “Yeah sure.” I laugh at him. “I’ll tug my ear if I’m needing some assistance.”

  “Hopefully I won’t get it confused with the other batting signs that’ll be happening at the table.”

  I laugh at him nervously. With a full plate, I head to the table, picking a chair between Lawson and his brother.

  “Farah, are you in Lawson’s classes here at the University of South Carolina?” His mother makes polite small talk.

  “No, ma’am. I’m behind Lawson a few years. In fact, he says that Reece and I are around the same age. I just turned twenty-one in September. In fact, Lawson and I share a birthday. That’s actually how we met.”

  “Oh so y’all just met this year, then?”

  Lawson joins in now. “Yes, Farah transferred this past semester. I helped her get registered for her junior year but she is pre-law. She’s very smart and far more dedicated to her studies than I was back then. She’s going to make a hell of a lawyer.”

  “Ah another lawyer in the room. Good to hear,” William speaks up. “What type of law will you practice?”

  “I’m interested in immigration law, but I also love working with women and am getting a minor in women’s studies. Lawson says you do a lot of work with domestic violence survivors, Emily.”

  “Why yes—” she starts but is cut off.

  “Immigration law? That’s not a very popular one. If you don’t mind, I must inquire about your own background. Were your ancestors recent immigrants?” Mr. Calhoun asks.

  “Actually my family migrated from Turkey. My father was working in the US consulate in Istanbul when he and my mother met in the nineties. We continued to live there until my grandmother died. The rest of my mom’s family was unhappy my father was an American and so we moved to be closer to his side. We’ve lived in Georgia since I was nine.”

  “Goodness. It was dangerous in Turkey in the nineties.”

  “Yes. I don’t remember it being so, I was quite young and didn’t fully understand it back then. Of course, now I can see all the risks my family took being together. I know it is why we ultimately made the decision to move.”

  “Well, things are not much better now. Do you have family still there? We’ve slapped sanctions on them and imposed tariffs. They were not happy with the security we provided them in the nineties and with the growing frustration with neighboring Syria, we risk even more with them today. It may only be a matter of time before the alliance between the two countries crumbles.”

  Mr. Calhoun is very engaged in his concerns, although I’m not sure how he expects me to respond. The tension at the table has grown a bit tense and people have stopped eating. I care about Turkey. I would love to go and see my family members that I have not seen in years, but I am not tied to them.

  “Yes, I’m not sure how it will go. I have to have the utmost faith in our country’s decision-makers as well as theirs to do what’s right for each country.” I feel comfortable with this response, although slightly nervous and I feel as if I am shaking a bit. I reach up on the side that Reece is seated on and gently caress my ear, pushing my hair behind it and tugging gently on my earring.

  “Yes, well, that’s why we’re training men like Lawson to lead the country. Right, Dad?” Reece distracts. God bless him.

  “Yes, that’s exactly right. Lawson, how are your classes going? You should have your internship coming up, have you heard where you’ll be assigned?”

  I drone out, mentally exhausted from the political agenda that’s clear in the room. I make an effort for the rest of dinner just to nod politely and provide short engaging answers.

  Once everyone has finished their meal, I offer to clear the table and Lawson joins me. His dad and brother have settled in the living room, continuing to watch the football game and his mom has gone off to the restroom to “freshen up.”

  Once we get all the dishes washed, I begin to box up leftovers to be stored. I sense Lawson’s eyes on me as he leans against the countertop next to me.

  “Do you have something to say or are you attempting to read my mind?”

  “The latter.”

  “Have you been successful?”

  “No. I wanted to apologize for the political talk at the table. That’s not customary for us but Dad can’t help himself sometimes.”

  “Has he been involved in Turkish relations?”

  “Not that I know of, but I don’t keep up with what all he has his hand in. Are you… upset?”

  “No, I’m not. I’m quite removed from Turkey. We barely keep in touch with the family we still have there, although I know that upsets my mom. I’d like to go back and visit someday but I understand there're shaky alliances right now and wouldn’t choose to do it anytime soon, it would be dangerous. I love Turkey. It’s my home, but so is America. And it’s not like we’re going to war with them. Just on the outs. Like a mutual break up, kind of. You’re pissed off and moody, but we aren’t at like tire slashing stage or anything.”

  “Tire slashing, huh?” he asks, raising his eyebrows. I shrug my shoulders in a ‘you never know’ kind of way.

  “Remind me to stay on your good side,” he leans in and whispers before pressing his full lips against my temple. A smile immediately is brought to my face and I close my eyes basking in his affection.

  “Ahem.” A throat clears to our right. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt. I was just going to see if you had plans for this evening. I thought you may want to hang out with Reece for a bit this evening. I’m sure he’d rather do that than come with us to see Jack,” his mom says, standing in the kitchen.

  “Yeah, sure. I’d love for him to hang out. When does he have to return?”

  “Tomorrow. There’s a room for him at the hotel if he wants it. Or if he’d rather stay with you that is fine as well.”

  “Great. It was good to see you, Mom. I’m glad you and Dad made it. Tell Jack I said hello.” I watch him kiss his mother on the forehead before grabbing her coat for her. We head over to the couch where William and Reece are readying themselves as well.

  “You’re sticking around, little brother. We have some catching up to do.”

  Reece smiles and pats his brother on the shoulder.

  “Will we see you at Reece’s graduation next month?” William asks.

  “Yeah, I have the invite stashed away somewhere. I wouldn’t miss it. He can celebrate by cooking us all a big meal,” Lawson says, winking jokingly at his younger brother.

  The Calhouns come to stand in front of us. “Farah, darling. It was nice to meet you
. Good luck with your studies. I hope you enjoy it here in South Carolina.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Calhoun. It was good to meet the both of you as well. I really appreciate you letting me join your Thanksgiving celebration. The holiday is too short for me to return to Georgia.”

  Lawson walks his parents out to their car, and I fall down into the couch.

  “Thanks for the save at dinner. I thought you were joking before.”

  “The Calhoun family NEVER jokes,” he says sarcastically, and I snicker. “Mom and Dad are good people, just a bit intimidating and set in their ways politically. I’m not sure they realize you and Lawson are dating though. You guys didn’t exactly say anything during lunch.”

  “It’s new. Like brand new, I don’t think we wanted to rush anything, but your mom just walked into the kitchen when Lawson was kissing me. It was innocent, but it wasn’t a friendly classmate kiss, so I’m sure she’s putting it together.”

  Reece just nods and Lawson walks back in.

  “So,” he says, clapping his hands together. “What do y’all want to do tonight?”

  CHAPTER 12 – PAST

  “Most everything is shut down until midnight, when the Black Friday crazies come out.”

  “I’m down for whatever,” Reece says.

  Lawson pulls his phone out and I notice that I didn’t see him use it at all while his parents were here and I wonder if that was by coincidence or if it was a rule for them. He types out something on it and within minutes it begins pinging.

  “Finn’s in town. His parents are on vacation in France or some shit. He says we can come over. He’s sending out an invite to see if anyone else is around. We’ve got to grab beer. Reecey, you single? I got a girl I want you to meet.” Lawson’s affectionate name for Reece is adorable but you can tell Reece is less enthused by it.

  “Yeah, I’m single. She better be hot because last time you tried to set me up with someone her tits were so big they would have acted like flotation devices if I tossed her in the pool… which I considered doing just to test the theory.”

  “They were great tits!” Lawson responds as if he’s forgotten I’m in the room. I glare at him and point to myself as if to say, ‘I’m right here’ to which he responds, “If you’re into that kind of thing.”

  I’m suddenly self-conscious, which I have no reason to be because I’m fairly curvy in all the right places. I’ve not been here long enough to know the girls Lawson’s slept with, only that he’s surrounded by a gaggle of them each time I see him. I’ve seen Veronica once when it was dark in a bar and I’d had far too much to drink, but he makes it seem like that was a set up by their parents.

  “Let’s go.” I walk past him out the door but not without slapping the back of his head before I pass. He deserves it for that comment.

  Reece and Lawson follow behind me and I can hear Reece chiding Lawson. “Smooth move, asshat.”

  “Shut up. At least I have a girlfriend.”

  “Yeah, I thought Mom and Dad were going to have to handcuff you to a woman for you to settle down.”

  “Hey, hey. I didn’t say anything about settling down. I’m just only dating one person.”

  “Y’all know I can hear you both, right?” I ask as I push open the door.

  “Which is precisely why I was about to tell Reece here all the amazing things I know about you,” Lawson coos.

  “Proceed,” I say, interested in what he plans to follow this up with.

  I wouldn’t say Lawson and I know each other that well other than the things we shared on our picnic that got rained out. He was obviously a bit more forthcoming with information than I was that day. I’m still quite skeptical of him and relationships. I think he was more scared of me making the decision to cut all ties from him than he was of dating me… but I’m not sure that justifies a reason to do just that. Does he want to date? Or does he just want to be the person calling the shots? Cher convinced me not to overthink it… and I try not to… most days. Lawson’s lips on mine is mind blowing, I’ll take whatever he’s offering for that alone.

  “She’s hella smart.”

  “Bullshit, you teach me half the shit I need to do for my classes.”

  “As I was saying, that’s exactly why she’s hella smart.”

  “—such a narcissist,” I cut in.

  “She’s got goals other than to be a housewife.”

  “True.”

  “She’s sassy, in a sexy way.”

  I just ponder this one. Lawson thinks I’m sexy. Hearing it aloud and in front of his brother almost makes me want to crawl inside a hole and die… or at least scream like a prepubescent girl.

  “And look at her ass.”

  “Hey!” I say at this last one.

  “Right,” he quickly corrects. “Don’t look at her ass. Like ever. Just take my word that it’s fucking phenomenal.” He kisses me on the cheek and opens the car door for me. I crawl in and Reece gets in the back, while Lawson runs around.

  “Well, isn’t he smitten?”

  “He’s just putting on a show,” I say, rolling my eyes even though Reece can’t see them.

  “No, for once I don’t think he is.”

  I’m not sure I hear Reece correctly, he says it so soft, but I don’t get the chance to ask him to clarify before Lawson climbs in.

  We buy more beer than what I believe is acceptable to put in a moving car at one time but to be fair, I’ve never looked up if there is a law on that, but Lawson seems to be fine with it.

  When we get to Finn’s, there are already people collecting and drinking their own beer. Finn’s house is even nicer than the one Lawson and Grant share. Lawson immediately spots people he knows and bolts to say hello. Reece and I follow like obedient pets, not knowing many others here.

  “Sorry, I’m still kind of new here. I don’t know many people.”

  He shrugs. “There’s Finn, we can go hang out with him until Lawson appeases his people,” he jokes and it’s clear that he’s used to having to play second fiddle to his older brother’s antics.

  “Hey Farah, I didn’t know you’d be here,” Finn exclaims.

  “Yep. Out-of-stater,” I say, pointing to myself. “No point in rushing home.” He nods.

  “Well, it’s our win then,” he says, and I appreciate his comforting and kind words. “Hey, Reecey!” he says, pulling Reece in for a hug. “How have you been?”

  “Good. I’m good. I finish culinary school next month.”

  “Damn, that means you’ll be out in the real world before the rest of us. What are you going to do?”

  “I’m sure I’ll find something. I have my eye on a few places to get started.”

  “Alright well let us know, we’ll come to wherever you’re employed and return every plate we order.”

  “I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Reece replies.

  “Hey, come help me set up the beer pong table outside?”

  I look around the living room to see if I can spot Lawson, but I don’t and so I follow Finn and Reece outside. With the sun setting, it’s growing colder out, and I bundle up under the too thin jacket I brought.

  A large plywood tabletop is laying on its side and we place it on some sawhorse brackets. It’s had the University of South Carolina logo and mascot painted onto it in red and black. The Gamecocks. How I looked past that to pick a law school I’ll never know.

  “Alright I guess we get first dibs on it,” he says, clapping his hands. “Lawson,” he shouts into the house through the open sliding door. “Let’s go, you’re on my team.”

  I follow his gaze and spot Lawson inside looking extra friendly while chatting with two different girls. Irritation immediately washes over me and I pretend to not be affected, as both Finn and Reece look over at me to spot my reaction.

  “Unless Farah wants to steal you onto hers,” Finn offers kindly, but I decline.

  “No, I’m good with Reece. You chumps just want to pick on the young guys.” I mask my annoyance.

 
“Hey, who you calling chumps?” Lawson inquires as he makes his way out to join us. He’s oblivious to what I just saw him doing. Schmoozing in his typical way with other women.

  “I believe she was calling you a chump,” Reece fills in as he begins setting out our cups.

  Lawson eyes me with a heavy stare as if he’s trying to read me, gauge my reaction. I don’t want him to read anything about me. I want to hide away the insecurities he’s just made me feel until even I can’t find them.

  “Ladies first.” Finn gestures toward the table.

  A few others have meandered out toward us and are watching. I haven’t played beer pong in a while and even then, I never played it often. I don’t like failing at anything, especially in front of others. Especially in front of Lawson.

  I take a deep breath before I pick up the small ping pong ball, bend my elbow, and shoot it, sending it flying toward their cups. It hits the rim of one of the Solo cups and bounces off.

  “Sorry, I may not be the best at this game,” I say to Reece. He grabs his own ball and without a second thought tosses it straight into a cup.

  “That’s okay. I am,” Reece confidently tells me and shoots me a boyish smile that shows off his dimples.

  Finn and Lawson take their turns with one shot being made and Reece offers to take the first drink.

  The game goes pretty smoothly and the table separating Lawson from me is giving me time to my thoughts, and time to get to know Reece. I make a couple shots, but Reece does most of the work, however, he does give me a high five when I blow a swirling ball out of the cup. We beat them by two cups and they get stuck finishing our drinks off.

  “Let’s play a different game,” Lawson suggests, bitter at the loss, but he doesn’t mention it.

  “It doesn’t matter what game you pick, Lawson, I’m still going to beat you at it. You need to just stick to law, it’s your strong point,” Reece teases Lawson playfully, walking over and shoving his shoulder and Lawson brings him into a headlock. The boys are close to the same size. Reece slips out and pulls away. It’s hard not to smile at the two horsing around and Lawson catches me watching.

  “Come to this end of the table. Finn, go grab us a shot glass.” Lawson gestures to me to go join them and I hesitantly do so. I’m still bitter and not sure how I feel about him and the way he still acts around other women. He senses my hesitation and pulls me by my hand to him and grabs us some chairs, placing me next to him. Finn returns with a shot glass and a couple of beers, placing them on the table. Lawson reaches into his pocket and digs around before pulling out some change, and hands us each a quarter.