Free Fourth of July by Cami Checketts Page A

most important people in their lives!”
    “I’m sorry I didn’t go rushing down to the scene,” Robert said through clenched teeth. “Some of us had other responsibilities to attend to.”
    “Other responsibilities?” Alexis dug her fingernails into the car’s soft leather seat, wishing it were Robert’s hand. “Your stupid boat is more important than someone’s life?”
    “I didn’t say that,” Robert retorted in his firm, ever calm voice. “There was absolutely nothing I could have done to help.”
    The light changed from yellow to red. Robert slammed on his brakes, honking at the driver in front of them who failed to fly through the caution.
    Alexis glared at the perfectly-aligned features illuminated by the streetlights. “As far as I’ve heard no one was turned away who offered to help. One man carried the wounded to ambulances but I guess you couldn’t have done that. Someone might have bled on your Ralph Lauren shirt.”
    Alexis knew it wasn’t fair to compare Robert to Chris but she couldn’t help it. Chris was warm and compassionate where Robert was a selfish, egotistical... She shouldn’t even think the word she wanted to call him.
    Robert raked his hand through his hair. “Come on, Alexis, that isn’t fair. I didn’t help. So sue me. I thought Christians were supposed to be forgiving.”
    “I thought you were a Christian. Christians are supposed to help their neighbors or don’t they teach you the principles of the Savior at the high-dollar church you go to?”
    “Don’t make fun of my church,” Robert said through clenched teeth. The light changed and he sped through the intersection. “And help people? You don’t have a clue. I help people all the time. My family donates millions of dollars to charities.”
    Take some deep breaths . Alexis wondered if he even recognized how shallow his statement was. His family giving money that wouldn’t make a dent in their annual income didn’t make him charitable. She decided lecturing Robert wouldn’t do any good. The man obviously didn’t possess a heart.
    “You know, there is one thing I hope we can agree on,” Alexis softened her tone.
    Robert’s eyes left the road for a second as he eyed her warily. “What’s that?”
    “That we never want to see each other again.” She folded her arms across her chest.
    “Oh, come on Alexis, be reasonable. We’ve had a great time together. You don’t have to get all fired up and act like this.”
    “Like what?”
    Robert flew around a corner, his wheels squealing. “Like an idealistic psycho.”
    Alexis raised her eyebrows. “Ooh, so we’ve resorted to name calling like two-year olds.”
    “Alexis.” He blew his breath out. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to pick a fight with you. I really care for you.” He tried to reach for her hand. She jerked it from his grasp.
    “Robert, the only thing you care about is your political ambition.”
    He slunk several inches lower into the leather seat.
    “I’d be willing to bet all those millions you’ve donated to charity,” Alexis continued, contempt for him oozing from her voice, “that you’ll be giving some speech within the next few weeks using every word I’ve uttered tonight to make yourself sound more sympathetic.”
    Fiddling with a button on the dashboard, Robert refused to meet her eyes.
    Alexis rushed on. “Sure you care for me.” She laughed. “Until I make you look bad.”
    “Alexis, you know that’s not true—”
    “Why didn’t you follow me and make sure I was okay?” What was she saying? The last thing she wanted was someone else interrupting her interlude with Chris.
    The gas pedal was jammed further into the floor. “What was I supposed to do? You were extremely offensive to Mrs. Geary. Do you have any idea how influential she and her husband are in D.C.’s political society? I had to smooth over everything you said.”
    “I’ll bet you did. What lie did you tell?”
    When Robert didn’t respond to her