Senator Sanford’s birthday was the last great social event of the summer (at least before labour day weekend). Held at the The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown on the evening of the 20th, it could hardly be considered an intimate gathering, but his father’s birthdays had been this way for as long as Henry could remember. Part display of opulence and class, part networking event. He’s obligated to mingle with his father’s powerful friends and he can’t help but feel like a little kid, even with his new position. He can’t help but feel relieved when he saw her across the room, immediately making circling on the outskirts of the room to get to her. Though the party wasn’t solely filled with Republicans (power is power no matter who wields it, his father would say), the demographics certainly skewed right. “Hello,” he greeted her warmly, “it’s nice to see you.” He wasn’t sure if she would come or not. He wouldn’t exactly blame her. He’s not sure if he should have invited her, but his father hadn’t said something, and she had been nice to him, so he felt like it would be a kind gesture in return. He doesn’t really see why their two parties needed to be at each other’s throats.