More Than Rivals (22 page)

Thank you to everyone who supported my Congressional bid. I hope you, too, will see the wisdom in my choice to stay in the legislature and my endorsement of Supervisor Robles. I’ll work hard for her election, and I urge you to join me in voting for her in the primary in June and again in the general election in November.

“You can’t be serious,” Lily murmured as she looked up from the page.

“I am.” He grinned. “And I’m really happy about my decision.”

“Jack, I don’t think it’s that simple. What will people say if you drop out? The blow back will be horrible.”

“It won’t be that bad. I’ll weather it. They’ll say I never really wanted the seat—that I was only doing it to get my name out there.” He shrugged. “It’s sort of true.”
 

“It’s only partially true.” She placed the statement on the table as if to put it open for debate. “You were running in an election you knew you’d lose just to get your name out there, but you’ve wanted to be in Congress your whole life.”

“Yeah, but…”

“This is silly. You’ll hold it against me for the rest of our lives. We can’t build a relationship with that kind of resentment.”

“What did you tell me last night? You said that you wouldn’t ever resent dropping out of the race because it would be your choice. The same thing is true for me. I’ll never resent you over this because I’m doing this on my own. It was my idea. I stand by everything I’ve said in the statement.”

“You’re nuts!” she said, not believing what she was hearing.

“And you’re going to be the next Congressperson from California’s second district,” he said with a grin.
 

Lily continued to look at him like he’d lost his marbles. When she was quiet, he must’ve sensed she wasn’t buying what he was saying because he took her hands in his. “I’m not crazy, and I won’t resent you. I’m happy with this. I think it’s the best for me, for you, and for us, and actually, I believe what I say in that statement. You are the right person for this district.”

“Oh, Jack…” she whispered. Her heartbeat picked up the pace as she realized he spoke the truth, yet she still wanted more confirmation. “Are you sure?”

“I am.” He happily squeezed her hand. “Besides. I’ve got bigger fish to fry than Congress.”

“You’re such a cocky bastard.” She giggled and kissed his cheek. “But I love you.

Later that morning, Jack was in Bill’s office at Dresser and DuBoise as the media began its response to his statement. Huddled with his best friend, the venerated law firm provided the perfect location for Jack to both be available for public comment, but not be under his staff’s judgmental eyes. While they respected his decision, they didn’t understand it. On the other hand, Bill understood the decision, respected it, and found great joy in making fun of the whole thing.
 

As Jack ended a call mollifying one of his supporters, Bill poked his head around the door. “You free?” he asked with a smile.

“Yup,” Jack said, leaning back in his chair. He rubbed his neck to relieve the tension.

Bill walked in with his iPad in hand and announced in a cocky voice, “Some more shit just hit the fan.”
 

“Very funny,” muttered Jack.

 
“Aw, hell,” Bill said as he sank into the sofa. “It’s not so bad. You knew this was going to happen.”

“I did, and I’m happy with my decision. Today is just tough.”

“Well, the San Francisco political gods have spoken.”

“MacMillian and Kellog?” Jack asked, giving the names of the town’s most respected political gadflies.
 

“Yup. They just wrote a blog on you. It’s their typical snark, but I think it will play to your favor.”

“Read it to me,” Jack demanded in earnest.
 

“Here goes,” said Bill as he read from his screen.
 

With any good California earthquake, the aftershocks can be just as powerful as the original quake. The same holds true in politics as seen today by State Senator Jack Bengston’s announcement he’s dropping out of the race for California’s second Congressional District. Just yesterday, State Senator Charles Kingsley dropped out of the same race for health reasons after a serious heart attack. Kingsley had been the odds on favorite to win the primary and then the general election in the fall. When he announced yesterday, he endorsed Bengston so it’s more than a little curious that Bengston would drop out after being ordained the next front-runner.

The scuttlebutt is that the political climber, Bengston, never really wanted to be in Congress; he was just in the race to get some publicity as he toils away in obscurity at the state legislature. Bengston’s sights are higher than Congress. He eventually wants to be governor, and dealing with all the crazies in Washington, DC doesn’t really get him there. If he stayed in the race as the front runner, not only could he have ended up in Congress, but the race could’ve gotten ugly. Bengston doesn’t have Kingsley’s gravitas, and the other three candidates would be ready to take him to task.
 

In particular, Sonoma County Supervisor Ursula Robles is a savvy and popular politician. Also Latina, she would’ve been a force to be reckoned with. That’s probably why Bengston dropped out—why get beat up for a job you don’t really want? Instead, he’s now endorsed Robles and is permanently in her good graces. In fact, she owes him one. That’s all good for Bengston because unless she gets caught drowning cute little kittens, we’re all going to be calling her Congresswoman Robles come January next year.
 

Jack stared at the ceiling gathering his thoughts. When he looked at Bill again, he said, “You’re right. If that’s the spin, it could eventually work for me.”

“Totally. You take a short term hit because you look a little ungrateful and kind of calculating, but in the long-term no one will really care because it makes sense.”

“Well, a few of my donors care…”

“How have those calls been going?”

“Not too bad. I’d say only 1 in 20 wants their money back. Most people are fine with my reasoning. They just want any unused cash rolled over to my next campaign.”

“See. Not so bad.” Bill’s lips turned up into a devilish grin. “But when everyone figures out that you and Lily are more than friends,
then
people will care again.”
 

Jack chuckled. “That’s something no one will know until
after
she’s elected. We’ve already talked about it. We’re going to keep things quiet.”

***

That night, Lily knocked on Jack’s door, grinning as she examined the patterns in the wood. It was a smile that had rarely left her face all day. Though she’d talked to Jack several times that day, the thought of seeing him in person again made her grin even brighter.

When Jack opened the door, he smiled as well. “Look who’s here. You told me you couldn’t talk anymore because you were driving.”

“I
was
driving and now I can talk.”

“You left out the part that you were driving to see me. Come on in,” he said, ushering her inside.

After he closed the door behind him, he turned and took her hand. “To what do I owe this visit?”

“I wanted to see you,” she said, placing her purse on the long side table.

“I wanted to see you, too,” he said as he brushed her hair to the side. “But I thought we were going to lay low for a while.”

“Of course, we don’t want to be seen together
too
much.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “But you said in your statement today you were going to work hard for my election. I thought about it, and you gave us a wonderful excuse.”
 

 
“What does that have to do with you being here right now?” he asked with a raised brow.

“I’m here to talk about my campaign,” she said and crushed her mouth to his.
 

Their kiss was hard and needy as if they both were trying to show the range of emotions they’d had that day. Fear, sadness, and joy rang through them, culminating into pure physical need. Lily pressed her body against his, which she thought might get her a quick trip to his bedroom, but instead he wasted no time on a proper location. He lifted her by the hips and placed her on the side table, hitting a giant vase in the process. They both broke away to look at the vase as it wobbled and clattered back to its place.
 

“Oops.” Lily giggled. “Sorry.”

“I’m not sorry at all,” he quipped.

Her eyes gazed first at his chest and then lower, to the obvious bulge in his jeans. As she looked back up at him again, she wrapped her legs around his waist. He groaned when they made contact. He kissed her again as his hands wandered up and down her pant legs and then unbuttoned her blouse. She shivered in anticipation, but she really didn’t want to wait. When he ran his thumb across her nipple, she moved her hips against his, finding him equally ready.

 
“Should we go to your bedroom?” she murmured.

His head now nestled in her breasts, it took a moment for him to respond. “Do we have to?” he asked with a chuckle.

“Not at all.” She laughed, scooting back on the narrow table. She’d be more comfortable in his bed, but she’d do anything for this man.
 

On election night in early November, there wasn’t a parking space to be had within blocks of the Sonoma Democratic headquarters. Jack had arranged to meet his parents in front of the building, and he checked his watch as the people streamed by him—all with smiles. He knew many of the faces who said or stopped for a short chat. Some of those smiles had a slight knowing look to them. Though it hadn’t been gossiped publicly yet, the Democratic inner circle had become suspicious there was something more to his “friendship” with Lily.
 

When he spotted his parents, Natasha kissed Jack’s cheek. “Evening, Jack. This looks to be a wonderful turnout for Lily.”

“It is.” He smiled.

George patted him on the back. “Well, if the polls are right she’s won by a landslide.” He gave him an approving nod. “Good for you.”

Jack shook his head. “In the end, I didn’t have much to do with it. I just got out of her way.” He gestured toward the door. “Let’s go in.”

   
The hallways of the building had a few people milling about, but as they entered the large conference space the number of bodies was oppressive. People were crammed so tightly it was difficult to move. Jack’s height allowed him to survey the room, and he quickly spotted the tight spots around the buffet tables and open bars with bottles of champagne on ice waiting for the media to call the race for Lily.
 

The tightest throng was around Lily as she greeted her supporters. He hoped she would look up and see him, but her focus was on her well-wishers. She shook hands, kissed cheeks, patted backs, but mostly gave hugs to all the people who’d helped her along the way.
   

A voice from the crowd stopped his observations. “Senator Bengston!” it called.
 

Jack looked over to see one of his own donors coming straight toward him. She was an elderly retiree who dabbled in politics and golf. Only a minute into the conversation he realized what he should’ve thought of long ago. It was going to be a long night of lots tedious conversations and little time with Lily. Wanting an out, he quickly introduced her to his parents. When he was free from her, he looked about the room again trying to plot out the easiest path to Lily. Soon a familiar face caught his eye.

Walking toward the exit was Lily’s mother, Martha, with Luke in tow behind. Luke was the first to speak. He grinned and called out Jack’s name.

“Hey,” Jack said in return. “I forgot I’d get to see you here.”

“They’re making me go home,” Luke grumbled.

“It’s already late on a school night,” said Martha in a reminding tone. “There will be plenty of other times to celebrate. Remember you get to miss school and go to her swearing-in in Washington, DC.”

“I know.” Luke frowned at the room. “It’s too crowded in here anyway.” He turned to Jack and smiled again. “Can you come over this weekend?”

“We’ll see,” Jack said, tousling Luke’s hair. “I’ll try. Your mom is going to be busy for a while.”

“Well, just come over to see me,” said Luke.

“I’d like that,” said Jack. He smiled at Martha. “Evening, Martha. I’d like to introduce you and Luke to my parents.”

Hearing they were being called, his parents begged off their conversation and turned to around to see Martha. Natasha extended her hand and smiled. “Hello, you must be Lily’s mother. I’m Natasha. I’m so happy to finally meet you.”

Martha shook her hand and smiled. “I feel the same way. Please call me Martha. My husband will be excited to meet you as well.” She pointed in the direction of Lily. “He’s somewhere in the crowd, though.”

“This is my husband, George,” Natasha said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

After George and Martha spoke for a moment, he bent down and shook Luke’s hand. “And you must be the famous Luke. I hear you’re a great soccer player.”

“Not really,” said Luke with a shy smile. “But Jack has been teaching me.”

“I know he loves doing it,” said Natasha, looking down at the boy.

As George and Natasha spoke with Luke, Martha patted Jack’s arm. “Lily will be so happy to see you.”

“I don’t know about that,” he said, raising his head above the crowd. “She’s busy tonight.”

“Just give her some time. She’ll see you.”

Jack nodded, though he wasn’t hopeful. After a few more minutes of conversation, Martha nudged Luke out the door and onto bed. Jack and his parents then fanned the room for the next hour. The event was raucous and the mood happy, but Jack became dour. Though he’d talked with Lily throughout the day, he’d hope to be able to have a word with her that night. When it was announced that the media had called the race for her and she was indeed a new Congresswoman, Jack had wanted to be by her side. Instead he was stuck in a corner with an annoying real estate lobbyist, while she shared the joy with her father, Jordan, and the rest of her staff.