Page 116 of Notorious

“Look.” I blow out a breath. “I’m venting. I’m sorry for taking my frustration out on you. I can’t change the world, even though I want to. I wish your former profession didn’t matter to people, but it does. But that doesn’t change how I feel about you.”

Johnny nods. “I think, at this point, you might as well get through the election. See what happens. If you don’t get elected, you concede like a gentleman and then go back to your graphic design job or go work for Weston & Ramirez House. Sound like a plan?”

I shrug. “Yeah, I guess.”

“Or you could just do your own art.”

I stare at him. “I forgot about that.”

He smiles at me and kisses me. “I didn’t. Why don’t we go for a walk? Get some fresh air.”

“Yeah. That sounds good.”

We put a leash on Lady and walk her along the beach. I don’t feel better, exactly. But I feel heard, and in some ways, that’s the same thing.

Two days later, on election night, I’m at a nearby hotel holding a press conference attended by a dozen or so reporters, plus Johnny, Sam, a few other friends, Paige, and some volunteers. My statement is brief: “I congratulate Herb Santangelo on his win tonight and look forward to voting for him in November. I want to thank everyone who voted for me and who supported me in this election. I’m now looking forward to having time to focus on other interests, including campaigning for my mother, Melissa Delmont, as she runs for president. And enjoying my marriage with John Haskell. I’m lucky to have him at my side every day. He’s the best person I’ve ever met.”

There’s silence at first, which morphs into applause.

More important, I feel like applauding.

In a way, it’s a relief that I lost. I talked myself into going into politics, but I never really had the drive to be a politician. I just felt like I had to do something meaningful with my life.

I might be able to give back more, though, in a different way.

And I’m fucking proud to have claimed Johnny publicly. I married a porn star. So what? I adore him.

Sam comes up to me when I step down from the podium. “Noah and August want to offer you the policy director job for Weston & Ramirez House. The salary is low, but they’ll add you to the office health insurance, and you get great benefits. Are you in? Do you need to do it part time, because of your day job?”

“I’ll quit,” I say without hesitation. “I’d love to be involved.”

I’ve been getting out of bed for the election, and then to help Johnny.

But now I’m truly looking forward to a new challenge and the next phase in my life.

A few days later, Johnny and I get a video call we’ve been not-so-patiently waiting for.

“Okay, they’re here!” May Ella whispers, her face in the camera as she walks to the front door of the house in Fresno and opens it. On the stoop are my momther and dad, smiling. “Hi! Come on in! So nice to meet you. Mama and I are so happy y’all took the time to come by.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, May, as well,” Momther says.

“Kurt and Johnny are here,” May says, holding up the phone.

“We didn’t want to miss this,” I explain.

“Wonderful,” Momther says. She follows May Ella into the living room where Sue Ann stands.

The camera gets shaky, but the look on Sue Ann’s face is one I’ll never forget—a softness combined with an irrepressible smile. Her eyes well with tears, and she holds out her hands. “So you’re Melissa.”

Momther walks right over and hugs her so tight Sue Ann lets out a little gasp. “You’re going to get better,” Momther—err Mom—says. “You have a lot of living to do.”

May bursts into tears, and even Dad seems to be rubbing at his eyes.

“Thank you,” Sue Ann says. “You have no idea how much I will be in your debt.”

“No debt,” my mom says. “Family takes care of each other.”

“Would anyone like some iced tea?” May Ella asks, and they settle in to make plans for the surgery. After a bit, Johnny and I sign off.

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