Page 138 of Notorious

I tug him into a hug. “That kid gonna be okay?”

“We have staff watching him at all times, but I think forming a connection with him, showing up when I say I will, and listening to him are the big things. Getting him medical help, of course. And making him promise me he’ll stay alive until the next time. I’m getting a chance to keep these kids from becoming Andrei,” he says.

I kiss him, then go around to the driver’s side. As we head home, I ask, “What was Andrei like?”

Kurt looks out the window for a moment. “I mean, he was a kid. We were in high school. We liked music and art and movies. We were trying to figure out what our style was and who we were. He had a darkness to him, an edge, and I think I found it seductive, but he also had a fun, goofy side. He liked the absurd. He didn’t think that he fit in.”

“Not many of us do,” I say.

“Yeah. I know. But I let these kids know that not fitting in is how we all feel. Maybe that will help them hang in there.”

“You’re damn good at that. But remember, it’s not all on you.”

He shakes his head. “I know. All I can do is my best. Show up for them. Love them. Respect them. Listen to them.”

He’s way more suited for this job than being a senator … or designing mailing inserts for utility bills. He’s also throwing his energies into getting his mom elected. While he doesn’t have the stomach for a lot of the things that go on in the background of politics, he has an interest in policy, and he can donate his skills in art and graphics.

I let him go on his rants about fairness, and when he’s done, I kiss him silly.

It works. I love his passion and how much he cares.

And I love that he can be on the ground, working to create the changes he wants, but still have the ear of those who are higher up.

It seems ideal.

A year after Kurt and I met, I pause at the front doors of a Sacramento art museum.

“What’s the plan, precious?” I ask, feeling relaxed and confident. I won’t know many people in there, but that don’t matter none, because they’ll all know us.

“As far as I know, we just need to show up,” Kurt says, looking dapper in a classic black tuxedo. I’m wearing a western-style tuxedo, my white cowboy hat, and my favorite boots. My good dog Lady is on a leash at our heels. She goes most places with me.

“I love the fact that you’re here with me,” he says. “I’ve done these events by myself, and it’s so much better with someone else. And you’re not just someone else. You’re you.”

“Precious, everything’s better with you.”

“Shall we go in?”

I give him a quick kiss and open the door. We cause quite a stir walking in. Likely because in this hat and boots I’m close to seven feet tall. But more likely because on my arm is the most handsome man in existence.

Oh, and his mom’s the front-runner for president of the United States.

I’ve lost track of how many photos I’ve been in, standing behind her as she talks at a lectern. Standing next to my husband. Supporting her.

Supporting him supporting her.

The Delmonts treat me like I’m a natural part of the family. I’m Kurt’s husband. Part of the group.

It makes me feel more welcomed than I ever have in my entire life.

With me at his side, Kurt goes up to potential donor after potential donor and charms them into supporting his mom. Or charms them into donating more money to her. To pledging more assistance. He reminds them what it is we’re fighting for.

Makes me proud to be part of this family.

At the end of the night, Kurt and I are deciding whether to go back to the hotel or get a drink at one of the Sacramento watering holes.

“Do you have any plans tonight, cowboy?” Kurt asks, making me chuckle. Reminding me of the night we first met.

I kiss him. “The only plan I have right now is to spend the rest of my life with you.”

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