Page 117 of Ambiguous
“Mom,” I protest. “It’s not that big a deal.”
It’s a big deal.
“It very much is,” she says. “Particularly given that there’s an article in theGuardiansaying Julian’s brother claims the campaign has been making up your relationship with Kurt all along.”
Which it has been, but that is definitely not what she wants to hear right now.
“We are fully in damage control mode. I have a car bringing Kurt over to pick you up. You and he are going to go for a walk on the Santa Monica Pier and get photographed at Muscle Beach. You are going to tell the press that the photographs from earlier today were just fun with a friend and that your relationship with Kurt is very real and as strong as ever.”
“What? No!” I sweep my free hand out.
Her sharp voice stops me in my tracks. “Your grandfather’s slipping in the polls, and this story could be catastrophic. We all have to do what we can to help. If you get this campaign derailed, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”
My throat aches. “Mom. Have some perspective. I’m not that important to the campaign.” Though a story about the relationship being fake isn’t good news. Mom’s right; that’s the sort of thing that might blow up. “I think there might be a silver lining here. Julian is such a big name, the bigger story as far as the press is concerned has to be him coming out as being in a same-sex relationship.” I’m reaching, but hey—it’s worth a try to get her to calm down a bit.
“I thought everyone already assumed he was gay.”
“That’s what I said originally,” I admit. “But there’s a difference between suspicions and fact. It’s a big deal for him to confirm it.”
“It’s not too late for him to deny it, though. He could say it’s a misinterpretation, like theGuardianarticle.”
“He’s not going to do that.”
“Well, we need to do what we can on our end, anyway.”
My stomach hurts.
There’s a knock on my door. I cringe.
“Is he there yet?” my mom asks.
“Hold on.” I open the door and Kurt is standing there, looking grim. “Yes,” I say into the phone. “Kurt’s here. Yes, I’ll go out and take fake pictures one last time. But no more.” I hang up on her.
“You ready?” Kurt asks, his smile forced.
Checking my hair in the mirror, I nod, grab my keys, and follow him out to the waiting car.
“Look,” Kurt says, “I know you don’t want to do this. But we can’t have that bigot in charge. One last photo op should take the heat off.”
“Yeah.” I sigh. “Okay.” I think he’s wrong; if Colin really told the press we’ve been faking this relationship…
Oh god. Does Julian know about the article? He must. What is he thinking? What is hefeeling? My chest feels heavy, and there’s a sour taste in my mouth. I text Julian.
Sam: We have a lot to talk about. I quit my job, and there’s some article? Colin?
Jules: Call me
Sam: I can’t right now. Too much going on.
Sam: My family have basically ordered me to go on a public date with Kurt right now.
Jules: What?
Sam: I’m in a car, headed to go, like, hold hands or kiss or be affectionate in public.
Sam: It’s making me sick.
And it is. My chest is tingling, and my stomach is rolling.
