Page 28 of Ambiguous
We’re in a chandelier-festooned ballroom, and servers circulate with trays of appetizers. I recognize two actors, a well-known director, a supermodel, and a bunch of political types.
I just showed up as directed. I didn’t even bother asking what the event was for, specifically.
I arrived a bit later than I usually do to these things. The room is buzzing with excitement. Maybe Pop-Pop is going to announce new legislation or something. At any rate, I’m here.
My grandfather stands in the middle of the room, wearing a sharp suit and flashing his signature grin. He holds up his hands, and everyone quiets down, hanging on his every word.
I wonder what Julian is doing right now. If he’s writing another song.
What would happen if he came with me to one of these things? No one would pay attention to my grandfather, that’s for sure.
“Friends, welcome,” Pop-Pop says. “I’m pleased to make an announcement I’m sure you’ve all been waiting for.”
I haven’t been waiting for any damned announcement.
The jostling media horde, however, apparently was, judging by their cameras, microphones, and handheld recording devices.
“I’m pleased to let you all know that I’ve thrown my hat in the ring to be California’s next governor. And Melissa Delmont is running for lieutenant governor—I hope we’ll have the opportunity to work together to lead this great state.”
Kurt’s mom.
Save me Cardi B.
I’d heard talk about this possibility at family dinners for years and years, but I didn’t know it was going to be this election cycle. I plaster on a smile, knowing there are cameras everywhere.
Good thing I like my “boyfriend.” Because it looks like we are going to be spending a lot of time with each other.
I eye Kurt across the room, and he comes over and squeezes my hand. “Did you know?”
I shake my head. “Did you?”
He wraps an arm around my waist and holds me close, whispering in my ear as if he’s nibbling on it. “Only this morning. I can’t believe they’ve been working on this forever and didn’t tell us. Governor is a huge difference from legislator.”
“You ready?”
“No. But at least I have a friend.”
I smile and kiss his cheek. A camera clicks near us. “Right.”
But I can’t help thinking how my life is going to change during the race… and beyond, if Pop-Pop wins. California’s economy is massive—I think it’s between India’s and Germany’s, if it were separate from the US—and the decisions the governor makes often resonate far beyond the state’s borders. There’s no doubt I’m going to be having my picture taken a lot more. And have even less time to myself.
“How come I haven’t seen you as much lately? I had to do one of these without you,” Kurt asks.
Shrugging, I grin, thinking of Jules. “You know how my work gets. And have you been following the restroom legislation that’s being proposed in…” I natter on about my real passion and hold Kurt’s hand as the reporters turn to us asking for a statement. We smile and offer our support for the candidates.
This must be a small fraction of what Julian Hill deals with on a daily basis.
I can’t imagine what it’s like to be him.
CHAPTER12
Jules
My eyes sting with the aftereffects of camera flashes, amoeba-like bursts keeping me from seeing the luxe hallway clearly. But my band steers me in the right direction, and together, we navigate to the correct part of the Loughty Chandler Hotel.
I’m not really into making appearances for appearance’s sake, but I make an exception every year for this event, given that I’m a sponsor.
“I love this hotel,” Lizzie breathes, her hand in Janice’s. They’re my backup singers. The other members of my band are here, too. Stu and Mitch grin at me as Stu takes off his sunglasses. We’re all decked out for the occasion. I’m in a tuxedo, only I’m wearing a black shirt instead of white, and I’ve got on piles of white pearls, because I like a bit of androgyny. Even Loren’s dressed up in a shiny black jacket and black tuxedo pants.
