Page 29 of The Press Secretary's Passion
I pick up the paper and stare in a horrified fashion at the headlines on the front page. This can’t be. Why would he have done this? Why would they? This is so far fucked up I can’t even see straight.
“Fuck me,” I whisper while I stare at the headlines as if they could jump off the paper they’re printed on and bite me.
“Looks like it’s all in the family as things heat up between White House Press Secretary and President’s Father”
“Why would he say this?” I ask, dumbfounded.
“I don’t know,” Grace says calmly. “I was hoping you could explain it to me.”
“The picture is easy,” I start. “Someone must have taken it at the State Dinner, because I was wearing that red dress. But we were never around each other for very long.”
“I thought so too,” she says thoughtfully. “But why is he giving interviews saying you two are an item?”
“I don’t know,” I reply and think and think, and then it dawns on me. “Oh God.”
“What?” Grace and Carter both ask instantly.
“He approached me,” I admit. “About a political alliance, and I politely declined. I would never be overtly rude to the senior senator, but I’m just not interested.”
“What happened?” Grace asks.
“He hinted that a political match between us would be a boon for all involved,” I reply.
“I just bet that he did,” she mutters.
“I told him I wasn’t interested and thought that was it,” I answer. “He said he wouldn’t wait for me forever, so I figured he’d move on. I think I thought wrong.”
“That you did, my dear.” Carter sighs. “What a mess.”
“I’m not quite sure how to fix this,” I admit.
“We’ll figure something out,” Grace says, and I relax for the first time in a long time. Grace is the best friend I’ve ever had. “Jake will be happy to know the story is false.”
“I bet.” I laugh. “Where is Jake anyway? I’m surprised he’s not the one breaking down my office door for answers.”
“Jake and Rick were called away to some summit meeting or other,” she answers. “They should be back tonight.”
“Got it.” Well, at least I know I can settle some unhappy feelings with my favorite boss and bestie.
“Your parents will be another issue,” she says cautiously.
I let out a world-weary sigh. “I know. I don’t know what would possess them to give this interview.”
Grace watches me carefully, and I hate that she knows me so well, but at the same time, I love that she knows where all of the bodies are buried and still loves me anyway. She really is a great friend.
“You’re right. I do know why they gave that interview,” I say, amending my previous statement. “They would be over the moon for me to make such a strong match.”
“Even if he’s old enough to be your grandfather?” Carter asks.
“Even if he’s old enough to be my grandfather.” I sigh again. “They wouldn’t care as long as they got something big out of it.”
“But what about love?” Carter is married to a wonderful man who loves him and supports his dream as much as Carter loves him. I’m not sure he can understand a loveless match.
“They don’t need trivial things like love to make them happy,” I answer quietly.
“Well that’s just sad, and we won’t stand for it,” he rallies. “Now what are we going to do about this?”
A buzzer sounds in my office.
