“What’s your real name?”I asked.
“I’m not allowed to say.”His smile turned wicked.“And only my girlfriend Maddie uses it.”
“Maybe you’ll find out after a few more months at Nash’s side,” Archer promised with a wink.“It’s one of the inner circle perks.”
“I have to earn my way in,” I said, nodding.“I respect that.”
Nash’s hand touched my lower back again, guiding me to the left.“We’re going to make a lap.Archer, let me know if you spot him.”
Archer feigned a military salute, and he and Trojan disappeared into the crowd.Nash and I began to wander the lobbies, my pulse quickening as I overheard fragments of conversation about zoning changes and development permits.
It was hard to make it far before someone called out “Nash!”or grabbed his arm for a quick word.Nash had made it seem like nobody gave a shit about him, but it looked like he had plenty of supporters from where I stood.He introduced me to a few of the newer city commissioners, and we slid into easy conversation about the city: transit-oriented development, affordable housing initiatives, green building standards.It was amazing being in a place where these were the low-hanging fruit when it came to conversation starters.For the first time in years, I felt like a sparkling version of myself—not just a struggling single mom, but someone with knowledge and opinions.
After we’d grabbed some canapés and downed a glass of chardonnay, Nash’s attention shifted across the room.
I followed his gaze to where Sebastian Cross stood in animated conversation with a distinguished older man in a navy suit.
"He’s talking to commissioner Torres," Nash said quietly."He works with the Department of City Planning.Lots of influence with the development happening in Queens."
"Has Cross been buying property in Queens?"
"He has."Nash's jaw tightened as we watched the other man gesturing emphatically, clearly making some kind of pitch."And so have I."
I could practically see Nash's mind working, calculating his next move.
"I know Torres," Nash went on."We've worked together on two previous developments, years ago.But Cross doesn't know that."
"What are you thinking?"
Nash straightened his shoulders, that confident smile I was beginning to recognize sliding into place."I'm thinking it's time to remind Commissioner Torres about the community impact study we discussed last month."
Before I could ask what he meant, Nash was guiding me across the room with purpose.As we approached, I could hear fragments of the conversation we were about to join—something about "streamlined approval processes" and "maximizing economic impact."
"Commissioner Torres!"Nash called out warmly as we reached them."I was hoping I'd see you tonight."
The older man's face lit up with genuine pleasure."Nash!How wonderful to see you."He turned to Sebastian with a polite but notably cooler expression."Sebastian, I believe you know Nash Nightingale?"
Sebastian's smile tightened almost imperceptibly."Of course.We've met."
“I’d like for you all to meet Clara, my better half,” Nash said smoothly, smiling down at me.God, this felt good.
“I didn’t realize you’d tied the knot,” Commissioner Torres said.
“Oh, we haven’t.Yet.”Nash winked at him.“I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
"We were just discussing some of the exciting development opportunities emerging in my borough," Torres said."Sebastian was sharing his perspective on community engagement strategies."
"Community engagement," Nash repeated thoughtfully."That's actually perfect timing, Commissioner.I've been meaning to follow up with you about the resident feedback sessions we discussed last month."
"Ah yes, the community forums," Torres nodded."I thought that was a brilliant approach, Nash.Really putting residents at the center of the planning process."
"It's the only way to do responsible development," Nash said easily.
I was fully invested in this conversation, to the point where I blurted, “Isn’t that the goal, after all?To make sure existing residents benefit from new investment rather than being displaced by it?"
All eyes turned to me, and for a moment I felt that familiar panic.But then I remembered the conversations we'd been having all evening, the passion I'd felt when discussing these issues.If there was anywhere to wax poetic about this stuff, it was here.
“One hundred percent,” Nash said, his grin widening.“Displacement is never the goal.”
