“We can find a way to fight back,” I said, feeling purpose surge in me. The old fighting spirit, the drive to protect my mentor. “You didn’t hurt anyone. You and the governor didn’t start your relationship until after we were all working on the bill, so you didn’t pervert the democratic process...until, you know, the end there with the campaign donations. But for the most part, things have been on the up-and-up.”
I paced around the living room, letting my thoughts lead me, speaking them as they came. “The entire time we’ve been working on the campaign, you were also working day and night on the Herschel motor. Which was poised to blow the socks off everyone and make our investors tons of money, might I add. Those turncoat bastards.”
I threw my hands up. “Nowonderyou needed a little stress relief. Honestly. And you know what? We all make mistakes. Hell, take Ben and me.”
Ben’s eyes widened as he realized what I was going to say; he shook his head furtively. But here’s the thing: What if I wasn’t ashamed of myself? What if when I made a mistake, I understood where I’d been coming from, why I’d made the decisions I’d made, and had a little empathy? What if I tried radical forgiveness for everyone, including myself? I could practically feel Annie resting on my shoulder like a little angel, whispering in my ear.
“The truth is,” I said, “we hooked up, too.”
“Oh, Jesus Christ.” Wendy put her head in her hands. “I give up.”
“Was it unprofessional? Probably. Did we cross ethical lines? Maybe a smidge. But did we jeopardize the democratic process? No, of course not! So, we’re basically the same,” I said to Dakota. “Only you’re a little more famous and married than me.”
The governor burst out laughing. “Oh, Benny boy. When I told you I appreciated your over-and-above dedication to the job, I had no idea how right I was.”
Ben flushed bright red. “Tell me if you want me to report myself. Or if you want my resignation.”
Governor Mane slapped his knee, then waved a hand at himself. “That would be the height of hypocrisy, no?”
Wendy tried to fight it, but she couldn’t. Against her will, a smile cracked her face. Then Dakota started laughing. “Oh, wow,” she wheezed. “We are amess.”
“Maybe we are, on the romantic side,” I said. “But we’re still damn good at our jobs, and when it comes to whether or not we should keep them, that’s the fact that matters.” I squared my shoulders and turned to Dakota. “I’m sorry I got so angry at you. I was holding you to an unfair standard. The truth is, it’s kind of better that you make mistakes. That means you’re a little more like me. Which means my dream of being like you one day is maybe attainable.”
Dakota’s bloodshot eyes softened, and her shoulders lifted like a weight had been removed. “I appreciate that, Lee. So much. Though I fear no one is quite like you, in a good way.” Her smile dimmed. “But I have to insist on falling on this sword. It’s what a good leader does. I can’t let down Lise, and everyone who works there and counts on me. I can’t let my personal mess undermine the progress we were making. So, I’m going to hold a press conference to own up, apologize and offer to step down.” She winced at me. “And I’m going to need you to plan it.”
“Istronglydisagree with that plan.”
“As do I,” Ben added, standing dramatically so he and I looked like the knights of the round table.
“Me, too,” Wendy said, rolling her eyes at us from her seat on the couch.
The governor was damningly quiet.
“I recognize your objections, and thank you,” Dakota said. “But I am the boss, so unfortunately, my say goes.”
Wendy, Ben and I looked at each other. What more could we do?
“All right,” I sighed. “I will plan your terrible press conference.”
“Good.” Dakota stood and adjusted her sweats. “With that settled, I have a broken heart waiting for me at home. Wish me luck.”
I followed Ben out of Wendy’s house and down to the street. “Hey!” I called. “Wait up.”
Ben was power walking, and he didn’t slow.
“Hey!” I raised my voice to his back. “Trisha Smith from CBS 12 here—do you have a comment about the governor’s affair?”
Ben jerked like he’d been electrocuted, then whipped around. “Stoner, that isnotfunny,” he hissed.
Maybe not, but he’d stopped, so...
I jogged to meet him. “Walk you to your car?”
Ben rubbed a hand across his mouth. “Doesn’t seem like I have a choice in the matter. So, what’s the ask? You want help planning the presser? Whatever it is, make it fast. I’m in a hurry.”
“Yeesh,” I said, as I scrambled to keep pace with him. “So brooding.”
He turned to me. “Yeah, well, my life has officially hit rock bottom. Things already sucked, what with the affair breaking and the bill dying and the constant media requests. And with you...” He shot a glance at me, cleared his throat and decided to move on. “On top of that, I just watched my boss let the woman he had a relationship with take all the blame. And he didn’t say a word. So now I have to find a new boss.”
