“I never really questioned the system until I spent time in France and realized their judges are career civil servants,” Vanessa replied.
I call the front desk to request another bottle of the same vintage. “You have no idea how pathetic it feels, having to play nice and suck up to politicians simply because your entire professional future is in their hands.”
“I see the flip side. Working with Kelsey, I see politicians practically begging for her favor in exchange for funding.”
"And there's the fact that we're women," I add. The doorbell rings again; I get up for the wine. When I return, Vanessa is standing by the bar. "Let me open it..."
"No need. I have to go." She looks at her watch and stares at me with a pouty smile. "They called me from China to represent the company at a meeting. Apparently, the vice president was useless."
"Will I see you at Christmas?"
"I hope before then. But probably, yes." She takes a step toward me, I slide my hand from her lap to her neck and pull her in for a kiss. Her hands touch my face and our tongues meet, it's soft and delicious. It makes me forget my problems. We separate and I touch my index finger to the corner of her lips.
"See you." I walk her to the door and we say goodbye with a nod. I watch her until she disappears into the elevator.
???
It’s past 2:00 AM when I give up on sleep. I text Kelsey, asking if she’s awake. The video call pings almost instantly. She’s in bed, the sun just beginning to rise where she is. Even sleepy, she looks breathtaking.
"Sorry for waking you..." She smiles and apparently rests her cell phone on the pillow next to her.
"Don't be. You can call me anytime. How was your day?"
"Meetings, advisors, congressmen... my head almost exploded. I ended the day with pizza and Vanessa."
"And did you manage to relax?"
"Yes..." I pause, turning on the lamp. "We kissed. I thought I should tell you."
"Is there a reason you felt you had to?"
"I don't know. I just felt like I should." Kelsey smiles gently through the screen.
"Kitty, we’ve talked about this. You don’t owe me explanations. I just want you to be happy. I can't be with you all the time, it would be selfish to ask you to be mine alone, and I’d never put you in a position that would hurt your career."
"I wouldn't let you get in my way." She laughs and shakes her head. "I swear I understand, but it's still hard to deal with."
"Just take it easy..." She sighs and smiles slightly. "I heard yesterday that your ex-husband is running for office. He's telling anyone who will listen that you two are closer than ever."
"Sarki told me too. I'm thinking about what I can do, but I haven't decided anything yet."
"You could fake a relationship with Donald. He's single..."
"I can't even consider getting involved with just any man. Imagine if he crosses the line.
"I don't think he would." She frowns and stares at me.
"I feel like this is just another secret you're keeping up your sleeve."
"It’s not a secret, Megan. Just a confirmation of what you already know. Talk to Don. He’s a good man."
"I'll think about it, talk to Sarki, and see."
“Anyway, I found out what perfume you wear...” Kelsey teased.
"What do you mean?" I laugh.
"I smelled it at a meeting today. It was disconcerting, I looked for you with my eyes and then found out it was one of the directors of the college I finance. I asked the name of the perfume, I said it reminded me of someone.”
