"It’s always better to stay behind the lights and do more for those who actually need us," Kelsey added, and we all nodded in silent agreement.
"Well... a toast. To my new 'husband'," I said calmly, raising my glass. Kelsey’s smile was radiant as our glasses clinked.
"To my new Senator," she added, looking at Donald.
"And to me, being totally wrapped around your fingers and loving every second of it!" Donald laughed, throwing his head back. As we ate, Donald assured us that it wouldn’t take more than two days to finalize the paperwork with his legal team.
"We’ll be back in D.C. tomorrow," I noted, the reality of the return setting in. "Kels is heading to L.A. for work, and I’m going to check on the new apartment and finally show my face at the Capitol."
"I’m heading to Bruges and should be back by mid-month," Donald said, pointing his fork toward Kelsey. "Then we can start being seen together. And you... stop sleeping with senators' wives. Men talk like they’re in a locker room, and it’s getting ugly."
"What are you talking about? It only happened a few times, and most of them were completely discreet," Kelsey countered, giving me a confused, searching look.
"Flores practically threw his wife into your lap," I added, the words leaving a slight lump in my throat.
"He did, but that little fascist piece of shit deserved it," Kelsey spat, her eyes hardening. "In fact, she still messages me, andI don't even bother replying." She chewed thoughtfully for a moment before giving me a knowing, reassuring look. "I’d never give them the leverage to blackmail me. Just like with you, Megan. Your name has never appeared in a single message we’ve exchanged. I always use a nickname."
"And what exactly is this nickname?" Donald asked, arching an eyebrow as he leaned in.
"Kitty," I answered for her, a slow smile spreading across my face. Kelsey ran the back of her hand over my cheek, her eyes lingering on me before she looked back at Donald.
"I promised her I’d take care of her, Don. Because Megan... she isn’t like the women I usually meet out there," Kelsey said, her voice dropping into a rare moment of sincerity.
"Oh, she definitely isn't," Donald agreed with a laugh. "I mean, what other woman would accept an open relationship, master the concept of emotional exclusivity, and still agree to marry her gay childhood friend just to win a political war?"
"When you put it that way, I guess I really am one of a kind," I teased, and the three of us burst into laughter.
After lunch, Kelsey and Donald moved on to the finer details of campaign financing and donor values, their conversation shifting into professional territory. I took the opportunity to catch up on messages from the firm handling my apartment's furniture. Apparently, everything was up to standard and ready for my arrival.
I also updated Sarki, who was still enjoying the Caribbean sun with Vanessa and Lisa. I filled her in on everything the deal with Donald, the pact with Kelsey, and the strategy moving forward.
She agreed that the pieces were finally falling into place. Having Donald as a protective shield made the road to the Supreme Court look a lot less treacherous.
"Well, my dears... despite a surprise that started out unusual and ended up being quite fun, it’s always a pleasure negotiating with the two of you," Donald remarked, a wry smile on his face. I walked over to him and pulled him into a tight, grounding hug.
"Be careful with Peter, Don," I whispered.
"I know how to handle myself," he assured me, stepping back to shake Kelsey’s hand. He looked at her with a new sense of respect. "I know Megs is in good hands with you. Everything is going to be okay."
"It will be, Don. One step at a time so we don’t stumble," Kelsey replied.
"I’m starting to see that your 'one step at a time' is actually quite a few leaps ahead. Who would’ve thought?" He laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. "Megan Woods, a lesbian, as Kelsey Calama’s protégé. What a world."
"Like I said, you would’ve lost millions on that bet," Kelsey quipped. The three of us laughed as we walked toward the exit. I took two selfies hugging Don. The insurance for the future, to be used whenever the timing was right.
"Stay discreet," Kelsey warned as he stepped out.
"You two do the same."
As soon as the door clicked shut, Kelsey pulled me by the waist, pinning me against the wall. Our lips met in a kiss that tastedof victory and relief. Her hands roamed my body with a familiar hunger, and I couldn't help but smile against her mouth.
"That was surprisingly easy, convincing him, I mean," I commented breathlessly.
Kelsey shrugged, moving her lips to the sensitive curve of my neck. She spoke softly, her breath hot against my ear. "I didn’t think it would be difficult. This is convenient for both of you. You’ve known each other for years, and even if you don't talk every day, the foundation of your friendship is solid. It makes sense."
"You are unbearably systematic," I teased, tilting my head to give her better access.
"I just want you to be safe, Megan. I want you okay so we can keep what we have here." I looped my arms around her neck, smiling as our noses brushed.
