“Yeah.”
“I imagine they have, but he’s way too smart for that. He has more clout in the job he already has. He doesn’t need the hassle.”
“Neither do I.”
“Well, I’m glad you feel that way,” Joshua told him. “You scared the hell out of me.” He touched Colin’s cheek and kissed him. “I’ve gotten used to having you around, and I like it.”
“We’ll work out your rejection statement this weekend. ‘Til then, tellanycity council member who asks that you’re discussing it with your husband and giving it serious thought.”
“Can I tell Esther and Norm it’s a hard ‘no’?”
“You’d better. I’m sure they’re both having anxiety attacks.”
Colin scoffed. “Norm? Maybe. Esther wouldn’t have an anxiety attack if I set her on fire.”
“You’ll be a happier man if you just stay entrenched in your ACA office, working on your cases and building up the county task force,” David told him, getting to his feet.
“And spending a ton of quality time with my handsome husband.”
“Exactly. And now, my friends, I am out of here. I’ll see you this weekend.”
“Thanks, Davy,” Colin told him, rising to walk with him to the back door. When he returned to the kitchen, Joshua was still sitting at the table, staring straight ahead. Colin leaned over the frying pan on the stove, sniffing at the contents. “Mm. Smells good, babe.” When Joshua didn’t answer, he turned to face him. “You OK with this whole city council thing?”
“I’m fine with it. I’m glad you’re turning it down.Veryglad. But Colin…” He got to his feet and moved to where Colin stood, placing both hands on his husband’s shoulders. “I don’t want you to turn it down just because you’re worried aboutmeor not spending time with me. If you want to do it…”
“Idon’t! Josh, I don’t! Honest!”
“You’ve talked about politics. About running for office. David’s teased about being your campaign manager.”
“I talked about running forEsther’sjob! But that was before I actually worked in the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. And way,waybefore I knew Esther!” He wound his arms around Joshua’s waist and drew him close. “Now? Now that I know her? Know the office and the work being done there?” He shook his head. “Ineverwant her to leave! And if she did, Norm should be the one to replace her, and I’d campaign my heart out for him because hedeservesthe job!” He grinned and nuzzled Joshua’s cheek. “Then I’d get his job, andthat’sthe one I want!”
“Norm’sjob?”
“Yep. He doesn’t have the hassle of dealing with politics like Esther does, but he has a lot of power to make change happen in this city.”
“So that’s your career trajectory? Being Norm’s deputy?”
“What do you think?”
“Oh my god, Colin, I freakingloveit!”
“Rightnow, my only career goal is to get a continuance for the last dozen of my ongoing cases or plead them out so I can head to Ireland with a clean desk and a clear conscience.”
* * *
Nate bouncedon the balls of his feet, one hand resting on David’s arm. “Damn! What’s taking so long? I thought we had PreCheck!” He puffed out a frustrated breath, continuing to bounce until he felt David’s hand cover his.
“Nate,” David murmured. “For the love’a god, babe, wedohave PreCheck. This is the PreCheck line! But we’re not the only ones in it, so it takes a little while.”
“Sorry!” Nate said, stilling his feet. “I’m excited! I’ve never been to Ireland. Hell, I’ve never even been outside the US except to Canada. This is a big deal for me.”
David smiled at him, then furrowed his brow and glanced around. “Where’s Colin?”
Startled, Joshua turned to scan the security line, then smiled and nudged David’s arm. “Right there.”
Colin was a short distance away, engaged in animated conversation with an elderly gentleman whose carry-on was covered in shamrock stickers and other Irish symbolism. “I think he found a kindred spirit,” Joshua said, smiling.
The security line began to move, and Joshua called to his husband, who ran to join him. “Sorry, babe. Was talking to that guy.”
