“Different last name, but I’d rather not say.”
“You don’t have to share,” I assure him. “You don’t owe me an explanation just because I trauma-dumped on you. Honestly, I feel like such an asshole. We’re at a conference to help end food insecurity and I’m complaining about how I didn’t have sauce for lunch the next day.”
“No, it’s not that. Your feelings are valid, it’s just that my father doesn’t exactly know I exist. Long story, but my parents met when she was on vacation in Puerto Rico—they had a one-night stand. She didn’t even know his name until he ran for office in California and was making international news for his work championing the arts. It’s why I’m saving up, so I can meet him in person and figure out if it’s worth telling him I’m his son. If he’s a dick, I’ll leave. If it works out, I’d consider staying there permanently. It’s just a big investment for me to travel or maybe move there, especially to the Bay Area."
There’s only one person who comes to mind that fits the bill—Mayor Alejandro Sánchez in San Francisco. He’s Puerto Rican and a major donor for theater and musical programs. He was also a huge asset endorsing Olivia during the gubernatorial race. For Jamie’s sake, I hope it’s him; Mayor Sánchez is a good man.
Not wanting to press further, I pivot, hoping to shift far enough away from family drama as I offer, “California in general isn’t cheap. Livy and I are in Sacramento, which isn’t too bad, but the Bay Area is brutal.”
“So I’ve seen,” he laughs, and I stupidly swoon at the little crinkles forming at the edges of his eyes. “What about you? Once Olivia’s termed out, what are your big plans?”
My hand instinctively falls to my belly. “If this round of IVF takes, and Livy is reelected for a second term, then I’ll have a seven-year-old when we’re done. If my child loves their school, I’ll probably stick around Sac, but otherwise I’d love to move somewhere a little quieter.”
“Really?” Jamie’s eyebrows shoot up. “Like where?”
“Not sure yet. Ottawa seems nice.” I wink, but instead of him laughing, his eyes darken. “That was a joke! Sorry, it was a bad one. As much as I love Canada, going through the process of becoming a citizen somewhere else with a child would be a nightmare. So many families wait years, spending tens of thousands of dollars, all to be denied.”
He offers a sly grin. As he brings his iced tea to his lips, he speaks into the glass, “Oh, I don’t know. For the right person, I’d say it’s worth it.”
“Well, in seven years, maybe I’ll ask you to sponsor me to become a citizen.”
Jamie’s smile widens. “Hey now, don’t threaten me with a good time.”
8
Jamie
Lunch with Aubrey solidified the one thing I was afraid of—I like her. If I was smart, I’d pretend we didn’t just have an incredible night together, and walk away.
I can’t.
There’s something about her that I can’t put my finger on. I’m drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Worse, actually. While I’m waiting for the next panel to begin, I’m checking my banking app to see where I’m at with my savings in hopes I can leave for California sooner rather than later.
I wasn’t entirely honest with Aubrey. Even if things don’t go well meeting my father, I intend to stay for as long as I can in California under a work visa. San Francisco is a short drive to Sacramento, and she’s right that the housing market in the Bay Area is significantly more expensive than the Central Valley. I could get an apartment close by and properly date her. I never really thought about kids, but my mom always told me I’d make a great father one day. If Aubrey’s currently pregnant, it won’t be mine, but it doesn’t matter. I’d have no issue stepping in.
What the fuck am I thinking? I’ve known her for less than twenty-four hours and I’m already fantasizing about having a family with her?
As I rub my hand down my face, Joyce takes a seat beside me. She handles media relations for Isaac and has taught me everything I know, and she’s also great at reading people. If I’m not careful, she’ll figure out I’m obsessing over a woman I shouldn’t be.
Leaning toward me, she whispers, “We need to keep an eye on Isaac this week.”
My brows pinch as I turn to face her. “Why? What’s wrong?”
“Remember when Olivia Harris was elected and it came out that they dated in college?” She gestures to where the two of them are talking with the British Prime Minister. “It’s only a matter of time before someone gets a candid shot of them laughing, his hand on the small of her back, or him looking at her like he wants to devour her whole. That man has the worst poker face.”
As if on cue, he glances at Olivia and there’s no denying he’s a man in love. “Shit,” I mutter. “This is the last thing we need.”
“It’s going to be a long week. You also need to be careful,” she adds. “Aubrey Raine is Chief of Staff to one of the most powerful women in the world. She’s also close with the Vice President who is married to a Gallagher. Those men aren’t to be messed with. Break her heart and I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up in some mysterious accident shortly after.”
Joyce gets up to greet someone who is entering, not giving me a chance to respond. She’s right, it is indeed going to be a long week, but some Second Gentleman isn’t going to deter me from pursuing Aubrey.
After the afternoon schedule wraps up, I send a quick text to her. Since I don’t know when we’ll be able to sneak away again, I want to take advantage of what little time we have before dinner.
Be there in a minute.
I pocket my phone and make my way to my hotel room to retrieve my gray jacket that matches my slacks for dinner tonight. Once in hand, I rush to the elevator and to her room a few floors up. Just in case her social media manager bailed on the meeting, I knock instead of using the key card.
Aubrey opens the door, wearing the same outfit as before. “Hey. Come in.” I’m not sure what I was expecting, but she seems tense.
