Compromising Positions (22 page)

“Every night—and it’s always at night, usually after ten—he takes his dog out for a walk and leaves his place. Sometimes in his car, but usually he’s in running gear and he sprints out the door. Then, before dawn—and always before daylight—he comes back to his place in the same clothes he left in.”

“Huh.” Chuck’s expression was a thoughtful one, but inwardly he was smiling. So Michael’s spending the night with Jessie. He wanted to tease out what Carl suspected. “So what do you think is going on?”

“Well, he’s seeing somebody, and for some reason, that person never comes to his place. That’s a little weird don’t ya think?”

“Maybe, she’s allergic to dogs.”

Carl chuckled. “Maybe, but his divorce hasn’t been finalized by the court yet. He’s probably trying to keep it quiet, but still, it seems odd. Either Grath doesn’t want the person to be seen at his place, or that person doesn’t want to be seen there.”

Chuck blinked blankly at the information, thinking to himself that Carl forgot the third likely scenario, which actually was the case. Both parties didn’t want to be seen together, and for some reason they’d decided Michael’s place was too conspicuous. While Chuck wondered what made Jessie’s home more discreet, he played along with Carl. “So you keep saying ‘the person.’ You don’t think Grath is with a man, do you?”

“I don’t think so, but you never know. He could be another gay Republican member of Congress living on the down low. After all, there’s a giant closet full of them in Washington.”

“They really should come out. If they’d realize that the only people who care if someone is gay are a tiny backwards quarter of their party, their lives would be a lot happier.” Chuck truly believed it, but he still didn’t like Michael being caught up in what, unfortunately, would play out as a tawdry story. Throwing the junior reporter a bone, he asked, “Have you ever spent any time with Grath?”

“Not at all. He doesn’t even know who I am.”

“I’ve talked to him some.” Chuck shook his head. “He’s not gay.”

“So, if he’s not gay, it’s a woman he’s trying to hide…” Carl’s eyes lit up. “Maybe it’s a staffer? That would be interesting. Though depending on her age and where she works, there’s not necessarily anything wrong with that, but it’s a good story.” He looked around them for a moment. “Maybe she’s a reporter? Or she works that the White House? Now that’s a better story.”

With a smile, Chuck patted Carl on the back and started to walk away. “I’ll let you know if I come up with something.”

Throughout the day, Chuck mulled over his conversation with Carl. He knew a hungry young reporter like him would eventually discover whom Michael was seeing. The idea of Jessie and Michael being outed in a gossipy way bothered Chuck. He liked them as people, and also as smart and capable legislators. They deserved better treatment.

That evening, Chuck called Michael, who was cheerful, but surprised to hear from him. The usual tone of a congressman’s enthusiasm over talking to the press came through. “What can I help you with, Chuck?”

“Well, I’ve found something out, and I’m talking with you because you’re involved.” Chuck waited a moment before adding the clincher. “I’ll also call Congresswoman Clark.”

“Oh. Okay.” Hesitancy had replaced excitement in Michael’s voice. “Is this about the amendment we worked on together?”

“No. It’s about your personal life.”

The phone went silent, before Michael eventually asked, “What about my personal life? Is this regarding my divorce?”

“Somewhat. I’ve thought for a while that you and Jessie were seeing each other, which frankly, I don’t find newsworthy, even if the court hasn’t yet approved your divorce. My paper would never write a stand-alone story like that. But now I know another reporter with a less discriminating paper who is interested in reporting on your private life. Frankly, I’d like to help you out.”

“Why would you want to help me?”

“I’m divorced. I know what you’re going through. You’re trying to get on with your life, but your past is still hanging over you. And frankly, I like both you and Jessie. There’s no reason for this to be a scandal. I have an idea about how to get around that. Before the other reporter runs their story, I’ll simply mention that you two are companions in an article I’m working on.”

“Well, that’s kind of you.”

“It’s not entirely altruistic. I am scooping another reporter, but I’ll see to it that he knows so he can get the second hit. Regardless, you two will be prepared, and having it first disclosed by me will make it more respectable.”

“Thank you. Thank you very much. I really appreciate it, and I think Jessie will also. My one question is when are you running this story?”

“Next week.”

“Good.” Michael added in a mutter, “That gives us some time.”

“If you don’t mind, I need to call the Congresswoman now and have the same conversation with her.”

“That’s fine. I know she’ll appreciate this as much as I do.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Michael

As I hung up the phone with Chuck, I was thankful both that I wouldn’t be the one breaking the news to Jessie and that I’d have a few minutes to come up with a plan before we spoke. When she called a few minutes later, I was ready for her anxiety.

“Oh, Michael.” She almost whined. “What are we going to do?”

“We’re okay. We’re going to get through this. It’s just playing out a little different than we’d expected.”

“I asked how the other reporter found out, but Chuck said he wasn’t at liberty to tell. I really don’t get it. We’ve been careful.”

Anyone monitoring me would think I was incredibly dull, and I’d gone to great lengths to keep it that way. That wasn’t difficult because it wasn’t really as if I had a life beyond work, other than my nighttime with Jessie. “We’ve been very careful, but the fact is that we sleep together every night, which I might add, is the high point of my day.”

“Mine also. I don’t want this to get messy and things to end like this.”

“Nothing’s going to end. We’ll work through it. My divorce will be approved by the court in two months. Everyone will forget that we happened to get together before things were final. Don’t worry. We’re staying together no matter what happens.”

“Good. I’ll stay positive.”

“I’m just surprised it was Chuck Benjamin who contacted me about it.”

“I think we looked pretty suspicious that night we met him at the restaurant.”

“It sounds like it was a good thing we met him under those circumstances. He told me he wanted to give us a break because he understood what it was like going through a divorce.”

“That’s nice of him, and it’s great that he’s giving us a heads-up.”

“It’s a Godsend. Since he called, I’ve been coming up with a plan.”

“What do you think we should do?”

“Well, let’s figure out who needs to know and at what time.”

“Do you want to start at the beginning or the end?”

“How about the end?” I didn’t want to drop the bomb on her too quickly.

“Okay. The last people we tell before the story is published are our personal staff. That’s the night before.”

“Yes, and before them we tell our respective party leadership and our closest colleagues.”

“That’s right.” She hummed for a moment. “Any friends? Trish already knows. No one else in my group needs a heads-up. What about you?”

“No friends, but…” My voice became less confident. “What about family?”

“I’ll tell my parents. They’ll be fine. They’re reasonable people. They may not like that your divorce isn’t final and the way it’s coming out, but they’ll be supportive. It’s not like they would ever say anything negative in the press.” Her voice became more serious. “But, Michael. What about your family?”

“Well, I’m going to call them immediately, but I want to offer something, and I need to ask you first.”

“What’s that?”

“You’re going to Arizona this weekend, right?”

“Of course. You know that.”

“How would you feel about coming back a day early and stopping off in Chicago to meet my parents?” Had I just asked her to prom? That’s what it felt like.

Clearly caught flat-footed, Jessie stumbled. “Um. Just a moment. Let me think this through.”

“I think it will all be infinitely easier if we can say that my parents have met you, and they approve.”

“
Approve
?” There was silence for a moment as if she had to hold the phone away from her ear because I was crazy. When she came back on the line, she said, “They’ll approve me on the spot? Isn’t that a lot to ask of them? Your mother doesn’t want you even seeing anyone until your marriage is annulled. Your parents are Republicans, and I’m sure like every Republican, they’d like for there to be one less Democrat in Congress and for me to be out of a job. Come on, Michael…. why would they ever approve of me?”

Before I could answer her rhetorical questions, she continued and became indignant, “Not to mention, I don’t like having to get their approval. I’m a grown woman, and I’m a friggin’ member of Congress. We’re not seventeen and in high school.”

God, she made such sense. If a woman had asked the same thing of me, I’d have Jessie’s exact reaction. I tried to explain. “I’m sorry. I know what I’m asking is awkward, and the truth is, my parents will help me regardless of how they feel about you, but I think it would be better if you all meet.”

“But under these circumstances? Besides, I’ve met your mother. She wasn’t very warm as I recall.”

“I’m not saying this is going to be easy. I just think it’s necessary.”

I waited for her next response, but she remained quiet. Then, as if she’d accepted unsavory conditions on a deal that had to be made, her tone was determined. “All right. We’ll make it work. What do you want me to do?”

“If you can, fly in Sunday evening. Then take a cab to my parents’ place. We’ll have dinner with them, talk things over, spend the night, and you fly out the next day. Is that okay?”

“No problem.” She chuckled. “And the more I think about it, it’s going to be kind of fun.”

“That’s what I thought,” I muttered.

“Hey, you can’t be sarcastic. This was your idea.” Her protest was playful.

“Yes, it was…”

~~~

After Jessie and I had talked some more, she had to run to a meeting, leaving me with nothing to do, but my next task. I took a deep breath as I picked up the phone to call my dad. Normally, I’d just tell my mom if I was coming to spend the night at the house. This was a different situation—I was bringing a date, and not just any date. It was Jessie. I needed reinforcement in dealing with my mom, and from the time I was caught in bed with my high school girlfriend and up until my divorce, my dad had always been there to help smooth things over with her.

After I had given him the two minute synopsis of my dilemma, Dad reacted first as a father, then as a politician. “Oh, Michael,” he said with a sigh. “I feared something like this would happen to you. I wish you would’ve listened to me.”

“Right, Dad, but I didn’t. Can we just deal with the situation?”

“I don’t think this is very difficult. If asked, your mother and I will say what we always say, ‘We never comment on our son’s private life. Like all parents, we just want to see our children happy.’”

“Thanks, Dad. That’s perfect. I knew you’d back me.”

“Of course, we would. Leave our congressman son dangling in the wind? Not a chance. That helps no one.” My father’s voice then became gravelly and cynical. “But I warn you your mother will not be happy about this. I think she’s taken some comfort in portraying you to her friends as an unwitting victim of a gold digger. It won’t sit well with her that now that she’ll be forced to explain a Democrat girlfriend.”

“I know.”

“Have you thought about pulling back when this comes out? Maybe cool things off with Jessie for a bit while the storm blows over?”

“No, I want to do just the opposite.” My tone was as certain as my feelings for Jessie. “I think we should be very visible and act like a normal couple.”

“Are you sure? I mean… I suppose that’s another option for dealing with the backlash.”

“It’s not a strategy, Dad. It’s what I really want. I’m serious about her—very serious.”

“You are?” His shock could be heard through the phone.

“I am. This is going someplace between us. I know it is.”

“Michael, this might just be a rebound. You realize that, right?”

“I thought that when I first got to know her, but it’s not the case. She’s special, and I don’t want to be without her.”

“Well…” Dad sounded stumped.

“Dad, I want to do this right. I want to bring Jessie over to the house on Sunday. I want you and Mom and Emily to spend some time with her. I thought we might spend the night and fly out the next day.”

“Whoa!” Dad guffawed into the phone. “So soon? And now of all times?”

“I told you it was serious. My family should all have met Jessie before this hits the press.”

“Oh, God. No wonder you called me and not your mother, so now I’m the one who has to tell her.”

“I admit I’m being a little chicken shit here.” I chuckled.

“Yes, you are, but I understand why. As far as I remember, you’ve never had a girlfriend spend the night at the house.”

“No, I haven’t.”

“I hope you don’t expect the sleeping arrangements to be the same as when you were married to Stacy and staying the night. Your mother will not want you in the same bed as Jessie.”

I rolled my eyes. “If Mom wants to give Jessie one of the guest suites, that’s wonderful and very gracious, but I’m a thirty-five year old man. She’s not going to stop me from following Jessie inside the room.”

“I can respect that.” He was silent for a moment, and his voice became curious.

“So what does Jessie think of all this?”

“I’d say she’s a little taken aback by it all, and to be honest, she’s pretty reticent about meeting you and Mom.”

“Hmm.” Dad snickered. “I actually think that’s a good sign.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Jessie

The following Sunday evening, while I pulled a few twenty dollar bills from my wallet, the cabbie went to get my luggage from the trunk. When I got out of the cab, Michael was standing there already paying my fare. As the cabbie shut the trunk and drove down the Grath residence’s long driveway, I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “It’s good to see you, but I can pay for my own cab.”