Conservative Affairs (28 page)

Even as she spoke them, the words tingled through her body. This is what freedom felt like, she was sure of it.

“That is the truth. And I do not make apologies for that today, except to say that though our relationship was—
is
—consensual, as Jo’s boss my actions were inappropriate. Had I not been her superior, there would be nothing to criticize in our relationship in my opinion. As mayor, I should be held to a higher standard, though. I am ashamed that I crossed that line.

“Yet, given the chance to do it all again, our timing is the only thing I would change. I would have waited until yesterday morning, when Jo resigned her position, hoping to avoid such a dilemma. However, we cannot change the past—and I would not want to, because it all led me to where I am today. And today I am
happy
. It has been an honor to serve all of you as mayor and to work with one of the finest staffs anyone could hope to have—none of whom, I hasten to add, had any knowledge about or involvement in the personal choices I’ve made.”

She paused for a moment to look to her staff members. Gabe nodded appreciatively at the comment, Jacquelyn shrugged as if she didn’t know how to process the moment it was all ending, and one of the interns wore a look of shock and disbelief. Knowing that they would be okay in the end, she took a deep breath and continued.

“I thank you for the opportunity to serve Oklahoma City and its citizens. Although the recent news has not been about initiatives or efforts made to better our city, I hope that years from now, those items—rather than the details of my personal life—will be what you remember about the Stratton administration.

“I hope you remember the hundreds of jobs we have added in the past three years. I hope you remember the great strides we’ve made in fighting corruption in government. I hope you remember the times I sat down with you over coffee to discuss the future of this great city and of you, your children and your grandchildren. I hope that you remember those times, because I will—and I will cherish the memories.

“Now, however, they must become memories. Due to the notoriety my private life has gained and to the extent to which I have become more of a celebrity than an elected official in the eyes of many, I am resigning my position as mayor effective immediately. Interim elections will be held as decreed by city statute. In the meantime, municipal affairs will be handled by the city council and the city manager, assisted by the experienced and professional staff I am leaving behind. With that, I thank you all.”

As Madeline expected, a barrage of questions was hurled her way as stepped away from the podium. Even though she had clearly stated that there would be no questions, this crowd was intent on hearing more. She calmly walked toward Jo without speaking, grabbed her by the hand and exited the back of the building to where Jo’s little red sports car waited with a tank full of gas and two suitcases packed with only the essentials.

Once in Jo’s car, Madeline let out a long breath.

“You were amazing,” Jo said, leaning in to kiss her. “Let’s get out of here and get started on that vacation you promised me last night.”

“Do you have any calls you need to make?” Madeline asked, remembering Jo’s family.

“I do, and I will take care of it all further down the road. For now, let’s just celebrate being together and being open,” Jo said. She put the car in gear, smiling, aimed the wheels west toward California, and cued up “Hold On” by Wilson Phillips on her iPod, much to Madeline’s amusement. It was true. They were finally free to create new dreams—authentic ones—together.

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