Page 88 of Tempting God

“Hell, I’d wager even Lana is doing well.”

“Well, she is going to get an Emmy, right?”

We both laugh again.

He says, “We better get back out there and get this show on the road.”

“Let’s do this, Mr. Carter.”

Three hours later, Grant, Somya, and I sit on the couch in the living room of the suite. Corbin is pacing on the other side of the room. We’ve done all we can do. Now, we wait for the news to break.

Somya glances at her phone and says, “The story is about to air, sir.”

Grant puts his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close.

“Republican candidate Grant Carter has shocked the world by announcing that he’s dropping out of the GOP race against Senator Walt Ryans.” The reporter looks at a different camera. “But don’t count him out of the Presidential race. Mr. Carter has announced that he will run for President as an Independent. Our own Lana Lovelace spoke to Mr. Carter today, and here’s what he had to say…”

The story airs, making Grant look charming and relatable. At the end of the interview, I’m introduced, and Lana asks a bit about our relationship. I’m surprised when photos of me and Grant over the years pop up on the screen, making it look like we were in love all along.

“That’s wild,” I say.

Somya replies, “That’s politics.”

Grant says, “I’m going to step into the other room. I have a feeling my phone is about to blow up.”

As if he summoned the call, his phone rings. He winks at me as he answers.

“Blanc. This is a surprise…”

I’m not surprised that Charles is calling. He’s going to see this as a personal attack, even though it’s not. I stand, following Grant from the room to the bedroom, closing the door behind us. He puts the call on speakerphone, and I hear Charles in the middle of a rant.

“…think you are? You answer to the Brotherhood, boy, and this was not approved by us!”

“Boy?” Grant scoffs. “You’re being dramatic, but I understand. You’re under a lot of pressure.”

“Did you not hear what I said? We did not approve of this!”

“Then let’s hold a special meeting where the Elite Members can vote on it. I’m free right now.”

Charles sputters, “You are not calling the shots!”

“You’re right, I’m not, but neither are you. The Defiant God Brotherhood is.”

“You’ve made a grievous error today, Grant. One I won’t soon forget.”

“I’m demanding a special meeting for the Elite Members. Are you going to refuse me?”

Charles is silent for a moment. “I’ll make the call. You’ll be hearing from me in ten minutes or fewer.”

“If I don’t, I’m going to reach out to the others.”

The call ends and Grant exhales.

“That went well.”

I reach for him, taking his hand. “You did good, though. I know it was tough standing your ground against him.”

Before he can reply, his phone rings again.

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