Page 93 of Overstaying His Welcome

“Sent you an email. Take a look at the polls.”

With a gulp, I clicked over to my inbox. We hadn’t been checking the polling numbers lately because things were chaotic to say the least. Add in the fact that someone had outed me to the newspapers, and it didn’t look like it would be good.

I still held my seat on the city council; however, my chances at mayor felt slimmer than ever. I’d come to terms with the fact this city wasn’t progressive enough yet to handle my role in leadership. There would always be another chance later if it was something I still wanted. It just sucked after all the work I’d put in.

But the email Marten sent wasn’t what I thought.

“Is this real?!”

He chuckled as he leaned against the doorjamb. “Sure is. The people love you, Chance Sheppard. The real you is even more popular than the previous version. There’s been lots of talk about how it’s more authentic to know about your relationship with Tank and how none of it matters because you’re behind the important issues. Honestly, I don’t know how they didn’t figure it out before given how progressive your stance is.”

“It’s not that progressive. We’re trying to do baby steps here.”

“Baby steps look like leaps to the close minded. You’re doing good work. I’m proud to be a part of your team.” With that, he drummed his knuckles on the door and left.

I heard the sound of the elevator, signaling he’d left. After reading over the numbers one more time, I decided to be done with my work too.

Tank would be so happy to hear the news. He’d felt guilty for the pictures that came out with us in them. They’d been blurry enough to hide Tank’s identity, though there was no mistaking it was a man I’d kissed.

From there, the media had been having a field day. Marten had fielded calls left and right, while my father had remained blessedly silent. Seemed there was something to keep the elder Sheppard away after all.

I left the office, intent on heading downstairs to find my boyfriend. My phone rang as I rode down in the elevator.

Answering without looking, I was surprised to find Emmett on the line. “Mr. Sheppard, sir?”

“Emmett? How can I help you?”

He coughed, then cleared his throat. “Um, well, sir. Your father told me you weren’t going to be campaigning anymore. I know that makes my job irrelevant, but I was hoping I could maybe come work for you in some other capacity.”

I stepped off on the main NightShade floor and threw a wave Jared’s way. He was also on the phone, though I doubted his call was as baffling as mine.

“You were employed through my father. Why would you want to come work for me?”

There was a pause, then he said, “To be honest, sir, I’m also gay. Not that you’re gay! You might identify as something else. I’m just… I’m trying to say that I like the idea of working for an openly gay candidate. It would be an honor to still help you should you need it.”

“I had no idea you felt that way,” I admitted.

“It never came up. Plus, your father was clearly homophobic. I thought you would be as well. It was too good a chance to pass up.”

I laughed at the play on words. He did as well, though I could still sense his nerves.

“Let me think on it for a bit, ok? I’m heading into an urgent meeting. Marten or I will get back in touch soon, ok?”

“Thank you, sir! This means a lot. I appreciate you greatly.”

Shaking my head, I told him it wasn’t a big deal as I hung up. Jared finished his call right about the same time.

“Hey, Chance,” he greeted.

“What’s up, Jared? Have you seen Tank around? He’s late for our dinner plans.”

If anyone in the office would know where he was, it would be this man. He had an eye and ear on everything that went down at NightShade. It made him far more powerful than people understood.

“He’s not in his office. I know they spoke of going to handle something…” His voice trailed off as he looked around.

I moved closer, leaning over the desk. “You can tell me.”

He nodded at my whispered reply. “They went to deal with Lune and Pratt.”

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