Page 67 of Senator

A painful reminder of another poor decision I’d made.

“I’d suggest you stop looking at him as if he were your lost, stolen puppy, or you’re going to add fuel to the rumors and pictures,” Kevin said.

My lips trembled, and I nodded. As I glanced away, I noticed Tara and Ashur follow Veer’s gaze. Tara placed a hand on Veer’s upper arm and then said something. Veer shook his head and turned to face the group around him.

A crushing weight bore down on my chest. It would never be the same between any of us. I’d known it when we parted in New York, but now as two people on opposing political sides, it felt like a giant gulf was between us.

“Let’s go, Kev. We only have to be here for another hour, and then we can leave.”

Before we could take a step, Kathy and Christopher approached us.

“Jacinta. It’s so good to see you,” Kathy said and kissed both my cheeks. “You look absolutely beautiful tonight. Is that another of Shawna Martinez’s designs?”

I smiled. “Yes, it is.”

Kevin stood stiffly next to me and stared at Chris, who was doing the same in return.

I decided to break the tension and leaned into Chris to give him a hug. “How are you, Chris?”

His attention moved to me, and he lifted a brow, asking me without words if I’d talked with Kevin. I gave a slight shake of my head. “I’m good. Kathy wanted to show her support for you and Mrs. Edgar. So, we decided to attend.”

“How are you, Kevin?” Kathy asked him. “I miss seeing you. Promise me the next time you’re in New York you’ll come to see me.”

“I promise.” Kevin took her hand and brought her in for a light hug. That was when he noticed her finger was missing an engagement ring.

She caught his observation and smiled. “It’s exactly what you’re thinking, Kev. And I believe you and Christopher need to have a conversation.”

Kevin shook his head and pulled out of Kathy’s hold and then slipped his arm around me, squeezing my waist tight.

“I wish it were that simple. Some hurts are hard to get over. If you’ll excuse us? We have to greet the first lady.” Kevin ushered me away before anyone could say another word.

* * *

Five hours later,Kevin handed me a cup of tea and sat down next to me on the steps along the back patio of my DC townhouse.

“There’s something I want to talk to you about.” I leaned my head against his shoulder.

“If it’s about Chris, then save it. He told me where we stood months ago. I refuse to be a consolation.”

I ignored his snarky comment. “He came to see me today at the capitol.”

“I know. He left a message saying he spoke with you.”

I looked up at him and frowned. “Then why the fuck are you sitting here with me and not at the hotel with him?”

“Because I made a promise to you.” He lifted my left hand and played with the diamond on my finger.

“That’s bullshit, and you know it. If you said you wanted to be with Chris, I’d break the engagement without question. So, cut the crap.”

Kevin winced. “What do you want me to say, Jaci? That I don’t trust he’s telling the truth? Or that I don’t believe he will ever come out? His family doesn’t even know. I refuse to live a life where I take all the risks and he doesn’t.”

“He told them,” I interjected.

“What?”

I guessed Chris left that part out of his messages to Kevin.

“You heard me. Chris’s parents know. Kathy has always known. Now it’s up to you.”

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