Page 91 of The Mayor and the Mystery Man

She shrugged, giving credence to these reactions.

“Seriously?”

“People are hurt. They don’t like being lied to.”

“You were the one who said I needed a boyfriend to win this thing.”

I looked up at the ceiling and laughed. The universe sure had a sense of humor. “The irony is that I’m actually in love with Dusty. We’re a real couple now. Can we put that in a press release?” I ask wryly.

When I left Dusty to go with Mitch and Cal, I assured him that despite how awful this turn of events was, it didn’t change how I felt about him. And he assured me he was still madly in love with me. That was the saving grace of this debacle. But why couldn’t I have loveandmy career?

Vernita sighed warmly, sympathetic to my plight. “They’re upset because they believed you. You guys were the last to figure out how meant-to-be you were. This whole town figured it out before you.”

I leaned against my desk chair, making sure to keep my odorous distance. Vernita took a polite step backward.

“What do I do, Vernita?”

“I’m not sure. You can deny the story, which will destroy your credibility. You can go on the attack and make the focus that you were hacked, but that won’t change the facts. You can come clean, but doing so forces you to admit that you were in a fake relationship and pulling one over on your constituents. People don’t like being lied to.”

She let out a whole body shrug. She thrived on having the answers and figuring out a strategy. This development was killing her. In terms of political scandals, it was an oddity.

“Do I have the power to declare war?” I cracked a half-smile, hoping to elevate her spirit.

Smell be damned, I walked over to her. “I’m sorry.”

She nodded, years of unspoken friendship between us. “None of this changes what a profound mayor you’ve been, how you’ve transformed and preserved Sourwood, all the good you’ve done. This horseshit gossip is temporary. What you’ve done, that will live on. I’m proud to be on your team, and I’m happy that you finally found someone to spend your life with.”

I put my hand over my heart, then pointed at her.

She was more than a staff member, more than a colleague. I would miss working with her. She grabbed papers off my desk and strolled to the door. “It’s not over yet. The fat lady has not sung.”

“She’s warming up.”

“Leo.” She crossed her arms, her stern game face back on. “You are many things. Uptight, smart, a pain in my ass. But you’re also a fighter.” A smile escaped her lips. “So fight.”

* * *

After going home,showering, and changing, I met the guys at Stone’s Throw Tavern for a badly-needed drink. I walked in on Dusty clinking glasses with Mitch, Cal, and Russ. On the one hand, I loved seeing my guy meshing so well with my friends. But on the other hand, after today, what was worth celebrating?

“Hey, it’s the guy who’s in a not-fake fake relationship!” Cal held up his pint glass to me, and I was very close to saluting him with the middle finger.

Mitch got to work pouring me a beer. I sat on the free bar stool next to Dusty. He spun in his chair and kissed me, giving me something positive today. He brushed a thumb over my chin, his warm touch a balm I badly needed.

“What’s with all the merriment?” I asked the guys.

Dusty looked over his shoulder at the Single Dads Club. “Cal and Russ and the boys are all moving in together.”

I did a double-take, but Cal raised his glass in confirmation.

“Not immediately,” Russ said. “This winter.”

“Who’s moving in with who?” I asked.

“They’re coming to my house.” A knowing smile flitted across Russ’s lips that I wasn’t the only one to catch.

“You say that like it’s obvious.” Cal put down his beer and stared loving daggers at his boyfriend.

Russ tipped his head. “Isn’t it?”

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