Page 31 of Go Deep

Nah, she ain’t the elusive girlfriend, either.

“Daddy’s been looking for you everywhere. He wants to talk to you about the campaign event you’re going to sponsor.”

Vince throws a quick glance my way and rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah, well, we’re still discussing things. You know, under the circumstances, I’m not really sure?—”

“Vincent! So great to see you!” A booming male voice interrupts Vince’s train of thought, and a large man claps a hand on his back. “How’s everything going? Business looks like it’s booming. Well done, son.”

“Uh, yeah. Things are great, Bob.” He sneaks another look at me. “Thanks for the referrals.”

“Anything for the senator.” The man, evidently named Bob, leans closer and whispers something into Vince’s ear while his daughter rubs her tits against Vince in a not-so-discreet way.

Vince doesn’t bat an eye. Actually, his expression goes fromtolerant to downright disgusted within seconds. But before Bob can pull away with a hearty laugh, his eyes are shielded once again.

This guy. He’s got me all sorts of confused.

He didn’t run from me, but it sure looks like he’s trying to put some space between himself and these yahoos.

But why?

“Good talk, Vince.” Bob grasps his shoulder. “The party needs your support, now more than ever since your dad is getting back into fighting shape. We can’t lose any time, or else they’ll try to take over the seat. That can’t happen. If it does,” Bob shakes his head. “We stand to lose a hell of a lot more than Ohio.”

Christ, I wish I knew what the hell they’re talking about. I’m the one who likes to hide from the media. I avoid it like the plague. My name’s been splashed across too many front pages over the past couple of years, and I’ve trained myself to avoid reading any of it.

I’ll take Netflix and Xbox over current events any day.

Besides, I don’t plan to be here forever. Ohio was never meant to be my home. It was a step along my career path.

Where that path is headed is still very much in question, but I sure as hell don’t expect it to end here in this godforsaken state.

Vince stiffens when Bob whispers something else and I tap my fingers on the side of the chair. Interesting that this guy Bob chooses to let me hear some of his bullshit while he saves the juicier bits for Vince’s ears only. And Kim is still trying her hardest to command even a sliver of Vince’s attention.

With her face and body, a guy would have to be dead not to taste a sample of what she’s offering.

Dead…or gay.

A smile plays with the corners of my lips.

Bob grins at Vince one last time. “I’m glad we understand each other, son. Now is the time for us to band together.” He turns to walk away until his gaze lands on me, still sitting, still watching. The smile on his face fades as the recognition sets in. “You’re Gabe Kelly, aren’t you?”

“Yes, sir, I am.”

His eyes narrow to slits. “Your father just died recently, isn’t that right?”

My back stiffens. “Yes, he did.”

“I’ll bet that press conference of yours broke his heart.” He shakes his head and grabs Kim’s arm. “Vince, maybe you need to pay closer attention to the types of people you invite to these things if you want to stay in business.” He tosses a final look of detest at me and stalks away with his slutty daughter in tow.

What.The.Fuck?

My mouth is dry, my brain working overtime to process the words I’ve just heard.

It’s not that I’m ashamed of who I am. It’s not that I regret my choice to tell the world that I’m gay. It’s not that I’ve never been blasted by ignorant bigots like Bob before.

It’s the look on Vince’s face that makes my gut twist, and suddenly, the pieces are connecting for me. It was slow to start, courtesy of the booze, but my mind has finally caught up.

I grip the arms of the chair tight and rise slowly, my eyes locked on Vince’s.

“I’m really sorry about that,” he mumbles, looking anywhere and everywhere but me. “Bob works with my dad, and he, ah, he’s…” He breaks off, his shoulders sagging. He lets out a deep sigh and scrubs a hand down the front of his face.

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