Chapter Seventeen

 

 

 

“Thank you for joining me here this evening to celebrate my re-election to the New York State Senate representing the Eighth District!”

The crowd erupted with cheers and Will tried not to fidget as he stared out at the sea of excited faces. He lingered a few steps behind and to the right of David, who stood tall behind the podium in a charcoal Dunhill suit. Watching him put the suit on had led Will to all sorts of inappropriate thoughts.

The room felt uncomfortably warm to Will and made his own dark blue suit suddenly constricting. The blood pounding in his ears made it hard to hear David’s carefully constructed acceptance speech. He’d listened to David practice it at least half a dozen times, but the familiar words weren’t registering, so Will focused on the crowd—particularly David’s sister seated in the front row—and used their cues to know when to clap and smile. The last thing he wanted was to look like a robot in front of the press.

“You okay, Will?” Jerry Andov murmured during the next round of applause.

Will smiled and spoke through his teeth. “Hanging in there.”

David’s campaign manager had been a godsend. Will had expected grudging tolerance of his presence in David’s life, but Jerry had been enthusiastic and happy to meet Will. He’d listened thoughtfully to Will’s concerns and assured him they’d find a way to navigate his need to be himself and still support David’s career. He’d also persuaded them to make a more formal announcement, and though Will was anxious about how it would go, Jerry’s arguments had been compelling.

“You’re up next.”

Will took a deep breath and shifted minutely, bringing his shoulders down and his chin up a fraction.

“…and last but not least I’d like to thank two extremely important people in my life. Former Senator William Martin mentored me and helped shape my career. His dedication to his constituents has inspired me for years and I am deeply saddened by his illness and early retirement. However, I owe Senator Martin for much more than influencing my career, because he has also brought a great deal of joy to my personal life. He has become a friend in the past year and, more recently, he introduced me to his son, Will.”

David gestured toward him and Will stepped forward to stand by David’s side.

“Without further ado, I’d like to introduce William Martin Jr.—a dedicated law professor at NYU, a published author of legal political history, and a man I’m extremely proud to call my partner.” David paused as the crowd erupted with noise. Once they’d calmed down, he continued, “Will has been a rock to his family in these difficult times and I am deeply grateful for his support during my re-election.”

Will waved and tried not to flinch at the crowd’s sudden noisy uproar and the camera flashes.

David took hold of Will’s hand. When he squeezed Will’s fingers, Will relaxed a little. He was out of his element, but he cared for David and wanted to support him. Even in the midst of a victory speech, David was thinking of Will and that was a balm to his frayed nerves.

In the past few days, they’d thoroughly discussed the issue of public displays of affection. David had been all for a brief kiss, but Will and Jerry had agreed that hand holding during the acceptance speech was enough for now. It had nothing to do with hiding and more to do with Will hating a staged show of affection. If they were out walking Mabel and he wanted to kiss David, he wouldn’t hesitate, but Will wasn’t about to do it for a photo op.

David wrapped up his speech and after more cheering, he moved on to answering press questions. Will half-listened as David deftly fielded them, knowing they’d soon turn to their relationship.

“Mr. Martin, is it true you and your father were estranged for years?” a reporter queried.

David stepped back and allowed Will to take his place at the microphone. Will took a deep breath before he answered. “Yes. Unfortunately, we had a falling out after I graduated from college and we didn’t reconcile until this past spring after his cancer diagnosis.”

“Does Former Senator Martin know about your relationship with Senator Mori?” another reporter called out.

“He does. In fact, I think he may have figured out my feelings before I did.” That got a laugh from the crowd. “He deeply respects David and has given us his blessing.”

“You’re a registered Democrat. Do you find that causes conflict in your relationship with Senator Mori?”

“Yes,” Will answered bluntly. The crowd laughed again. “David and I have disagreed on a lot of issues. But we respect each other’s beliefs and I also deeply admire David’s willingness to vote across party lines and his openness to hearing other points of view. We may disagree about some of his policies, but in the end, I know David sincerely wants to do his best for the people of New York and I value that about him.”

“Do you and Senator Mori have plans to move in together? You are a resident of Manhattan, are you not?”

Will tried not to blink in surprise. That was a question none of them had anticipated and he scrambled for an answer. “Currently, I’m living with my family here on Long Island while we deal with my father’s illness. I will stay there as long as I’m needed.”

By the time he’d finished fielding questions and the press conference ended, Will was drained. As soon as they were away from the crowd, he sighed in relief.

Jerry grabbed his hand and shook it heartily. “Well done, Will! You handled that like a pro!”

Will gave him a relieved smile. “I tried.”

David wrapped an arm around him and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Jerry’s right. You handled yourself beautifully. Thank you.”

“It wasn’t so bad,” Will admitted. “I can’t say it was easy, but I think I’ll be able to handle it.”

“I know you can,” David said. “And if it gets to be too much, talk to me. We’ll figure out a way to take some of the pressure off, I promise. You come first to me.”

“Thank you.” Will pressed a brief but heartfelt kiss to David’s lips. “If I haven’t said it enough already, congratulations on your re-election, Senator.”

David smiled and tightened his grip around Will’s waist. “Thank you, Will. I’m glad I’ll be serving this term with you by my side.”

 

* * * *

 

Will woke up the next morning to a wet nose nudging his hand. David was still sound asleep beside him, sprawled on his stomach and snoring lightly. Though tempted to press a kiss to David’s muscled shoulder, Will let him sleep—David had been working himself to death lately and Will wanted him to rest.

Mabel nudged Will’s hand again and he glanced over to find her staring at him expectantly, her tail wagging.

“Hey, girl,” he whispered. “Give me a minute and I’ll take you out.”

Will slid out of bed and tucked the covers around David. It didn’t take him long to dress and make himself semi-presentable, and David was still asleep when Mabel followed Will out of the bedroom.

He yawned as he laced his shoes, put on a warm jacket, and clipped a leash onto Mabel’s collar. “I might actually love that man,” Will joked, half to himself, half to the dog. “Getting up early to walk you so he can sleep…”

When his hand hit the doorknob, it occurred to Will that reporters could be camped outside and he froze. It had happened a few times at his parents’ house in Will’s youth, particularly after his mother’s car accident. Now, he peered through the glass and was relieved to see the street and lawn were clear.

A few cars passed as they walked and no one gave him a second glance. Maybe he was being overly paranoid about things. Sure, he and David would be news, but there were other gay politicians out there. Will and David would be old news fast.

The bite in the air held the promise of winter and the frost-covered grass crunched under his feet as Will and Mabel walked. He’d taken her out with David many times and knew their usual route.

He was chilled but invigorated by the time he let Mabel and himself back into David’s house. David greeted them with a sleepy smile in the kitchen, dressed in a pair of low-slung pajama pants and a soft, heather gray long-sleeved T-shirt that showed off his lean, hard body.

Will’s mouth watered and his fingers were clumsy with desire as he unclipped Mabel’s leash.

“I thought maybe you kidnapped my dog,” David said with a smile. He cradled a mug of coffee in his hands.

“Just to get some exercise. I wanted to let you sleep.” Will shrugged out of his jacket and hung it on a hook by the door.

“Mmm, thanks.” David ran a hand over Mabel’s head and leaned in to give Will a quick kiss. “I feel pretty well-rested. I was disappointed to wake up hard and find my bed empty.”

“Sorry.” Will kicked off his shoes. “I’m not opposed to going back to bed now that the beast is satisfied, however.”

David chuckled. “There’s several ways I could take that…”

“I meant your dog. But we can definitely see about satisfying some other animal needs.” Will slid a hand along David’s waist and when he tucked his fingers under David’s shirt, David yelped.

“We definitely need to warm you up. You’re freezing.”

“Well, there’s an obvious solution to that,” Will said cheerfully. “Lots of vigorous exercise and a hot shower.”

David set his mug on the counter. “That’s a brilliant plan.”

Forty-five minutes later as they stepped into the steamy shower, David asked, “Well, now that we’re out to the whole world, do you think sex has lost its thrill? I mean, we were sneaking around behind people’s backs before.”

Will snorted and closed the glass door behind them. His thighs were still shaky from the orgasm that made him feel like he was being turned inside out. “Hardly.”

“Same here.” David leaned in to give Will a lingering kiss. “Oh, and remind me to give you a key to my place. I think it’s about time, don’t you?”

“I think so,” Will said with a smile. “Now, Senator, one of your constituents is in desperate need of getting his back washed. Do you have strong feelings about that?”

“Very strong feelings,” David joked. “In fact, I think you’re going to need to turn around so I can thoroughly examine the issue in question.”

 

* * * *

 

Will let himself into his parents’ house a few hours later and came face-to-face with his mother, who had stepped out of the den.

“How is Dad doing?” he asked.

“He’s tired but okay.” Agnes patted his arm. “You can see him later, but he should sleep for a while. He needs all he can get.”

“Of course. I’ll run my bag upstairs and we can catch up for a few minutes.”

“I’ll be in the kitchen. Coffee?”

“Please.”

Will quickly deposited his overnight bag in his room as his keys jingled in his pocket. He pulled the ring out and set it on his dresser, the shiny silver key David had given him earlier gleaming in the sunlight that spilled through the window.

The sight made him smile. David’s place felt like home and Will liked knowing he could come and go as he pleased.

When he returned to the kitchen, his mother slid a mug of coffee toward him, already doctored with cream and sugar.

“How are you? We saw David’s acceptance speech and your Q & A with the press last night.”

Will groaned and took a seat on the stool near the island. “Of course.”

“I know it isn’t easy, but you and David make a handsome couple and you handled the press beautifully.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Will sipped his coffee. “Any tips? Jerry’s advice is helpful, but there’s no one more qualified to advise me than you.”

She gave him a pleased smile. “Oh, I’m not sure you need my help, but let me think about it.”

“Sure.”

“Have you changed your phone number? I’m afraid it’ll only take a day or so before it’s ringing off the hook with requests for interviews.”

He made a face. “Ugh. Yeah, I can do that later today.”

“You’ll want two phones. One for your friends to contact you and the rest for anyone you don’t know and trust.”

“I feel like I should be taking notes,” Will joked, but Agnes slid a notepad and pen across the counter to him. She used it for making grocery lists, but it would do the trick.

“I’d suggest hiring someone to field interview requests and manage your schedule,” she said, “even if it’s only part-time, or temporary until things settle down.”

Will scribbled as Agnes continued.

“Until then, keep track of names, numbers and who someone is working for. Politely tell them you’ll get back to them as soon as you can, but don’t agree to any until you have a good selection and can pick the ones you’d like to do. “

“Okay.” Will began to feel slightly panicked. He’d thought he was prepared, but this was overwhelming.

Later that afternoon, Will’s phone buzzed with a call from David.

“Senator Mori, you are thorough.”

David chuckled. “Hey, I just wanted to touch base with you.”

“Sure,” Will said. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes.” David hesitated. “You should know there are some reporters camped out in front of my office.”

Will grumbled. “Damn it.”

“No, it’s fine. I wanted you to be prepared if you drop by in the near future.”

“Duly noted,” Will said with a sigh. “They’re not at your house or my parents’ house, so that’s something.”

“It could be much worse,” David said. “Be glad I’m in the state senate and not federal. The pressure is less intense.”

“Very true,” Will agreed.

“And trust me, if Mrs. Cohen saw reporters camped out, she’d be calling the police. I don’t think she’d be the only one, either.”

“Oh, that reminds me. My mother suggested I change my phone number and hire an assistant to field interview requests.”

“Great suggestions.” David chuckled. “We may have to hire your mother as a consultant.”

It occurred to Will then he had no idea what his mother would do after his father died. Agnes had spent a huge part of her life supporting Bill’s career and now managing his illness. Will made a mental note to figure out how to help her. Losing her husband would be hard enough, but Will suspected she’d be losing a good portion of her identity, too.

“You still there?”

“Yeah, sorry. Got lost in thought.”

“That’s okay. I have a meeting in about twenty minutes that I should prepare for. I wanted to warn you about the reporters and say hi.”

“Thanks. And hi.”

“Have a good day.” David sounded like he was smiling and Will realized he had a grin on his face too. It was amazing how good simply talking to David could make him feel.

“You too. I’ll talk to you later?”

“Definitely.”

“Will Martin!” a familiar voice said in an annoyed stage-whisper several hours later. Will looked up from his laptop screen to find Olivia glaring at him. “Why on earth didn’t you tell me about your boyfriend?”

He shrugged at his sister. “It’s new-ish?”

“I don’t care how new! I shouldn’t have to find out in the newspaper about my brother dating a Republican senator!”

“I’m sorry, Liv,” he said, trying to keep his voice down so they didn’t wake their father. Will felt guilty, but he wasn’t used to being close enough to his family to warrant sharing his personal life with them. “It’s been a long time since we spilled everything to each other and I’m out of practice. I’ll try to be more forthcoming in the future, but can you cut me a little slack?”

“Would you two stop whispering?” Bill grumbled from across the room. “I’m awake.”

“Sorry, Daddy.” Olivia sounded contrite. She crossed the room and kissed their father on the cheek. “How are you doing?”

“Glad to see you,” he said gruffly. “What made you stop by today?”

“I wanted to see you. And I wanted to be sure you didn’t kill Will for dating one of your colleagues.”

Will snorted. “I appreciate that, but Dad’s very supportive.”

Olivia’s eyes widened. “Oh! Well, that changes things.”

“Have I really been such a monster?” Bill jabbed a button on the bed control.

Olivia shot Will a slightly alarmed glance and mouthed, “Don’t answer that.” Will stifled a chuckle. She turned to face their father and patted him on the arm. “You weren’t very flexible about some things, that’s all.”

“Well, not only did I give Will my blessing to get involved with David, I encouraged him to get his head out of his ass about it. Is that flexible enough for you?” The bed had raised so Bill could sit semi-upright and he glared at both of them with all the imperiousness of a Roman senator.

“That’s impressively flexible,” Olivia said with a laugh.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, David is a good man. He’s good for Will. And I have him to thank for giving you reason to stick around here, son.”

Will stood with a frown. He crossed the room to his father and Olivia. “I didn’t stay here because of David, Dad. Sure, he helped, but I would have stayed regardless once I realized how much you and Mom needed me. And once you and I started to—” Will flailed for a few moments, trying to find the right words. “—mend fences, I didn’t want to waste what time we might have.”

Bill cleared his throat and took hold of Will’s hand. His hand felt bony in Will’s grasp, but his grip was still strong “That means a lot.”

Olivia blinked rapidly a few times, clearly on the verge of tears. Will wasn’t too far behind.

“I still don’t know why I had to be the last one to find out,” she grumbled as she wiped at the corner of her eye. “Next you’ll tell me you and David secretly got married and adopted a family of orphan children.”

Will laughed. “I am unmarried and childless still, though David does have a dog whom I adore. I promise, if we ever decide to go the marriage and family route, you’ll be the first to know, Liv.”

A ghost of a frown passed across Bill’s face. In the past, Will would have assumed his father disapproved of him marrying a man or having children through a surrogate. But now, Will suspected his father was thinking he wouldn’t be there to see those things happen. It made Will’s heart squeeze painfully. How little time did they have left?

“Promise me you’ll consider a biological child,” Bill said. “Not that adoption isn’t noble, but it would be nice if both you and Olivia passed on the family genes.”

Will blinked at him. “Uh, well, if or when it’s time for that, I’ll take it under consideration.”

“Good,” Bill said. He closed his eyes as if tired.

Truthfully, Will hadn’t spent a lot of time thinking about whether or not he wanted kids. And he’d never had a partner he’d wanted to raise kids with. He could certainly see David as an excellent father and Will wasn’t opposed to the idea, but they’d barely started a relationship. That wasn’t a bridge they needed to cross at the moment. Thinking about a future with David was pleasant, however.

“Speaking of grandkids,” Bill said, opening his eyes again. “When can I see Adam and Jocelyn again?”

“Are you sure you’re up to it, Daddy?” Olivia asked, doubt lacing her tone.

“They probably can’t stay long, but I’d like to see them.”

“How about Saturday?”

“Saturday is good. And you’re all coming on Thanksgiving?” His tone left no room for argument.

“Are you sure you’re up for that?”

“I’m sure.” Bill was firm. “I won’t be able to eat much and I may not even be able to sit at the table for long, but it’s going to be my last Thanksgiving. I want my family around me.” He leveled a look at Will. “And you’ll bring David.”

Tear pricked Will’s eyes. “He may have plans with his sister already,” he said gently.

“She and her family can come too.”

“I’ll talk to him about it tonight.”

“Good.” Bill’s eyes closed and opened a few times, and in a few moments, he dropped off to sleep with a gentle snore. Will gestured toward his sister, who pressed a soft kiss to their father’s cheek before she followed Will out of the room.

Will closed the French doors behind him and they walked quietly into the kitchen.

“It won’t be much longer, will it?” she asked, wiping at her eyes.

“I don’t think so,” Will said. “Maybe a few weeks, but Dad’s already held on longer than they expected.”

“I know.” She fished a tissue out of her bag and blew her nose. “I’m so glad you two had the time to make up.”

“Me too,” Will said, his tone heavy. “You and Mom and David were right. I would have regretted it if I’d missed the chance.”

Olivia’s sad smile brightened after a moment. “Speaking of, I need to hear more about the delicious Senator Mori! Who would have thought you’d end up back in politics?”

“Don’t remind me,” Will muttered.

“Well, you may not be the only one. Phillip is considering running for office.”

“But he enjoys his career at the law firm.” Will frowned.

“He did, until the lawsuit. He’s sick of dealing with the other partners’ fuckups and he’s thinking about letting them buy him out.”

“Huh. Well, good luck to him.”

“Thanks. I’ll pass that along.” Olivia nudged him with her elbow. “So, wanna make a bet on which Martin sibling makes it to the White House first? You’d make a stunning First Lady.”

Will mock-glared at her. “I believe the term would be ‘First Gentleman’. And for my sake, I hope it never comes to that.” He shuddered at the thought.

“You could always dye your hair wild colors again,” Olivia said cheerfully.

“Only if you promise to shave your head,” Will teased.

A soft noise of distress came from the doorway and Will turned to see his mother standing there. “Please, not this again. It’s beyond me why two people with such beautiful hair would ever want to desecrate it that way.”

“Just to drive you crazy, Mom,” Olivia said.

“That I believe,” Agnes said with a laugh. “Will either of you be staying for dinner?”

“I’ll be here,” Will said.

“I can’t stay.” Olivia glanced at her watch. “In fact, I should leave to go pick up the kids soon. But I want to talk to you about Thanksgiving. Dad seems to be inviting half the neighborhood. What can I do to help you get ready?”