18. Edward
EDWARD
“Thank you for coming today. I’d like to make a short statement, and I won’t be taking questions.”
The press didn’t react because they’d been briefed. That was more for the people watching.
“I know there have been a lot of questions since private photographs of me were shared in the press. I’d like to stress that these were taken without my knowledge or consent.
Nobody would want what they considered to be a private and intimate moment broadcast for everyone to see, regardless of their sexuality.
“This wasn’t the way I wanted to come out as gay.
That should be a person’s choice to make, when they’re ready.
I knew I was gay before I started university, but my father wasn’t willing to accept that about his only child.
I kept that part of myself hidden for over twenty years, to keep the peace and not risk losing my relationship with him, especially after my mother died.
It was only after he’d died that I realised the damage he’d done.
I now had the freedom to come out, but I’d been programmed to fear the consequences.
“I ask that the man in the pictures with me be left alone. He’s very important to me, but he didn’t choose this life and the rightful scrutiny that comes with public office. Basically, I’m asking you all a favour here . . . Don’t scare him off.”
That got a laugh from the reporters.
“I also want to acknowledge the position I’m in, and the platform that gives me to speak on this topic.
Now . . . I speak now to other members of the LGBTQ+ community.
I kept this part of myself locked away for too long.
I know the importance of role models, and I apologise for not being one for the community I’m proud to be part of.
If any of you are struggling, whether you have anyone close you can talk to or not, remember you can always call Switchboard.
They were a lifeline for me when I was younger, and the work they do is exceptional.
We all need a safe space to talk sometimes, and this one is just for us. ”
Edward shared the contact details before thanking the press and leaving the stage.
He’d expected them to throw a few questions at him – which was common even when someone said they wouldn’t be taking any – but apart from speaking amongst themselves, there wasn’t a sound from them.
It felt respectful, which wasn’t what he had built himself up for.
Once he was out of the press room, he headed to his office.
A few of his colleagues congratulated him along the way and gave words of encouragement.
Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad, and all would work out.
That feeling went straight out the window when he saw Hargreaves waiting outside his office.
He thought of going somewhere else, but then the toad spotted him.
“I’d like a word in private, please, Edward.”
“Sure, come into my office. I know you don’t have a private one anymore.”
Yes, it was a cheap shot, but the glare on Hargreaves’s face made it all worth it. Once they were inside and the door was closed, Edward removed his jacket and tie before sitting behind his desk. Hargreaves was still standing, seeming unsure of himself.
“You wanted to speak to me, William?”
“What are your intentions?”
“About what?”
“You know what. The leadership contest.”
“There isn’t a leadership contest.”
“Not yet, but we know it’s only a matter of time.”
“I’ll make that decision when the opportunity presents itself.”
“Bullshit. If she’d announced it as planned, you would have gone for it.”
“Circumstances are different now.”
“Ah yes, your little bum chum.”
“I’d watch what you say, William. It wouldn’t look good for you if someone overheard you and reported it to the press. You never know when a mobster could be hiding around the corner.”
The look on Hargreaves’s face was all the evidence Edward needed to know who’d been behind everything. Why Hargreaves was mixed up with someone like Grant Kincaid was a mystery, and one which would no doubt bite him on the arse one day.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Hargreaves.
“Close the door on your way out, William. And tell Mister Kincaid to keep out of my business in the future.”
Hargreaves’s jaw dropped, and he went bright red before scuttling out the door.
Derek had guessed Hargreaves had made some sort of deal with Kincaid, assuming that he’d soon be PM and able to give certain favours.
The man would not be happy when Hargreaves couldn’t deliver, but that’s what you got for getting into bed with criminals.
That morning, Olivia had shared with Edward that she’d decided to stay on as PM until at least after the next election.
Polling was tightening, so it was in the party’s interest not to rock the boat, Edward had made it clear to Olivia that he wouldn’t be running for the leadership at this time, but was happy to stay on as her deputy.
Milo was his priority now. He wanted to build a future with him.
After meeting him, being prime minister had dropped down the list. For that reason, it wouldn’t be right to take on the role.
Nobody had wanted Hargreaves, so Olivia had made the right call.
Besides, how she had been with Edward since everything had kicked off had been the perfect balance between supportive boss and decisive leader.
He wasn’t sure he could strike that balance in the way she could, but that was something he could consider in the future, if the time ever felt right.
“Hi, honey, I’m home.”
Milo looked up with a smile on his face.
Edward loved seeing him in his place, especially when he got home.
It had been a month since Edward had made his press statement, which had been followed up by his interview with Sally.
She’d been respectful and hadn’t asked him questions about Milo.
He’d simply said his boyfriend wasn’t in the public eye, and people should be respectful of his privacy.
All the press attention had died off, and they were effectively old news now.
It had been carefully leaked to the press that the PM wasn’t going anywhere, and the journalists were sniffing around for the next political scandal.
“Will you move in with me?”
“What?” asked Milo, with a look of shock on his face.
“Didn’t you say your tenancy was up?”
“Yeah, but you really want me here?”
“All the time. You could write while I go out and do my office job.”
Milo snorted. He’d quit his job, with immediate effect.
Edward had encouraged Milo to clear the air with Patrick, which he had.
He didn’t have any personal grudge with Patrick, but seeing the impact the story had on Edward had made Milo realise they’d done that to lots of other people.
It was no longer an industry he could work in, which Patrick had understood.
“Can I talk to the guys first?”
“Of course,” he said, trying not to sound disappointed.
Milo jumped up and walked over to Edward, taking hold of his hands.
“I want to move in with you, but I promised the guys we’d get a flat together. A two-bed flat versus a three-bed will have a big impact on their budget. I just want to do the right thing. But the short answer is yes, I will move in with you.”
Edward leaned forward and gave him a kiss. “I love you.”
“Love you too. I made dinner.”
Edward looked around and sniffed. “Is it a salad?”
“Cheeky fucker. No, Thai food.”
“What time will it get here?”
“About ten minutes.”
Edward laughed. “Great, I’ll grab a quick shower.”
“Shall I join you?”
“Not if you don’t want the food to get cold.”
Edward gave Milo another quick kiss and dashed upstairs.
He turned the shower on whilst he got undressed.
Before, he’d gotten home at all hours, and just eaten something and gone to sleep, showering in the morning.
Now he was with Milo, he looked forward to their evenings together.
The Commons sat late a couple of nights a week, but even on those occasions, Milo was always waiting up for him in case Edward needed taking care of.
Milo was here almost every night, so it only felt right that he’d asked him to move in.
Thankfully, Milo’s flatmates had come round to the idea of him being with a politician.
Well, to be fair, Kieran was the only one who’d given him a hard time, but Edward hadn’t minded.
It was refreshing to hear someone young speak so passionately about issues.
Even if they disagreed on some things, and Edward wasn’t up for abolishing the monarchy, he respected his point of view, which had thrown him a bit.
It was clear he was used to people just arguing with him.
Lexie was trying to convince Edward to be the patron of a trans charity that had supported her.
He was going to do it, but he’d had a lot of similar requests from LGBTQ+ charities, and he couldn’t do them all.
Hassan had given a mini lecture on how underfunded the NHS was, none of which Edward disagreed with.
He was honest and said they had to make the money they had work, as there wasn’t a bottomless pit.
Liam was a wonderful guy, and he knew Milo missed seeing him every day, but Heartwood was a gorgeous little town.
Edward could see himself living there if he ever wanted to slow things down one day.
Once he was out of the shower, he dried off and pulled on some joggers and a singlet, which showed off his arms – Milo was always touching his biceps.
As he walked down the stairs he got a waft of deliciousness, which made his mouth water, so the food had arrived.
He walked into the kitchen diner and stopped.
Milo was staring at his phone with a shocked look on his face.
“Is everything okay, Milo?”
“That was Hannah Jackson.”
Edward couldn’t help but smile.
“Did you know she was going to call me?”
“I didn’t think it would be this quick. I only sent it to her a week ago.”
Hannah Jackson was the commissioning editor at one of the big four publishing houses.
Edward had read Milo’s book, at his request, and he’d loved it.
Milo had worked with the editorial service Edward had purchased, but they’d given him a refund as there was nothing she could offer to make the manuscript any better.
She’d advised him to send it to agents immediately, but Milo had hesitated through fear of rejection.
Edward knew it all too well, so he’d been decisive and bypassed agents, going straight to Hannah.
He’d met her a few times, but she was Derek’s friend, not his.
She didn’t owe him anything. Edward had only asked her for some advice on where Milo would be best marketing it to.
“She’s offered me a five-book deal.”
“Oh, wow.”
“How is this possible?”
“Because your writing is perfect, just like you.”
Milo laughed. “I’m far from perfect.”
Edward pulled him in for a hug. “You’re perfect for me.”
“Can you imagine the headlines if I do this? Deputy PM’s rent boy lover writes wolf porn.”
Edward cracked up laughing. It might sound ridiculous, but he could visualise that headline in certain papers, and he didn’t even care.
If it meant Milo could achieve his dream, he’d be happy.
He no longer dreamed of being PM. When the opportunity came up again, he’d consider it, but holding this wonderful man in his arms meant his own dream had already come true.