Chapter Twenty-Eight
Jaxon
It was a week before election night, and I was ready to jump out of my skin.
I’d been crisscrossing the election district, meeting people, attending breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, all while still waiting for that damn article to appear.
Blair had confirmed the interview I’d been conned into giving had been for a publication favorable to Winston.
One where traditional family values were of the utmost importance.
My polling numbers might be strong, but everyone in politics knew voters could flip on a dime on the most minute of issues.
That morning, I entered the office to see my staff gathered around Martin’s desk. Worried faces met mine.
“What’s going on?”
“It came out.”
No need to explain what “it” was. That damn interview. Of course, right in time for election for maximum impact.
My stomach cramped, but I nodded. “I’ll take a look.”
They crowded into my office, work ignored for the moment while I read parts of the article out loud, and my blood burned as my intimate life was laid bare.
“While in law school, Jaxon Polaris was involved in a clandestine, sexual affair with a married male professor. It lasted most of his third year and only stopped when he graduated. Interestingly, Polaris was given a highly coveted job in the district attorney’s office straight out of school.
Was he truly qualified, or was that a reward for the favors he performed for the professor? ”
“The fucking bastard,” I spat out. “Insinuating I didn’t deserve my job. I graduated top of my class and law review.”
“It’s all a ploy to distract people from what really matters,” Lila said fiercely, and the others nodded in agreement.
“She’s right,” Martin declared with anger. “Don’t let them draw you into making this about anything other than the issues. If they see you falter and becoming defensive, they’ll pounce.”
As much as I wanted to disagree, I knew they spoke the truth. I sighed and clicked out of the article without even bothering to read it in full.
“You’re all correct. Thank you for your advice and all the support.”
“Of course, Jaxon,” Martin stated, and I’d never seen him so enraged. “You’re going to make a great judge and do great things. This is the dirty part of politics you knew was coming. I’ve already prepared a statement for when the calls come in and ran it by Blair.”
As if on cue, the phones began to ring.
“Showtime,” he declared, and in spite of the seriousness of the situation, I laughed and waved him on.
“Go forth and conquer. And if I haven’t mentioned it lately, you all are the best damn team I’ve ever worked with, and I’m proud to call you my friends as well as coworkers.”
They clapped, and I couldn’t help my eyes smarting. I had to keep my cool and make it through this next week without any missteps.
My cell buzzed. “Hey, Blair.” I grimaced. “I guess you saw the article.”
“Yes, and it’s infuriating, but we’re issuing our own press release stating you don’t respond to personal attacks and listing all your accomplishments since taking office as DA. And I have some good news to counter this nonsense. Judge Rodriguez is ready to endorse you.”
“She is? I thought she was remaining neutral.”
“True, but after seeing the increasingly ugly attacks on you—her words, not mine—she contacted me this morning and said she planned on making the endorsement.”
“I-I’m thrilled with that.”
“As you should be,” Blair stated with his usual practicality. “I’ll talk to you later and let you know the details. Have you ever met her?”
“No, but I’m an admirer for sure. Her decisions have been well-thought-out and have had far-reaching consequences. I know she’ll do a kick-ass job on the federal bench.”
“I’ll be in touch.”
I still had my job to do as district attorney, and Martin spent his time fielding questions from local papers and news stations asking me for a statement on the interview, but Blair had already instructed him to simply say that I wouldn’t respond to frivolous accusations and gossip.
By the time I walked into Sweeny’s that night, I was wrung out and wanted a drink, a burger, and my boyfriend—not necessarily in that order.
I took my usual seat, and Theo came with my Grey Goose. I leaned in for a kiss. His mouth tasted warm and familiar, and I rested my forehead against his with a sigh.
“Best part of my whole damn day.”
“Mine too,” he answered. “Except for this morning.”
A grin kicked up my lips for the first time in the past ten hours.
“Oh, yeah? You little devil. Looking for a repeat performance?”
His green eyes sparkled. “Maybe? Or I might have to return the favor.”
I’d woken up earlier than him and kissed him to wakefulness, then sucked him off until he lay boneless and blissed out.
“Ready and willing, baby.”
“Mr. Polaris?”
I turned away from Theo to face an older woman.
Her sleek, dark hair was in an elegant bun, and she wore a beautifully cut gray suit over a white silk blouse.
A creamy strand of pearls rested at her neck.
A diamond engagement ring and band glittered on her hand.
She projected power and sophistication. I immediately rose to my feet.
“Judge Rodriguez. I-I’m thrilled to meet you.”
“Call me Gloria. And I’m happy to meet you as well.” Her handshake was purposeful, the smile on her lips warm. Intense brown eyes met mine. “I’m here tonight because I spoke with Blair, who told me you’d be here. Your partner owns the bar?”
“Yes, Theo Sweeny. Babe, come here. I want you to meet someone.”
A bit hesitant as he was with every new person he met, Theo left the bar and approached us with slow steps. I put my arm around his waist.
“This is Judge Gloria Rodriguez, newly appointed to the federal bench. It’s her vacant seat I’m running for. Gloria, this is my partner, Theo Sweeny.”
“Nice to meet you, Theo.”
“I’m happy to meet you as well. Can I offer you anything?”
“No, thank you. Now, Jaxon, I’m assuming Blair informed you of my plan to endorse your candidacy.”
“Yes.” I nodded. “I’m extremely grateful. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I’d like to do it now. Here.”
I blinked. “Here? In the bar?”
“If Theo will allow it. People should see you as approachable and down-to-earth. Not someone distant and above them. Being here, in a neighborhood place, gives you that authenticity.”
“I’m definitely okay with it,” Theo assured us.
“Wonderful. I have a cameraman here with me, so if you’re ready…” She waited for my response.
“Of course, that’s amazing.”
I smoothed my hair and buttoned my suit jacket while a tall, stone-faced man set up a tripod and a set of lights. He clipped a microphone to her lapel and mine. “Ready, Judge.”
Theo swiftly cleared the bar area of all plates and glasses while a small crowd gathered around to watch.
“All set?”
I nodded, and the man started recording. “You’re on.”
“I’m here tonight in the popular Appleton Falls bar, Sweeny’s, to give my endorsement to District Attorney Jaxon Polaris for my vacated judgeship.
This race wouldn’t normally draw as much attention as it has, but much has been said about Mr. Polaris’s sexuality and his past. Like him, I too grew up poor, raised by my grandmother because my mother fell victim to drugs.
Most of us have not lived a life without blame or shame.
I know I haven’t. It’s how we choose to handle ourselves when accusations or rumors are tossed our way, attempting to derail us from our cause, that really matters. ”
She paused, and I didn’t think Sweeny’s had ever been so silent. Theo had turned down the volume of the multiple television sets, and we might’ve been the only people in the room.
“As a woman and a person of color, I’ve been dismissed and ignored all my life, but I’ve persevered.
In the workplace, first as an ADA and then as a district attorney, I’ve had to fight for equality every step of the way and was also subjected to innuendos as to how I rose to my position.
The allegations flung at Mr. Polaris are reprehensible, and the insinuation that because he is a gay man, he can’t represent all the people of the state is foolish and a distraction.
The truth is that his opponent can’t find a single thing to criticize about Mr. Polaris’s work.
His stellar record speaks for itself, and I am more than thrilled to offer him my full endorsement and support. ”
She held out her hand, and I shook it.
“Thank you, Your Honor. I am beyond thrilled to accept your endorsement of my candidacy and to reassure the people that if elected, I will be fair and equitable to everyone who comes before me. I promise not to deviate from my tough stance on illegal guns and drugs. But I also continue to believe that our constitution is a living, breathing document, and we must change with the times, as I’m sure our forefathers would’ve agreed. ”
The cameraman made a “cut” gesture, and the lights went out. He removed the mics.
“Thank you so much again for your extremely kind words and endorsement. It was greatly appreciated.” Theo joined us, and I put my arm around him. “At the beginning of this campaign, I thought I could do it all alone. I now realize how impossible it is.”
“Impossible and unnecessary. Why wouldn’t you want people who believe in you to shout your accomplishments from the rooftops? I have to go, but I look forward to next week and hopefully toasting to your victory.”
We watched her leave, and I took Theo into my arms. “You know I couldn’t have done this without you.”
“Sure you could. But you don’t have to. You have people who love and care about you.” He hugged me, and I thought about all those long and lonely nights spent with men I’d never see again.
“Tell Tony to take over the bar. I want you. Now.”
“B-but…he’ll know why we’re leaving,” he whispered, and I kissed him.
“And?” I held his face between my hands. “You either tell him you’re leaving, or I’m going to take you into the bathroom, lock the door, and make you scream so everyone will hear you.”