Mayor Kinney

* 6 *

Justin looked at his cell phone.  He knew he had messages and he knew who they were from.  He just wasn't sure if he wanted to answer them.  With a sigh of resignation he retrieved them.  There were five.  The first was from his mother and he was sure the rest were from her to.  She wanted him to call her.  She wanted to hear all about the swearing in and the dinner and dance.

 

Justin was pretty sure she would have gotten the lowdown from Debbie by now.  He also knew that she wasn't too pleased about not being invited to the dinner.  Justin had told her that it was for Brian, for his friends and supporters.  There were limited spaces and Brian had chosen his oldest friends.  Jennifer had said she understood, but he knew she was disappointed.

 

The other kicker in all this would be what the morning papers said.  He and Brian had refused to look at them, and so far he was none the wiser about what they might have written about him and Brian and the dance.

 

Justin had finished his interview at PIFA and had received permission to attend the next semester.  It was a cold January day but he plunked himself down on the edge of a planter outside the administration building and hit his mother's number at work.

 

She picked up and Justin was momentarily at a loss for what to say.  "Mom," he managed to get out.

 

"Justin, thank God.  I've left a ton of messages for you.  Debbie told me you and Brian rushed out of the dance.  She was worried and so was I."

"I'm sorry we worried you.  I'm fine and Brian's … fine too."

"Debbie said you danced just like you did at your prom.  Is that true?  Did it trigger any memories?"

"It's true, but I don't really remember any more than I did before.  But it really spooked Brian."

"Why?" Jennifer asked.

 

Justin wondered how much he should tell his mother.  "Um, Brian … he kind of thought that history might repeat itself."

"Oh, my God!  Debbie said he had been attacked.  Is he all right?  Are you all right?  Tell me the truth."

 

"I told you, we're fine."

"Good, but why did he do that?  Why couldn't he let well enough alone?"

"It's a long story, but I'm glad we had that dance.  It was important to us."

"If you say so," Jennifer said not really understanding why either of them would want to relive or even remember that other night.

 

"Have you seen today's papers?" Justin asked hoping he wouldn't regret that question.

 

"Yes, why?"

"Was there anything about the inaugural and the … dance?"

 

"Of course."

"Well, what did they say?" Justin asked in exasperation.

 

"They had a picture of Brian taking the oath and the transcript of his speech."

 

"And the dance?"  This was like pulling teeth.

 

"They just said the ceremony was followed by dinner and a dance."

"That's it?"

 

"Yes, honey, why are you asking all these questions?"

"I just thought there might be a picture of our dance."

 

"Well, not in my newspaper."

"I have to go, Mom.  Bye."  Justin hung up before his mother could ask any more questions.  Was it possible that no one got a picture of them dancing … and the kiss?  Could it be possible that this one time they might be all right?  They might not have to suffer the consequences of their actions.

Justin smiled and went to buy all the different newspapers he could find.  He hoped none of them contained a picture of him and Brian at the dance.

 

                                                                -----

 

Chuck let Brian off in front of City Hall.  Brian looked around tentatively, but saw no protesters or supporters.  Could life possibly be returning to normal?  He could use a little dose of normal along about now.

 

He was kind of surprised though, because he was sure the dance last night would have set them all off again.  And the kiss!  That was some kiss, if he did say so himself.  And now Justin knew what the prom had been like and he knew that Brian had made that gesture and he knew that Brian was telling him he loved him by his actions.  At least he hoped Justin understood that last part.

 

He gave a little shrug, straightened his tie and pushed open the front door of City Hall.  He knew the route to the mayor's office.  One night after the election he and Charles had come here to check things out and let Brian get the feel of the place.

 

Several people said, "Good morning, Mr. Mayor," as he passed by.  He smiled and replied, "Good morning."  He rode the elevator to the fifth floor and stepped out.  His office was to the left and he started down the hall.  A young woman with brown hair and a tight face sat at a desk outside his office.

 

"Mr. Mayor," she said, "my name is Lucinda.  I'm from the temp pool and I've been sent up here until you choose your own people."

"Hello, Lucinda.  Could you get me some coffee?"

"Certainly, sir.  I'll bring it right in.  Mr. Cheeks is waiting for you."

"Thank you."  Brian opened the door to his office to find Geoffrey Cheeks sitting in the chair in front of Brian's desk.  "I didn't expect to see you first thing, Geoffrey.  Weren't you up late last night dancing the night away?"

"I don't dance," Geoffrey said seriously.

 

"Of course not," Brian replied trying to keep a straight face.  "So why are you here?"

 

"My responsibilities include getting the new mayor settled in and helping him with staffing."

A tap on the door heralded coffee brought by Lucinda.  Brian thanked her and she quickly left.  He took a sip of the black liquid only to find that it was sugarless.  "Yuck," he said.  "Why didn't she ask me how I take this stuff?  Lucinda, get back in here!"

 

Lucinda reappeared in the doorway a look of fear on her face.

 

"I take two sugars in my coffee.  Fix it."

Lucinda stepped forward and took the mug from Brian.  She looked like she wanted to cry.  She turned and practically ran from the room, the mug clutched in her hand, trying not to spill the coffee.

 

"That wasn't very nice," Geoffrey observed.

 

Brian glared at him.  "Tell me what you're doing here … again."

"I'm here to help you staff your office."

"Then replace her."

 

"She's only a temp, but she can handle the job for a day or two," Geoffrey said.

 

"She isn't handling it so far.  What staff am I entitled to?"

"A driver, a personal assistant and me."

"Oh," Brian chuckled.  "I have a feeling that the only one I can't do without is you."

"That would be correct," Geoffrey stated.

 

Brian snorted.  This man had a high opinion of himself, but he also seemed to be the only fucking one who knew all the ropes around there.  "So where do we begin?"

Lucinda appeared in the doorway and knocked timidly.  She held out the coffee mug and Brian took it.  He sipped and said, "Very good, Lucinda.  Just the way I like it."  Lucinda beamed.

 

Geoffrey watched all of this.  He was beginning to see why this man commanded attention.  It was a combination of charm and fear and probably never knowing which one you were going to get at any given time.  "Is the man who drove you yesterday going to continue in that capacity?" Geoffrey asked.

 

"Do I get any security?" Brian asked ignoring the other question.

 

"That can be arranged with the police."

"I don't want the police.  I want my own people."

"There is precedent for that.  I'll look into it for you."

 

"Good, because I've hired two bodyguards since I was attacked and one of them is that driver.  I want to keep them on, but their salaries should come from what's allocated here at City Hall."

"I'll make the arrangements," Geoffrey said smoothly.

 

Brian handed him two business cards, one for Chuck and one for Phydeau whose real name he couldn't believe.  He had got them from Chuck on the drive in to City Hall.  Geoffrey placed them in his pocket.

 

"What's next?" Brian asked.

 

"Personal assistant."

"I know who I want, but I don't know if I can get her," Brian said staring into space.

 

"Would you like me to contact her?" Geoffrey volunteered.

 

"I don't think that would help.  What's the salary range for this position?"

Geoffrey grabbed a pad on Brian's desk and wrote down a figure.  Never discuss money out loud seemed to be the rule around here.  Brian read the amount.

 

"Can we find a bit more?"

"Maybe up to this much more," Geoffrey said as he wrote another number on the pad and handed it to Brian.

 

"That's more like it.  I'll call her and let you know if I have my personal assistant later today."

Geoffrey pointed to files on Brian's desk.  "Those need your attention today.  Read them, and if you have any questions, call me.  Lucinda has the numbers for anyone you may need to get in touch with. Unless I hear from you sooner I'll be back at four p.m. to see how you made out."

 

"Great," Brian said.  He had to hand it to old Geoffrey.  He didn't waste any time and he was very efficient in his job.  Geoffrey stood up and quietly left the office.

 

Brian sat down in his new chair and savored a moment of being mayor.  He hoped he still savored it at the end of the day.  With a sigh he picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number.

 

"Vangard Advertising, good morning," a voice said.

 

"I'd like to speak to Cynthia Potter," Brian said.

 

"She no longer works here," the woman said.

 

"What?"

 

"I believe she quit a few days ago.  May I direct your call to someone else?"

"No."  Brian hung up.  Cynthia quit.  He wondered what had happened to cause this turn of events.

 

He took out his cell phone and hit the autodial for Cynthia's home number.

 

"Hello," a sleepy voice answered after several rings.

 

"Sleeping in kind of late these days, aren't you?" Brian said.

 

"Brian?"

"The one and only."

"So this is your first official day as mayor.  Lonely already?"

Brian chuckled.  He loved Cynthia's wry wit.  "I tried to call you at Vangard."

"So you know that I am no longer employed there."

"They said you quit."

"I did."

"Why?"

"It wasn't the same without you," she said jokingly, but that was exactly what she meant.

 

"What's the real story?" Brian asked.

 

"I … I don't want to get into it.  It's not important."

 

"Yes, it is.  Tell me."

Cynthia sighed.  "They assigned me to Henderson.  You know what an asshole he is.  He always hated you, and he did his best to take it out on me.  My job became that of a glorified gofer.  Anytime I suggested an idea he shot me down.  I just couldn't stand it anymore."

"So what are you going to do now, other than sleep the day away?"

"Fuck you!"

 

Brian chuckled.  "That's not likely to happen."

Cynthia snorted.  "I'm looking around.  I'll find something," she said ignoring his bad joke.

"How would you like to work for me again?" Brian ventured.

 

"What do you mean?  You're the mayor.  You're not in advertising anymore."

 

"True, but I still need a personal assistant, and this gig is only for two years.  Then I might open my own ad agency."

"Planning ahead?"

"Of course.  You know I always do."

"Yeah," she admitted.

 

"So would you be interested?"  Brian held his breath.  He really wanted her and needed her.

 

"Can't live without me?"

 

"Something like that," he conceded.

 

"I don't know anything about politics."

"Neither do I."

"Well, we'll make a fine pair running the city," she laughed.

 

"You bet your ass, we will."

"When do you want me to start?"

 

"When can you get that ass of yours out of bed and down here?"

"Give me a couple of hours."

 

"Cynthia," he said quietly.

 

"Yes."

"I … appreciate this."

"Anytime, Boss."

"See you soon."

Brian cut the connection and smiled.  It was going to be a good day.

 

                                                                -----

 

Chuck dropped Brian off at the loft just before six o'clock.  Brian felt like his eyes were going to fall out of his head and his mind was reeling.  He had read a million reports and had met thousands of people who kept dropping by his office introducing themselves and wanting favors.

 

The only bright spot in the day was Cynthia.  Things got much better after she took over.  She grilled those who wanted to see him, took down their names and positions and what they wanted.  She filled Brian in on them before she allowed them entrance.  She was damn good at her job.

 

Even Geoffrey had been impressed with her when he came for their four o'clock meeting.  Cynthia had given him the third degree too.  It had taken all of his expertise to convince her that he should be allowed to speak to Brian.  Finally she had agreed to ask and Brian had vouched for him. 

 

The man had seemed pleased overall with what Brian had accomplished, even though Brian couldn't point to one concrete thing he had done all day long.

 

Now Brian needed Justin.  He better be home, Brian thought as he rode up in the elevator.  He had wanted to call him all day, but he had been so busy and those damn reports.  He heaved a great sigh as he opened the door to the loft.

 

Justin sat on the floor by the couch.  He had newspapers everywhere all over the carpet.

 

"What are you doing?" Brian asked.

 

"I've checked every newspaper and there's no mention of our dance or the kiss.  Isn't that great?"

"Great.  Geoffrey told me that the press was banned from the dinner and dance.  They had their chance at City Hall."

"Oh," Justin said deflated.

 

"So maybe we don't have to worry.  How did it go at PIFA?"

"I'm all set."

"Good."

"How was your day, Mr. Mayor?"

"Long and boring, but I got Cynthia hired as my personal assistant."

"Wow, that's great.  I'm surprised she'd leave Vangard though."

"She had already quit."

"What happened?"

"I'll tell you later," Brian said.  "Come here."

Justin could tell by the husky tone of Brian's voice that he was horny as hell.  He got up and moved over to Brian.  "Does the new mayor need to relieve some tension?"

"Big time," Brian responded and he groaned as he felt Justin's hand squeeze his growing erection.

 

"Let's get you out of that bad old suit," Justin pouted at him.

 

"Oooh, baby," Brian reacted and captured Justin's pout in a long languorous kiss.

 

Justin began removing clothes and then proceeded to give Brian one of his best blowjobs.  When they were finished Justin snuggled against Brian's chest as the man leaned against the couch.

 

"Do you feel better now?" Justin asked.

 

"Much."

"Anytime you need me," Justin offered.

 

"Could we make a standing lunch date?  I thought I was going to explode around one o'clock."

 

"Date?  Did you say date?"

 

"Um, by the way, how's the Corvette?"

"Smashing."

Brian winced.  "Couldn't you have chosen another word?"

Justin knew that word would cause Brian a momentary pang.  "It's fine and I loved driving it." 

"You certainly peeled out of here this morning."

Justin giggled.  "I know.  I saw you sitting there watching me, so I put on a little show."

 

"You little shit!"

"But I'm your little shit."

 

Brian chuckled and held his lovely boy a little longer.

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