Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 103819 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103819 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
For Avery, apparently bad press was still a very good thing. To have his name on the nightly news just propelled his political agenda. As for Kane, not so much. Avery had to work hard at keeping him from sliding back into himself and hiding there until the whole thing played out.
In politics, Avery quickly became the rookie rebel, shaking things up. Over the next year, he worked his way into becoming the congressional hope of the Democratic Party. He had a way of making everyone comfortable, regardless of their views on homosexuality, or any other view for that matter.
Benjamin Taylor, the current presidential hopeful, hosted this event where he would certainly name his running mate for the 1992 presidential election. That made this the perfect place for the 'see and be seen' portion of Avery's job.
"Did you get enough to eat?" Avery stepped in front of Kane, who looked rather bored but mouthwateringly handsome holding the small plate of hors d'oeuvres.
"Why are you looking at me that way?" Kane asked, eyeing him closely.
"I'm just thinking about the first time I ever saw you. I remember thinking what a sharp, sophisticated man you were, how you would look good on my arm if I ran for office," Avery said, stepping in a little closer. "Plus you're still the best-looking man in the room."
"I'm almost fifty years old, I'm not sneaking off to have closet sex, or bathroom sex, or whatever dark corner, nook, or cranny you might find sex," Kane whispered very quietly back to him.
"There are so many places we could explore here…" Avery started, but a hand clamped down on his shoulder before he could continue the direction he was headed. How did he already feel denied when he had only just begun to persuade Kane to an empty room.
"Son, you remind me of your granddad," Senator Taylor said, coming to stand next to them, shaking Avery's now outstretched hand.
"I'm hearing that more and more. It's a true compliment, he was a great man. I'm not sure I could ever fill his shoes."
"Well, I disagree. I think you'll make your own mark soon enough," Senator Taylor said, turning to Kane.
"Hello, sir," Kane said, quickly wiping off his hand before shaking the senator's.
"You all gettin' settled in all right?" Senator Taylor asked as they shook hands. They were both Southern boys, and Avery would swear Kane's accent grew stronger whenever they spoke.
"Yes, sir. Our children love their new school. That was a great relief," Kane answered.
"Good, good. I'm glad to hear it. They seem like great kids. Listen, I won't keep you two. Everyone here thinks I'm gonna announce my running mate today. I'm not. I haven't even asked him to run yet, so I'm fixin' that right now." The senator turned and looked directly at Avery. "Avery, I'd like you to think about running with me. It'll be a battle, but one I think we can manage for the betterment of this nation. It's time to get this country back on track. You're the only person I have in mind that can help me make a difference. Think on it, you two talk, and take all the time you need, but come see me tomorrow and let me know what you decide," Senator Taylor said and again clapped him on the shoulder for a short squeeze, then left as quickly as he'd come.
Avery could only stare at Kane and mouth, "Vice president?"
"Was he serious?" Kane finally whispered.
"I don't really know," Avery answered, a little breathily as he snaked an arm around Kane's waist and drew him closer. This time it wasn't so much about coercion, but needed support. Avery felt a little light-headed. Senator Taylor was going to be the next president. There was no question there. He was the clear frontrunner and every poll had him moving into the White House come January.
Never in a million years did Avery see himself as anything more than a United States Senator. What was Taylor thinking?
"Avery, I can see you want this," Kane started, but Avery cut him off. He discarded Kane's plate on a random tray and pulled him away from the gathering without even telling anyone goodbye. He wouldn't allow Kane to say another word until they left the house and were safely tucked inside their car, heading home.
"You want this," Kane tried again, his eyes on Avery's as he sat in the passenger side seat.
"I honestly never considered this could be a possibility. I thought the Senate was as far as I could go," Avery said, linking his hand with Kane's as he navigated through the Washington streets toward their home. "Fuck, Kane. I mean, damn, this is big."
"Watch you're language, Avery. Nothing's changed. We don't talk like that anymore," Kane scolded him, and all Avery could do was smile and bring their joined hands to his lips for kiss.
"I'm sorry. How do you feel about it?" Avery ventured a gaze over at Kane who was still staring at him.
"I think it's a family decision, Avery. If you do this, they'll spend the rest of their childhood as the children of a vice president. You'll have to explain it all to us. What it will mean for all of us," Kane said. His tone was firm, not really negative, but definitely not enthusiastic. And with each passing mile, Avery's excitement grew. Vice president! What in the world?
* * * *
Three days later, Kane, Autumn, and Robert were dressed in their finest as they stood by Avery's side during the televised announcement introducing him as Senator Taylor's vice presidential running mate. In Kane's estimation, Avery did the Democratic Party proud during his acceptance speech, outlining his goals for the future and his support of the presidential nominee.
The fanfare was high, the room seemed only momentarily stunned that Senator Taylor had chosen Avery, making this one of the best kept secrets in Washington, but the Adams political charm and appeal held true. It didn't take long for the room to erupt in one of the biggest shows of support Kane had ever witnessed. Since he'd prepared for the worst, all the support that exploded around him took a minute to process.