“Killer.” He looked up. “You drove Will’s car, right?” Killian and Will drove up separately to haul some extra equipment.
“Yeah, I think they’re packing the trunk right now.”
“I need the keys.”
Killer stared at him for a moment, not asking the questions anyone else would ask. After a bit, he reached into his bag and pulled out the keys, tossing them to Kenny. “I’m telling Will you stole these from me.”
“Thank you.” He lifted his eyes to Killian's. “Really.”
Killian only shrugged as Kenny slung his bag over his shoulder and raced from the room. He barely noticed anything as he left the rink behind and found Will’s blue BMW in the parking lot.
Sliding in, he started the car and peeled out of the parking lot. He had over six hours to figure out what he was going to say when he got there.
The familiar townhouse sat on his right with its brick facing and intimidating oak door. Glancing at the clock, he cursed himself for the millionth time for coming to DC on a whim. It was four in the morning, but Kenny wasn’t tired. If anything, the adrenaline pumping through his veins made him more awake than ever.
His dad wouldn’t be awake for another two hours, so Kenny left and spent time driving around the town that had seemed like home once upon a time. He passed the White House, picturing Asher curled up on his bed and wishing he was with him. But this trip wasn’t about Asher.
At a quarter of six, he stepped inside his favorite bakery and picked up a sack of bagels and two coffees. They were going to need them.
He found himself back at his family’s townhome a little after six. It was early, but his father was a creature of habit, and Kenny doubted even his life falling apart would break that. At this moment, he’d be walking down the stairs to make his coffee before heading into the office early.
Some people aren’t as strong as you.
Kenny gathered all his strength to knock on the door. It swung open only a moment later, revealing a disheveled looking senator. His suit looked like he’d slept in it, and his hair stood on end.
“Kenneth.” He stepped back to allow Kenny in out of the cold. “I didn’t know you were in town.”
You’re using Asher Brooks to get back at me.
Your lifestyle does not fit into our world.
His father’s words rumbled through his mind as he looked at the man, and he suddenly didn’t know why he’d come.
“I brought coffee and bagels,” he said dumbly.
His father nodded and took the coffee from his hands. “I was just doing some work in the office.”
“But it’s six in the morning. You never get up before then.”
“There are things to be done, Kenny.” He led him into the kitchen where dirty dishes littered the normally immaculate counters.
Looking from his dad to the mess, he scrunched his brow. “Are you sleeping, Dad?”
He refused to look at Kenny as he took a long pull of coffee. “Like I said, there are things to do. The job is all I have left, so I must give it everything.”
Sympathy he hadn’t expected to feel for his dad curled inside him. “It’s not all you have, Dad.”
For a moment, he wasn’t even sure his dad heard him. “She’s gone, Ken. And I don’t think she’s ever coming back.”
“I wasn’t talking about Mom. I’m right here, Dad. I’ve always been right here in front of you.” And never seen. He’d tried to be a good son, but nothing ever made his parents proud.
His father turned away from the counter to look at his son, but didn’t respond.
Kenny had to get the rest out before he broke down. He set the bagels on the counter. “Nothing I ever did was enough to make you proud. I’m good at something, really good, and you only said hockey wasn’t enough. I abandoned my best friend when he needed me because you didn’t approve of him. I hid a relationship for two years! All because I didn’t want to disappoint you. But I can’t live my life that way. I can’t live it for you.”
His father walked on unsteady legs to lower himself into a chair at the table. Resting his elbows on the solid wood, he hid his face in his hands. “I struck you last time we spoke. My own son. Maybe I deserve to lose you too.”
Kenny sighed. “Yeah, you probably do. But I don’t deserve to lose my dad.”
“When I was a young man, Ken, I had all these ideals. I wanted to serve in public office because I could make a difference. I lost my first election. I’d run on a platform of inclusiveness and fighting for all peoples. It wasn’t until I married your mother that I started to play the game.”
“The game?” Kenny sat across from him.
“That’s what politics is, son. Say the right thing, move forward two spaces. Make a mistake, return to the beginning. Calculate every move, every word. Your mother won me this seat in Congress that I’ve held ever since. Do you want to know how?”
Kenny nodded.
“She told me if I wanted to win a conservative seat, I had to run a conservative campaign. And once you go down that road, you can’t come back. In the age of the internet, our words are never forgotten, our positions aren’t allowed to change.”
“Are you trying to tell me you’ve had to be against your own son because of politics?”
He lifted his face. “I’ve never been against my son.”
“That’s what you don’t understand, Dad. You can’t pick and choose which parts of me you accept. Either you love me or you don’t. There is no in between, no gray area. My sexuality isn’t just a shirt I put on or a phase I’m going through. It’s me, Kenny Montgomery.”
“I do love you, Kenny.”
Kenny sighed. “I think that’s the first time in years I’ve heard those words.”
“I’m…trying. You’re right, as much as I deserve it, I haven’t lost everything.” He rubbed his face. “When you were born, it was the happiest day of my life. I wanted to be a good father, but I never have been.”
“I’m only eighteen, Dad. You still have a lifetime to be a good dad. But I won’t keep trying to make someone accept me if they aren’t capable. I deserve more than that.”
His dad stood and walked into the kitchen. He opened the bag of bagels and pulled two plates out of the cupboard. After slathering both bagels with cream cheese, he set a plate in front of Kenny. “You deserve so much more, son. And I can promise you I’ll try to get there.”
“Try?” Kenny wanted more than that; he needed more.
“Kenny, I need you to understand something. I don’t disapprove of you or who you choose to love. It has never been about that. I used to think I’d win this game at all costs, but now I think some costs are too high. Having a bisexual son may be like putting a bomb in the middle of a conservative position, but not having my son is like putting a bomb in the middle of my life. I don’t want to be alone, son. Whatever happens with your mom, I need my family. You.”
Kenny slid his chair back and stood. “I don’t want to be alone either.”
Shocking both of them, his dad pulled him into a hug. Kenny couldn’t remember ever hugging his dad, but he closed his eyes, letting a tear slide down his cheek. It would take some time, but it was a start.
“Son, can I ask you a question?”
“Yeah.”
“Did it have to be Asher Brooks?”
Kenny laughed and pulled away. “It couldn’t be anyone else.”
He rubbed the back of his neck with a wry grin. “I’ll never hear the end of this from Nora.” His face sobered. “Kenny, I’m…I’m…”
“I know, Dad.” His dad didn’t need to actually say the word sorry. It might take some time, but he believed they’d be okay.
His dad blew out a breath. “Will you stay for a couple days? I have to head into work. We have an important vote today, but you and I have some more talking to do.”
He thought of everything waiting back at school. Classes. Practice. Not to mention the fact he had Will’s car. But nothing could have stopped him from
agreeing. “Oh, wait, before you go, I need you to sign something.”
He ran out to the car and returned with the folder. His father read over the documents before glancing up. “Albert McCullen. Even I know that name. I thought I said you didn’t need to fire Kyle.”
“I didn’t. The agency did.”
His dad reached for a pen but stopped with his hand hovering over the signature line and looked up. “Hockey is truly what you want, son?”
Kenny nodded. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
“And you’re good enough?”
“Would it matter if I wasn’t?”
“No, I guess not if it’s what you love.”
Kenny didn’t recognize the man before him. “But, yeah, I’m kind of awesome.”
His dad shook his head with a wry smile. “It won’t be easy for you, will it?”
“Dad, nothing in this world is easy for people like me, but we still have to live our lives.” He lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “And who knows? Maybe I can make it easier for the next person.”
His father signed the form. “I’m…proud of you.” He handed him the papers. “I’m just sorry this is the first time I’ve said those words out loud.”
Kenny tried his hardest to keep his eyes from welling up. He’d been so scared to face his dad, so scared of being turned away again. He hadn’t been prepared for this.
“Thanks, Dad.” He coughed to cover the emotion in his voice.
With a single nod of his head, his dad stood. “I need to shower and get to the office. But dinner tonight?”
Kenny nodded.
As his dad showered, Kenny picked up the house, hoping it would help his dad feel less like everything was falling apart.
His mom’s silence even after the constant articles spoke louder than words, but for the first time in years, he was at an understanding with his dad and that made everything okay again. He just hoped his mom found whatever she was looking for.
After his dad left for work, Kenny sat on the couch and turned on the news where they spoke of today’s vote his dad mentioned.
The senate was set to decide on a bill that would allow states to continue passing their freedom bills, discriminating against people based on religion and sexuality.
With a sigh, he pulled his phone out of his pocket and texted Asher.
Kenny: You awake?
A few moments passed.
Asher: I am now. Thanks for that.
Kenny: If you didn’t want my awesomeness to wake you, then set your phone on silent.
Asher: I wish you were here so I could kiss the smirk off your face.
Kenny: How do you know I’m smirking?
Asher: ... Ken
Kenny: What if I told you I could make all your dreams come true?
Asher: You can bring me Chris Hemsworth?
Kenny: Better.
Asher: Sorry, man. There is no better.
Kenny: I’m in DC.
Asher: I stand corrected. Tell me where to send my secret service to arrest you.
Kenny laughed, remembering the dance. Asher was the most ridiculous person he knew and also the best. Standing from the couch, he crossed the room to the front door and practically ran out to his car.
With everything going on, he just needed Asher’s calming presence. He needed him to say everything was going to work out as Kenny hoped it would.
22
Asher
“You should come spend Christmas here with us.” Asher linked his fingers through Kenny’s. It was another lazy Saturday afternoon spent on the couch in the White House solarium. Kenny’s second weekend visit in a row. This room was quickly becoming their spot. It was one of few places where they could truly be alone. Asher gazed out the huge windows and across the promenade, watching the snow fall outside. Christmas at the White House was magical, and it was Asher’s favorite time of the year. He was already on holiday break and Kenny would be too in a few more days.
“I was going to try to find a way to invite myself.” Kenny chuckled, his breath warm in Asher’s ear. “I have to train over the holidays, though.” Kenny laid his free hand on Asher’s chest. His other arm was Asher’s pillow. Who knew he loved snuggling so much?
“So, you’ll come here on the weekends, and I’ll come visit you during the week. But I’d like to spend the holiday with you if we can work it out.”
“I’ll be at my dad’s for Christmas. He’s pretty down these days, so I don’t want to leave him alone. But I will definitely come here as much as humanly possible.” Kenny turned them so he was the big spoon, pulling Asher back against his chest.
Asher worried about the long distance thing, but they were both going to college soon. They’d make it work. Somehow.
“Asher? Did you forget about our meeting with Roxie? She’ll be here soon,” his mother called from the entrance.
“What meeting?” He sat up in a panic, not prepared to think about his academic future right now. “Is she here now? Today?”
“Whoa, babe, calm down.” Kenny’s soothing voice brought him out of his initial panic. “It’ll be okay. Who’s Roxie?”
“Babe? I could get used to that.” Asher smirked. “She’s just the college recruiter I was telling you about earlier.”
“Did I forget to tell you she asked for a meeting?” His mom crossed the room, a frown wrinkled her brow. “I swear I told you.”
“Mom, really?” Asher ran a hand over his hair. He was a mess.
“Sorry, it was last minute. I don’t think it’s an official interview or anything serious you’d need to prepare for. Just take a deep breath, son. We have a few more minutes until she arrives.”
Asher smoothed his hands over his shirt, tucking it in. Glancing at his hair in the mirror behind his mother, his eyes widened in horror. He was so not ready for this.
“You look handsome as ever. Don’t worry.” Kenny chuckled. “You’ve got this.”
Over the last few weeks since his initial chat with Roxie, Asher had grown more and more excited about the prospect of going to Manhattan College of New Arts. He’d spent every waking moment not obsessing over his relationship with Kenny, obsessing over his portfolio. He’d submitted his official application and portfolio for review just two weeks ago.
Asher’s shoulders slumped. He wanted to spend the rest of the day in a snuggle bubble with his boyfriend. Not stressing over a college interview.
“Kenny,” his mom said with a kind tone she seemed to reserve just for him. “It’s good to see you again. I didn’t think you’d make it back until this afternoon.”
“Sorry, Madam President, I got in late last night and headed over first thing this morning.” Kenny gave her his best smile, but she was already putty in his hands.
“Enough with the madams, Kenny. I’ve known you since you were in diapers, call me Nora.” She pulled him into a hug. “I’m so sorry about your mother, honey. How’s your father doing?”
“He’s doing okay. He does think you’ll never let him forget this, though.” He grabbed Asher’s hand with a smirk.
“Pfft. Your father and I might spar on a regular basis when it comes to politics. Lord knows, this town is nothing more than a big boxing ring full of angry opinionated toddlers. But when our kids are involved, the gloves come off. He needn’t worry. It’s no secret I get a kick out of needling the Ohio senator, but you kids are off-limits. Besides, I quite like the goofy smile you put on my son’s face.”
“Mom,” Asher groaned, but said smile was still plastered on his face. He couldn't seem to stop it when Kenny was around.
“Well, it’s true.” His mother wrapped an arm around each of them. “And, Kenny, you’re welcome here anytime. Come for Christmas if you can.”
“Thank you, Ma’am. Er, Nora.” Kenny was adorable when he was flustered.
“Madam President, Asher’s visitor is here,” Danny announced.
“I’ll let you meet with your advisor.” Kenny turned to leave.
“Stay,�
�� Asher said. “I’d like your opinion on this weird non-traditional school.”
“We’ll just meet in here, then. Danny please have secret service escort her up here, and if you can find my husband, that’d be great. Seems I forgot to tell him too.”
“Will do, ma’am.”
“Do you know what she wants?” Asher turned pleading eyes on his mother.
She winced, throwing her hands up. “I can’t remember. Sorry.”
“Oh my God, Mom. After this, Dad is in charge of all college related parent phone calls. He’s busy but not as much as you are.”
“You know me, I want to be involved.”
“You are, Mom.” Asher gave his mom an indulgent smile. “Don’t ever think you’re not. Honestly, you could probably take a smidge of a step back and still be involved plenty.”
“You’re impossible.”
“And you two are too cute together,” Roxie said at the entrance. “Oh, sorry.” She glanced up at an annoyed Danny. “Was I supposed to wait for you to announce me? I don’t really do formal, so I hope you’ll forgive me, Nora.” She held her hand out for the president, totally not intimidated.
“Lovely to see you again, Roxie. Please have a seat. You’ll have to forgive us. It seems I forgot to tell Asher you were coming.”
“Nearly gave me a stroke too.” Asher stepped forward to shake her hand. “It’s wonderful to meet you in person. I’m so sorry, I’m not prepared for your visit.”
“Relax, kid, this is my favorite kind of visit. You got all the hard stuff behind you with the essays, forms, and portfolio review. Now, for the fun stuff. But first, I have a really important question to ask.”
Dating Him: The Series Page 43
