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  The moment the two women stepped into the venue, someone demanded Diane’s attention. Before she walked away, she said, “Enjoy yourself, Michelle. I’ll catch up with you later.”

  Michelle went in search of a drink to calm her nerves. Many eyes followed her as she walked toward the bar and Michelle felt as though she was on display. “Vodka tonic,” she said to the bartender. Glass in hand she took a gulp before changing to sipping the drink.

  “Hello. I’m Steve Jamison,” the stranger said holding out his hand.

  “Michelle Whitman,” she answered taking his hand.

  “Are you part of the talkers or workers?” Steve asked.

  “Excuse me?” Michelle asked, not understanding the question.

  “Assistant, politician or the elite?”

  Michelle giggled. “Assistant.”

  “Me too.” Steve turned to a woman. “Hailey, come over here. Michelle Whitman, Hailey Connor.” Michelle shook her hand and other people began to join their group. “We are a pretty tight group. This is your first time here, isn’t it?” Michelle nodded. “Welcome to the group.”

  The group grabbed at food as it passed on trays and then they captured a table in the corner that would hold the whole group. “Do you have to sit with your employer at dinner?” Steve asked.

  “Not sure,” Michelle admitted, having no idea.

  “Join us. We will show you a better time than sitting with a bunch of blowhards,” Steve said lowering his voice.

  The group stood up when it was announced that dinner was about to be served. Michelle was speaking with Hailey not realizing that someone else was watching her.

  “Oh my god. Who is that?” Senator Jean Harris asked nodding with her head.

  “Put your tongue back in your mouth Jean. That is my assistant and she is dating someone.”

  “I don’t want to date her, Diane, but she would be a wonderful diversion for this boring thing.”

  “You are incorrigible. You don’t even care anymore if they are gay or not,” Diane said in a low voice.

  “They all are straight until they aren’t and I’m the one to always show them.” She turned to Diane. “You will introduce me to her?”

  “Do I even have a choice?” Diane knew Jean’s reputation for the ladies was notorious in the political world. She was a very eligible gay woman who could have anyone she wanted, but she doubted she would have much luck with Michelle. Or so she hoped. Michelle didn’t need to be used by this woman who only wanted a few hours of fun.

  Michelle was having fun with the group at her table. They were friendly and both her seat mates consistently vied for her attention. Mark was extremely handsome and she knew he was capable of charming most women, but unfortunately for him she wasn’t most women. Sandra to her left was pretty in a sense that her personality made up for features on her face. Michelle found herself laughing through most of the dinner. “Excuse me,” she said getting up from the table.

  “You aren’t leaving?” Sandra asked quickly.

  “I’m just going to the ladies’ room.” Michelle didn’t see that the moment she got up from the table, Jean followed her. She opened the stall to come out and wash her hands and saw her standing next to the sink.

  “Hi,” Jean said giving Michelle her most beautiful smile.

  “Hello. Aren’t you Senator Harris?” Michelle asked looking into the mirror.

  “I am, but I prefer that you call me Jean.”

  Oh, brother. Another one. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Senator.” Michelle pulled some paper towels from the holder and dried her hands.

  “I’m good friends with your boss.” Michelle raised an eyebrow. “We’ve been friends for more years than I can remember.

  Michelle didn’t comment. What could she say? Great? What would be most appropriate?

  “Can I buy you a drink?” Jean said moving closer to her.

  “Thank you, but that isn’t necessary.” Michelle watched as Jean moved within inches of her body.

  Jean’s hand came out and touched Michelle’s arm. “Maybe we could have dinner one night?”

  “This conference is going to take up most of my time, Senator.” Michelle moved to the door, but Jean was faster and blocked her exit.

  “You have to eat sometime, Michelle.”

  Before Michelle could find another excuse or just be rude, the door to the restroom opened. “Diane,” Michelle said letting out a long breath.

  Diane looked at Michelle’s face and then saw Jean subtly trying to get Diane to back out of the room. “I wondered where you disappeared to,” Diane said frowning at Jean.

  “Well, I’ll leave you two to talk,” Michelle said before she slipped through the opening that Diane had made.

  “What did you do to her?” Diane asked, poking her finger in Jean’s chest.

  “I didn’t do anything,” Jean said, trying to look innocent.

  “I saw the look on Michelle’s face.”

  “So I struck out. I still have many days to change her mind.” Jean pulled the door opened and left the room.

  “Oh shit,” Diane said holding her head. Michelle was going to kill her.

  Michelle returned to the table, but stood behind her chair. “I’ve enjoyed meeting all of you, but I’m going to turn in.”

  “It’s still early, Michelle,” Mark commented trying to convince her.

  “I hope to see all of you during the rest of the conference.” Michelle walked away before anyone else could comment.

  When Diane returned to her table she took notice that Michelle had left the dinner already. No doubt so she wouldn’t run into Jean again this evening.

  Michelle took off her dress and jumped in the shower. She knew Jean wasn’t going to give up despite Michelle’s refusal. She knew that this was going to make it a very long week. Her sweats and a long sleeve cotton shirt with a pair of socks felt so good after being in pantyhose and heels. She was just pulling her hair into a high ponytail when there was a soft knock on the door. Worried that it might be Jean, she looked through the peephole. “Diane,” she said as she opened the door. “Is everything okay?”

  “May I come in?” Diane asked as Michelle opened the door wider and took a seat on a chair. Michelle sat crossed legged on the sofa. “I wanted to check on you. You were gone when I returned to the table.”

  “I’m fine, Diane.” Michelle crossed her arms over her chest not looking at Diane. She didn’t want to tell her boss that her good friend had gone too far.

  “Jean tends to come on strong, but I want you to know she is harmless.” Michelle adjusted her arms higher and stared at Diane. “I know it might not seem that way, but she would never hurt you.”

  “Diane, she wouldn’t let me out of the bathroom.” Michelle dropped her arms. “I tried to be polite and tell her I wasn’t interested, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer.” Michelle lifted her chin. “She isn’t used to hearing no, is she?”

  Diane giggled softly. “No, she isn’t.”

  “Well, she better get used to hearing it from me. I am not interested in her one bit.” Michelle’s tone was firm. Diane nodded in agreement. “Is she going to pursue me all week?” she asked in a huff.

  “I’m afraid so.” Diane knew her friend only too well. If a woman turned her down, it only made her have more fun in the pursuit.

  “What can I do to convince her I have no interest?” Michelle dropped her legs on the floor and leaned toward Diane.

  “I have an idea, but I’m not sure.”

  “Tell me. I’m willing to try anything for her to leave me alone.”

  Diane lowered her eyes not able to meet Michelle’s gaze. “I could tell her the one you are seeing is,” she swallowed, “me.”

  “You,” Michelle said laughing. “She will never believe that.” Michelle laughed again. “First, you are straight. Second, you lost your husband less than a year ago.”

  Diane sat back in her chair. You’ve come this far. Tell her. “Jean knew my marriage w
as over a long, long time ago.”

  “Okay, but it doesn’t change the fact that you are straight.” Michelle couldn’t hide the smirk on her face.

  “I trust you, Michelle. So I’m going to tell you something that I did that I wasn’t very proud of.” Diane sighed as she stood up. She walked over to the glass windows and stared into the darkness. “Ten years ago, Jean and I picked up two women at my first conference here. I was young and stupid.” Her hand came out and touched the glass in front of her.

  “So Jean knows you had this tryst with one of the women?” Diane nodded without facing Michelle. “So she might believe that you and I are having an affair?” Again Diane nodded. “Will she tell anyone? That is, if she believes you.”

  “She won’t tell anyone. I hold too many of her secrets that she doesn’t want the public to know. It would destroy her career.” Diane finally turned around and faced Michelle.

  “But what about your career? If anyone suspects, it could hurt you.” As much as Michelle wanted this woman to just go away, she didn’t want to hurt Diane in the process.

  “It won’t hurt my career, Michelle.” Diane walked closer to Michelle now noticing that she wasn’t wearing a bra. Michelle’s nipples were straining against the cotton material. Good god. She quickly raised her eyes to Michelle’s face. “Are you worried that Jillian might find out about our lie?”

  Should I tell her that Jillian and I aren’t on the best of terms right now? Instead she said. “No, but how are you going to convince Jean that this is true?” Because I have no intention of kissing you in front of her.

  “I’ll figure something out.” Her eyes dropped again to the front of Michelle’s shirt. “Think about it and let me know.” Diane walked toward the door. “I’m sorry to have disturbed you, and for Jean.”

  “It’s not your fault, Diane. I don’t blame you.” Michelle dropped onto the bed after Diane left. Her mind was spinning with the information Diane had admitted to her. The cold and unfeeling woman she met months ago seemed to be defrosting in front of her eyes.

  CHAPTER 15

  Michelle and Diane had breakfast together the following morning. Neither woman brought up Diane’s idea during their meal. “This meeting today will go on most of the day, but tonight you are free to do whatever you want, Michelle.”

  “I think by evening, I’ll be ready to take my heels off and relax with a book or movie.”

  Everyone filtered into the conference room. All the assistants sat behind their employers with the folders they might require. Sandra sat on Michelle’s left and began speaking softly to her.

  “Maybe you and I can have dinner tonight?” Sandra asked keeping her voice low.

  “Thanks, Sandra, but I’m going to crash when this is over,” she said politely.

  “Are you interested in Mark?” she asked a little louder than she intended.

  Michelle giggled. “No. If I wasn’t involved, it would be with someone like you.”

  Sandra smiled. “I understand. It’s okay. I could never get to date a woman like you.”

  Diane couldn’t help overhear the conversation behind her and now she listened more intently to hear Michelle’s conversation.

  Michelle looked at Sandra’s sad face. “Don’t say that. You seem like a very nice woman, but I’m already seeing someone back home.”

  “I understand, Michelle. You don’t have to explain.”

  “I’m not making excuses, Sandra. I really am seeing someone. Besides, aren’t you from New York?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You know that long distance relationships don’t work.” Michelle was being nice to her. As Michelle spoke with Sandra she lifted her eyes and saw Jean staring at them. The look on her face told Michelle that she wasn’t happy. She gave Sandra a look that would have stopped her in her tracks. Michelle leaned forward and whispered to Diane, “I’m in if you are game.” Diane just nodded her head understanding Michelle’s comment.

  When the chairman called a fifteen-minute break, Michelle headed out of the room. She didn’t see that Jean was trying her best to catch up with her, but Diane stopped her. “I need to speak with you,” she said firmly. Diane grabbed Jean’s arm and led her away to an area where she could speak freely.

  “What is it, Diane?” Jean asked frustrated.

  “Stop going after my girlfriend. She is not interested in you.”

  “Your what?” Jean asked angrily.

  “Michelle. She and I are…”

  “Bullshit, Diane,” Jean said laughing. “I don’t believe it.”

  “It’s true, Jean. We don’t want this to get out because of my position.”

  “You don’t have it in you to screw your assistant. You are too straight-laced for that.”

  “I’m serious, Jean. I don’t appreciate you aggressively going after someone that is taken. Especially someone I care a lot about.” Diane leaned into Jean to see how serious she was.

  “You do like her?” Diane nodded. “Why didn’t you just tell me that yesterday?”

  “I told you. We are trying to keep this quiet.” Diane blushed as she spoke with her friend.

  “I’m going to keep an eye on you two.” Jean pointed. “If I think you are bullshitting me, she will be mine.”

  “What do I have to do to make you believe me? Kiss her in front of everyone?” Diane asked throwing up her hands. Out of the corner of eye, she saw Michelle go past them.

  Jean chuckled. “That would be a start.”

  “Forget about it.”

  “Invite me up for cocktails after the meeting and make sure Michelle is there.”

  “I will not put on a show for you, Jean. Forget it,” she said walking away.

  Michelle did her best not to be caught alone with Jean. Whenever she walked out of the conference room, Sandra or Mark were with her. The three had lunch together before returning to the meeting as a trio. When the meeting came to an end for the day, Michelle quickly left the floor for the privacy of her own room. Opening the door to her room, she smelled them. On a table sat a vase of colorful flowers. She picked up the card and read. Michelle, I know the flowers cannot make up for what you are going through, but I hope they cheer you up. Diane. Michelle was blown away by the kindness Diane had shown her in the last two days. She dropped the card on the table and went to change clothes. Her attire was similar to last night’s outfit except tonight she kept her bra on. Padding across the hall in socked feet, she knocked on the door.

  “Michelle. Is everything all right?” Diane asked with concern as she opened the door.

  “Yes. I wanted to thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful, but it really wasn’t necessary.”

  “I know it wasn’t necessary, but I wanted to do it.” Diane didn’t want her time to end so she suggested. “Would you like to have dinner with me?”

  Michelle looked at her outfit. “I really don’t want to get dressed again.”

  Diane smiled. “I meant room service in my room.” She pointed to her jeans and a sweater. “I’m not dressed for going out either.”

  “Okay. That would be nice.”

  “Come on inside and we can order our food.” Diane led her to the sitting area.

  The dinner was filled with quiet conversation. Each woman feeling comfortable with the other. As the plates were returned to the cart, there was a knock on the door. They both looked at each other wondering who it could be.

  Diane peeked through the peephole and turned to Michelle. “It’s Jean. Go away, Jean. I’m through arguing.”

  “Let me in, Diane. I don’t want to talk through the door.”

  From behind Diane a voice called, “You may as well let her in.”

  Diane’s head dropped and opened the door. “What took you so long?” Jean asked as she stepped into the room. “Well, well, well. Did I interrupt your romantic dinner?”

  “We were done,” Diane answered crossing her arms.

  “So it is true about the two of you?” Jean’s eyes flicked to eac
h of the women.

  “What do you want, Jean?” Diane asked losing her patience. “Or did you come here expecting me to be alone?”

  Jean walked over to Michelle and stared her down. “Don’t hurt her. She has had enough pain to last a lifetime. I believe you are making Diane happy because her eyes no longer seem hollow, but don’t toy with her or you will have me to answer to.”

  Michelle swallowed hard and was about to answer when Diane stepped in. “Michelle has been my savior, Jean. Not only at work, but in my personal life. It takes two people to make a relationship, if it doesn’t work out it will be because we are both responsible.”

  “You have definitely grown up, my friend,” Jean said kissing Diane’s cheek. “You deserve the best, Diane.”

  Diane laid her hand on Jean’s arm. “So do you. Stop chasing women and find someone to settle down with.”

  “Easier said than done, honey. You know better than I how hard it is to find that one special person.” Jean walked toward the door. “I hope she is it. Have fun, ladies.”

  “Good night, Jean.” Diane called and then turned to Michelle. “Are you okay?” Michelle shrugged her response. “Jean is a good person. It’s just that beautiful women have always been her kryptonite.”

  “You are beautiful too, Diane.” She felt her face begin to blush at telling her boss that. “Did she chase you too?”

  “Only for about five minutes. I told her I wouldn’t spoil our friendship for a moment of passion.” Diane sat down. “She taught me a lot.” Michelle made a noise and Diane rolled her eyes. “It’s not what you are thinking. She taught me about business and how this world works. My father would never have shown me respect if it hadn’t been for Jean.”

  “Maybe someday I will see that Jean, but for now,” Michelle shrugged, “I don’t like this Jean.”

  Diane giggled. “I understand.”

  Michelle stood up. “Thank you for dinner, but I promised to call Jillian tonight.” She reached for Diane and pulled her into a hug. “I know it isn’t proper to hug your boss, but I needed this,” she said before releasing Diane.