“Jesus,” I mutter. “Do you need one? Aren’t you worried enough about your own neck to smarten up?”
I hear him exhale.
“This is likely being stirred up by democrats anxious to take your seat. Don’t give them a reason to. What did you do with the cash I gave you?”
“I’ve been spending it. But what’s left is in a safe in my home.”
“Move it. Clean your house and office of anything incriminating in case they pull a warrant. I’ll do the same. Meet me tonight at the Starbucks on 5th and Appleton, and we’ll go over the bids you received to discuss why mine was superior, then you’ll have the answer for the press.”
“You seem pretty sure of yourself.”
“I am sure. You’ve got nothing to worry about, except your own erratic behavior. Smarten up. You’re the goddamn mayor. Act like one.”
“Fuck you, Manghini.”
“See you tonight.” I end the call before he can curse at me again.
Goddammit. I don’t like any of this business.
I generally keep my ducks in order, but it’s time to make sure they are military-fucking-straight.
ChapterSeven
Lexi
I plop onto a barstool at Swank and wait for Gina to come over. She’s working behind the bar tonight as a bartender, which is new for her. I think she’s still in training for it.
It’s been four days since I’ve heard from Bobby.
I guess I should be glad. I have a sugar daddy who’s given me the use of a beautiful luxury apartment and doesn’t make a huge demand on my time.
That’s what I keep telling myself.
But that’s not at all how I feel.
I feel like my new crush is blowing me off.
That’s the dumb part. Bobby made it clear he wasn’t a boyfriend and not to have those kinds of expectations of him. He also told me he was a busy man. So this whole situation was laid out clearly for me. I have absolutely no reason to be angry. Or right to miss him.
But I do miss him.
I also have been debating whether or not to ask him for a loan to pay off Arissa, but I haven’t decided on whether I wanted to hassle him when he’s already paid off my landlord and given me cash this month. I guess I was thinking I’d play it by ear when I saw him, but I haven’t seen him.
“Well?” she prompts when she arrives. “How’s it working out with your sugar daddy?”
I smile. “Yeah, it’s the real deal. He’s great.”
Gina beams. “I thought you guys would be a good fit! How is the sex?”
“Honestly? Amazing. I’m supposed to be at his beck and call, but I haven’t heard from him in four days, and I can’t stop thinking about him. I’m almost ready to call him!”
“Oh my God.“ Gina affects a scandalized tone.
“Well, I’m not falling for him or anything,” I say, probably a little too quickly. “Is that what you think?”
Gina holds up her palms. “Hey, I didn’t say anything. I’ve just never heard you talk this way about a guy before.”
“Well, you were right. He’s hot.”