“Reed!”
I curl my free hand around his bicep, wondering how we will even make it across the room. There are people everywhere. Drinking, talking, smiling. A jazz band is playing to the far side of the room, and the dancefloor is filled with couples.
“Look how many people there are. Wow.”
“It’s more than I expected.” Reed scans the room, raising a hand to Griffin and Maria, who are making their way toward us.
“I’m not surprised.”
I grin, warmth filling my chest as I look around at everyone who has come to support and raise money for the city’s new community reach program that Tom is heading up with Reed’s help. The first is going to focus on men’s mental health.
It’s going to be a lifeline for people.
“They’re all here because of you. Because of what you’re doing with Tom. You’re the new energy they needed, Reed. The city is so lucky.”
“I’m lucky.” He smiles down at me as Griffin and Maria arrive next to us.
“Great turnout.” Maria grins as she kisses first me, then Reed on both cheeks, her hair like a dark silk curtain around her shoulders, leading down to her scarlet, figure-hugging dress. I’ve told her before I think she must be a distant relative of royalty. All elegant and graceful.
Griffin and Reed fall into conversation, and Maria inclines her head subtly, directing my attention over her shoulder.
“Is that…”
“She cornered him to talk about school funding,” Maria says as Suze talks animatedly with a very enamored looking Harry Ellston over by the bar.
“Good luck, Harry.” I giggle as Suze’s hand flies into the air, and she starts ticking things off on her fingers.
“Oh, I think he’s enjoying it.” Maria turns just as Harry nods at Suze with a smile on his face, then rests his hand on her lower back and gestures toward the dancefloor.
The two of us stand staring as she pauses before allowing him to lead her away.
“Go, Harry.” I shake my head with a smile as they disappear from sight.
“You all set for tomorrow?” I turn back to Maria.
“Yes. I can’t wait.” Her eyes dart to Griffin, who’s still deep in conversation with Reed. “I think Griff is looking forward to it. Even if he doesn’t admit it.”
“Aww, it’ll be so lovely. I wonder if you’ll see Rosie?”
“Maybe. Thea, the lady who’s showing us around, said that she sees her in the park every day.”
“I hope you do. Will you take a picture for me? I bet she’s huge now.”
Happiness bubbles in my chest as I picture her, wild and free, after being nurtured by the staff at the bird charity who collected her from Maria and Griffin. She’s where she belongs now. With other birds, enjoying her life. And I know Maria’s company has been involved in fundraising for the charity recently, so all those birds will be living their best life.
Spreading their wings and flying.
A lot like Reed.
I look at his profile as he talks to Griffin. The past couple of months have been busy, to say the least. But he’s not just coped with all the changes becoming mayor has brought, he’s embraced them. He really is doing an incredible job. He was popular before, but since the interview with Tom, his public rating has soared. People like that he chose to show vulnerability. To share something so personal in the hope of helping others.
He even has the full support and backing from the president, after a personal visit to New York. Reed thinks part of it is to save face should anyone have witnessed the way he spoke to me at the retreat all those months ago. And partly because of the overwhelming public support the program he and Tom have set up. But either way, he’s backing Reed’s plans, which will make it easier as they grow. Personally, I think it's because he feels threatened. He might be a foolish, unfaithful husband. But he’s not a stupid man. He can recognize a future country leader when he sees one. One who is more than capable of having his job next. And doing it better.
I know Reed isn’t thinking that far ahead yet. He’s happy being in the present. For so long, he was scared of having his past used against him. But it’s the opposite. People come up to him and thank him. And it’s not just men. It’s mothers, sisters, girlfriends… I’ve seen it at public events I’ve accompanied him to. They come over and thank him. Saying he’s helped their son, their brother, their partner by demonstrating that being a man doesn’t mean you can’t show your emotions, that you can’t admit to not having it together every second of every day.
No one can.
Because we’re only human.