Probably just as well. I had terrible luck with women. Shelley was proof of that. There was also my one indiscretion with Frank’s daughter—no, I couldn’t think about that.
Holly stood. “Thank you, Mayor Valentine, for your time. Would we be able to count on your support in fundraising efforts?”
“I’ll do what I can.” I stood as well, running my hand down my tie. I’d come a long way, from jeans and riding a horse to wearing a suit and running a city. I motioned for the ladies to proceed with me out of the conference room.
“Mr. Mayor, it’s nearly lunch. Let me buy for you,” Lisa said.
The librarian rolled her eyes.
“Thank you, Ms. Cummings—”
“Call me Lisa.”
“I have other plans.” Like to hide in my office.
I watched the ladies as they walked out of the building to make sure I was safe. Then I headed back toward the mayor’s office. City Hall housed several department offices, but we all shared the conference room. I stopped in the shared break room on the first floor and grabbed a coffee. As I left the room, I ran into a familiar face.
“Frank.” Seeing him was always a mixed bag. He was one of my oldest friends, but I couldn’t look at him and not think about what I’d done to his daughter, Brooke. It wasn’t just that I’d gone down on her that filled me with guilt and self-loathing, but also, how often that memory flashed into my brain, especially during my drought with women that led to my only sexual outlet being dreams and jerking off in the shower. The taste of her and the sounds she made were front and center every time I got off, making me feel even more like a pervert.
Frank smiled. “Mo. You’re looking very mayoral. I don’t see you much anymore.”
“Yes, well, the job keeps me busy.” That, and I can’t bear being with him and dealing with my guilt.
“Of course, of course. Do you have a minute?”
“For you, I’ve got several.” I patted his shoulder. “Come into my office.”
We entered the outer section of the mayor’s office where my admin, Trina Lados, worked. Within this area, there were three offices, one for me, one for the deputy mayor, and a third that was empty.
Frank whistled as I brought him into my own office, shutting the door behind us. “These are some fancy digs.”
I motioned for him to sit in the chair by my desk as I sat behind my desk. “I don’t know. I miss spending my days on a horse, sometimes.”
Frank’s smile faltered slightly, making me wonder what was up.
“How can I help you?”
“Brooke just graduated from college and has decided to return to Salvation.”
I tried to maintain my smile as my insides went cold. After our encounter, I avoided her whenever she was home and prayed that she’d find work in Chicago and not return to Salvation permanently.
“You must be proud,” I managed to say.
Frank grinned. “She’s my pride and joy.”
God, I was a perverted fuck. “Is she okay?” I wondered what this had to do with Frank’s visit.
“Oh, yes, but well, she got her degree in public administration and needs a job. You’re the center of public administration. I don’t want to ask you for any special favors, but well, I was wondering if any departments here were hiring? I have her resume.” He handed me Brooke’s resume.
I looked it over, even as my stomach felt sick. She had all the requisite degrees and classes. She’d also done several internships in public and community agencies.
“She’s always been a smart kid. I’ll see what I can do. The city jobs are listed online, as well.”
Frank nodded and then looked down, again giving me an unsettling feeling.
“Is there something else?” I asked.
He shrugged and then nodded. “No.”