“What are you going to do?” she asked her best friend.
“I’m going to do what I should have done from the beginning. I’m going to come out to my parents and hope for the best.”
Amanda blinked. “Really? You’re ready for that?”
“I’m not ready to lose the man I love.”
She wished he’d come to this conclusion before her life had imploded, but she couldn’t tell him that. And it wouldn’t change anything. “What do you think he’ll say?”
“Publicly, he’s opposed to homosexuality and same-sex relationships. But that’s the party line. I’ve always known it and I never pushed the issue.” He dipped his head. “I think I’ve been a coward. I used his political future as an excuse.”
“It’s not easy, I’m sure.”
“Come with me to tell him?” he asked her, placing his hand over hers.
“Of course.” She wouldn’t send him alone. After all, the senator might not be her father, but this was her lie too.
* * *
A few days later, Amanda found herself at the senator’s newly and quickly established campaign headquarters with Brad. She’d pulled herself together after that first twenty-four hours, climbed out of bed, and returned to work. She’d promised to stand by Brad as he came out to his father, and she planned to keep her word.
They were met by Mitchell Dawson, the senator’s campaign manager, a weasel of a man who Amanda had disliked the first time they’d met. Her view hadn’t changed. He greeted them cordially but without warmth and escorted both her and Brad into the senator’s large office … and stayed. He didn’t excuse himself or walk out.
Amanda shot Brad a concerned look but he shrugged. She took that to mean he’d expected the other man’s presence. Mitchell was always around, even in the Ritter’s personal get-togethers, silent but there, another reason Amanda found him creepy.
“Bradley, Amanda! So good to see you both.” Stephan held Amanda’s hands and kissed her cheek. “You look pale. Are you feeling okay?” he asked her.
She nodded. “I came down with something, but it’s gone now.” She managed a smile.
“Well, good. Bradley, take care of your girl.” He patted his son on the back. “I’m sorry your mother couldn’t be here too, but she’s still in New York meeting with the strategists we hired.”
“It’s okay. I’ll talk to her when she gets back. Umm … Dad, can we talk alone?” He inclined his head toward Mitchell, who held up the wall behind the senator’s desk.
“Come on, Brad. I’ve known you since you were this big.” Mitchell gestured to a much lower height.
Stephan glanced at Brad, who shook his head.
“Mitchell, please excuse us. Let me talk to my son and Amanda.”
“But—”
The senator straightened himself to his full height. “Go, Mitchell. I’m sure you have plenty to do.” He shot the other man an insistent look, forcing Mitchell to stride out, grumbling his displeasure.
He left the room but didn’t close the door completely. Amanda couldn’t find a way to tell Brad, so she let it go.
“Let’s sit.” Stephan gestured toward the couch and chairs in the corner of the office, obviously placed there for more intimate conversations.
They all settled in.
“So what’s bothering you?” Stephan asked, leaning forward in his seat.
Brad reached for Amanda’s hand and held on tight. “Dad, I know you think Amanda and I are going to be getting engaged. I know you love her and so do I. But the thing is…”
He squeezed her hand harder. A quick glance told her he’d broken into a sweat. As difficult as he’d thought this would be, it was clearly that much worse.
She squeezed back, conveying her support.
“The thing is,” he began again, “I’m g*y.”