Presidential Pursuit: A Kamala Harris lesbian love story

Chapter 2

Boredom starts settling in. By now, I've done everything I could possibly do to pass the time, and it's only 2 p.m. I unpacked my supplies into the drawers, put up some of my artwork on the walls, and scrolled on Twitter. I even considered exploring the White House to get a little accustomed to my new surroundings, but after getting lost on the first wrong turn, I decided against it—for now. I'll just stick to my office until someone needs something, or until I get cabin fever. Whichever comes first. There are only so many times I can spin around in this chair, and my pen caps are all chewed up.

Gross.

My mind wanders to the president. What is she doing right now? And why hasn't she checked on me? "Emily, you goddamn narcissist! She's the fucking president. You're the least of her concerns," I think to myself.

As if the universe heard my prayers, there's a small knock on the door.

"Come in," I say loudly, maybe too loud, unsure of how soundproof the doors are.

"Hey, have you been settling in alright?"

It's Katherine. I don't think I made a face, but she must've sensed my disappointment.

"Oh? Expecting someone else?" she says with a raised brow.

"No, no, sorry. I'm just going a little crazy in here. I need something to do," I say, leaning back into my chair with a sigh.

"You're gonna regret those words soon. It's tradition around here to enjoy the quiet moments. They don't come very often."

"Yeah, well, I'd rather be drowning in something other than my own thoughts," I say, resting my cheek on my hand.

"Ahh... personal troubles." She approaches and takes the seat facing my desk.

"Spill," she says, simultaneously hitting her palms on the wooden surface.

"Guy troubles?"

"No. God, no."

She raises an eyebrow, studying me briefly. "Girl troubles?" she says with slight uncertainty.

I give her a look that says "drop it."

"No, not that either." I'm not sure I want to divulge my sexuality to her just yet. I like Katherine; she's been nice enough, but I barely know her. You can never be too careful about these things. I've had people use it against me one too many times.

She eyes me for a second time but doesn't press any further.

"Okay, so what is it? Come on, you're gonna need a friend if you're gonna survive in this place."

"And why's that?"

"Look, I know you New Yorkers keep your walls up or whatever, but I'm serious. I have nothing to gain by being nice to you. I could be hazing the new girl, but here I am, being NICE! I know you don't know me yet, but that's very uncharacteristic of me."

I laugh at that. She's not wrong.

"See? I made you laugh!"

"Okay, fine." I release a long, heavy sigh. "Here it goes."

"I'm terrified of being here. I don't think I deserve this job. I don't know anyone. I get lost every time I leave my office. I can't even find the bathroom. My new apartment is completely empty; I don't even have a mattress for tonight because the moving truck got delayed, and I don't even know why President Harris hired me. I know I said some bullshit when you asked, but it's because I really have no idea what I'm doing here, and she hasn't said anything to me since I got here."

I finish my ramble with a sharp inhale, followed by a long exhale, dropping my entire upper body onto the desk.

I straighten up after a few seconds go by with no words from Katherine.

She has an unreadable smirk on her face.

"What's that face for?"

She chuckles. "Well... I can help you with, like, 90% of those."

"Doubt it," I say while rolling my eyes.

"Listen, I get it. It's a new place. That part of it comes with time. You'll get used to it, I promise. Let it grow on you."

She offers a small, understanding smile.

"The apartment thing is easy too. Just stay with me tonight, or for as long as you need until your stuff gets here."

She pauses, trying to read my face at the proposition.

"Orrr, Miss Mysterious-Don't-Trust-Anybody New Yorker, you can stay in a hotel close by. I can give you some suggestions."

I think she can sense my uncertainty because I'm not saying anything, and she keeps answering my unspoken remarks.

"You don't have to decide now. Just let me know what you want to do at the end of the day, okay?"

I release another sigh. Seems to be all I'm doing today.

Katherine then breaks out in a wide grin, inching her body so close to the table that I worry she'll topple it over.

"Now..."

"What..?" I cock my head to the side with confusion, trying to lean away as much as possible without tipping over in my chair.

"About the president...."

I quickly get up and start heading towards the door, hoping she'll follow.

"Thank you, Katherine," I say while opening the door and gesturing her out. "I appreciate the help and the advice. I'll give you my decision at the end of the day; I have work to do."

"You like her, don't you?" she says with a coy smile, raising her eyebrows up and down in anticipation.

I slam the door forcefully, crossing my arms with a stern look, hoping that'll be enough to make her shut up.

"Come on! I have a feeling about these things. I could tell the second I brought her up when I first met you. I'm really good at reading people."

"Katherine," I say bluntly, with the most serious face I can muster.

She raises both hands in defeat.

"Don't you have work to do?"

"No, and neither do you."

"Oh, look at that! Suddenly, I'm drowning in paperwork," I say while checking my imaginary watch.

She scrunches her nose. "Liar."

"Pushy."

"Fine. I'll let it go, FOR NOW."

She exited the room, and I took what felt like my first real breath since she walked in.

"That woman is trouble," I thought to myself. Although she's not half bad. I could see us being friends eventually. Maybe. We'll see.

I begin making my way back when the desk phone rings.

"Good afternoon, Emily Fields speaking."

"Hello, dear."

Without thinking, my face breaks out into a huge grin.

Remembering where I am, who I'm speaking to, and the circumstances, I clear my throat, hoping she can't hear the beaming smile through the phone.

"Madam President, I've been waiting to hear from you."

"Awe, hopefully, I didn't make you wait too long, sweetheart," she says playfully in a pouty tone.

The nickname does something to my stomach. Butterflies? No, what the hell, are you five years old? I shake my head, hoping to clear the thoughts.

"I have your first task. Come to my office as soon as you can."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll be right there."

I nearly lose my footing as I scramble to get up.

"Jesus, I need to get this cru—whatever this is—out of my system," I think to myself. "It's admiration, that's all. Don't be weird."

_____________

Authors note

Im having fun writing this so its gonna be a slow burn. Ch 3 coming soon!