Insatiable Lust

IV

It's been a couple of days since the little incident at the Vice Presidential residence and I've been avoiding Kamala. She's noticed that the day after I was taken to her house, so for the past two days, she's miraculously sprung the both of us on a two day marketing meeting. While we did only talk about work, she's managed to sneak in small points of contact that ignites HLC to awaken. 

"She's been asking about you." Opal says as we're out for lunch at Le Diplomate. My eyes stare at hers with slight fear in my eyes, wanting to act stupid, but I know better than to lie to the person who spends most of their days with Kamala.

"You know?" I ask as I put my empty plate to the side. She nods with a little smile.

"The entire team knows."

"What?" I let out softly and she puts her hands out slightly before resting them on the edge of the table.

"You don't know...." she lets out softly and sigh in response.

"There's a big fucking elephant in the room that's staring at me, Opal." I say as I sit back in my seat, making her chuckle.

The waitress comes by, dropping off the check that Opal quickly snatches out of my hands. She pays the bill and we head out back into our ride to the office. I knew that she couldn't tell me in public, so I face her with my arms crossed against my chest as we're heading back to work.

"I don't have to tell you that the woman is crazy about you."

"Don't lie to me."

"Holy shit, you're oblivious--" she lets out and I scoff as I look at the driver who slightly nods.

"Thanks, Hank." I say with a sigh following shortly after my remark as he starts chuckling.

"She and Doug are separated... they have been for a while. Everything is for publicity." 

"That's why..." I start, but I shake my head as I try to wrap my head around the information.

"That's why they weren't in a screaming match in front of the house when you were leaving." Opal reveals and I sigh as I hold my head. "They're still friends because they realized that they're better off that way."

I told Opal everything because I had to vent to somebody. My family and friends are on the other side of the country and Opal was the first to barge into my office after seeing my attitude around Kamala a few days ago. She's probably one of the closest friends I have in DC and I trust her. 

The car gets back to the office with both of us going to our respective areas. I bury my head in my work, planning the campaign bus tour and finding spots in the schedule for meetings with the public. I take my blazer, showing the black fitted t-shirt I have underneath that shows my tattoos on my arms. 

I hear Kamala's voice outside of my office, greeting somebody she knows personally. My heart and stomach flutters when I hear her voice. I guess there really isn't anything holding me back from Kamala. I mean, there is the boss and employee thing, but considering I haven't been threatened or fired-- I think I'm still okay.

"Lee?" a familiar voice says, using a nickname that only one person in my life used. I turn around to see that Kamala and my ex-girlfriend, Serena Richards. 

Serena and I dated last year until I found out she was cheating on me with a politician's son for months. I put a perfect fake smile on my face as I walk out of my office, giving Serena a little hug.

"You know each other?" Kamala asks with a smile, but I recognize the look in her eyes. 

"Yes-- we were friends."