Compromising Positions by Mary Whitney Page A

Larry.” Our eyes met as we laughed, and it encouraged me to ask, “So you kind of like Michael?”
    “It’s complicated.”
    “How?”
    “Well, I’m really happy you actually have feelings for someone. It’s been a long time.”
    I nodded. That was for damn sure. Then she snickered. “And it would be great if you got laid.”
    “Yeah,” I smiled ruefully. “There is that.”
    “But, I’ll be honest. I’m worried about something happening between you and Michael.
    “Why?”
    “Listen, I want to talk to you as your friend and as your chief of staff. Is that okay? I won’t mix the two together.”
    “Okay.”
    As I shifted on the bed, I braced for the inevitable lecture.
    “Well first, as your staffer, I think it’s a terrible idea to start something with Michael. It could really hurt you politically.”
    “It’s not like it’s really an idea,” I grumbled. “I didn’t have any designs on the guy. It’s kind of just happened over time.”
    “But that’s why it can’t happen. Think about it. You need to be very careful who you date.”
    “Of course. Just one of the reasons why I end up dating no one and why I’m virtually celibate.”
    “Right,” she said, holding up a finger to make a point. “I just want to say that I don’t support the status quo, okay?”
    My eyes rolled even though I was trying to be serious about her advice.
    “Okay.”
    “But a rich Republican in the middle of a nasty, public divorce is not the right person to solve your celibacy issue. It’ll look like you’ve gone off to Washington, D.C. and completely changed your ways. Plus, a lot of people will frown on you dating someone who’s still technically married.”
    “When you say it that way it sounds awful.” I had to admit it.
    “So, you agree that if you were to date him the political backlash would suck?”
    “Yes. Of course, but does it have to be that way? He will eventually be divorced. It’s not like there are any rules against Republicans and Democrats dating. It happens.”
    “It does happen…” Trish answered slowly. “But, can I give my opinion as your friend now?”
    “Sure.”
    Here it comes.
    “I’ll admit I think he’s a better fit for you than some of the guys you’ve dated over the years.”
    “That’s not hard. I’ve dated some winners in the past.”
    “True. He’s educated and cultured and knows how to properly hold a fork and knife and he owns shirts with collars and—”
    “Hey, my exes aren’t that bad.” I laughed and held up my hand to stop the tirade. “And I’m well beyond my bad boy phase anyway.”
    “You are, but I’m worried that he’s bad for you in another way.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “It’s obvious he’s got a thing for you.”
    It was nice to hear some objective confirmation of what I’d been feeling. “I think we get along really well.”
    “I can see it, but I’ll be honest,” she declared, her voice lowered to speak in earnest. “I don’t trust him. I think he’s going to hurt you.”
    “Why do you say that?”
    “Well, think of the reverse of what we just talked about. He’s also got a lot to lose going out with you. He’s a politician in the middle of a divorce. He can’t be seen out with women. It’ll make the divorce more public and probably piss off his ex-wife, and it makes him look like a jerk.”
    “I agree.” I nodded. “He shouldn’t be seeing anybody.”
    Trish smiled, happy that I was agreeing with her logic. “Right, so I worry he’s not pursuing you for the right reasons. Because he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, everything has always come easy to him. You’re just one more thing.”
    “I don’t get it.”
    “I think he’s after you because you’re the ideal rebound. You’re probably very different than that ex-wife of his. You’re brilliant and funny and really pretty. Compared to the rest of Congress, you’re a friggin’ goddess. But the bigger benefit for him is that you’re just as