36. Chris

Chapter 36

Chris

" Y ou're not running," Mickey insists, dramatically sipping his whiskey, keeping his eyes pinned on me.

"The fuck I'm not. You had an agreement with my father," I growl. "The whole point of me marrying Jaclyn was to guarantee my place on the ticket."

"‘Was' is the keyword there, Mr. Blake."

I fucking hate that he calls me that. We're practically the same age, it's condescending as fuck, and it makes him sound like a movie villain.

Setting his drink down and slowly tracing the rim of the glass with his middle finger, he continues, "That was before we had to bring in my associate to clean up your mess. Couldn't keep your cock in your pants on your wedding day? You got lucky Cara didn't bite off your dick when you crashed." I scoff, making him chuckle darkly. " It's quite curious that you had a heart attack; you're only thirty-six and appear to be in the best shape of your life."

"It was an accident; I took too much of my ADHD meds." It's still strange to me. I don't remember taking it that morning, let alone too much.

"You're quite accident-prone. Good thing you won't be President. When the gala is over, you'll go back to Florida and encourage your wife to run for office in the upcoming election. She should start small, maybe a congressional seat or a state position. With her turning thirty-five next year, you'll support her run in 2028."

"Jaclyn?" I bark a laugh. "You want Jaclyn to run? She'll lose. She's too much like her father. The country won't vote for her when she leans that far to one side politically. My own father had to become more centrist when he ran, and I intend to do the same. Plus, she's a woman. You really think you'll convince over half of the nation to support her? You've lost your mind."

"You underestimate your wife, Mr. Blake." He takes another sip of whiskey with a light hum as the liquid passes his lips. "She's more than qualified, and the country loves her."

I cluck my tongue. "Will they still love her when they find out she married Alex?"

"That reminds me." Mickey pulls out his phone and types for a moment before setting it on his thigh screen side down. Seconds later, a woman walks in that I recognize but can't place. "Your new aide, Lisa Johnson. "

Lisa approaches and I politely stand, buttoning my tux. It's only halfway through the little slit when Mickey gestures for me to take a seat.

"Hi, I'm not sure if you remember me, I was your wedding coordinator." She offers her hand, but I don't take it.

"Why is she here?" I snap at Mickey.

"Alex and Jaclyn were careless discussing their fake nuptials," she answers for him, sitting next to me. "So, for half a million a year and a position on your staff, I'll remain here in D.C. to manage your office in your absence… Perhaps start a charity. What is your passion? Books? Animals?"

"No, absolutely not. Go work for Alex."

Lisa is about to answer when Mickey interjects, "Lisa will work for you. End of discussion."

"This is bullshit," I grumble under my breath. "So, I have to clean up Alex's mess, now? All because he couldn't keep his fucking mouth shut in front of her?" I gesture to Lisa with a wide swipe of my arm.

"To be fair, it was your father who was a bit too loud when speaking with your brother," she retorts.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. "Can't you just take the money?"

"No, I enjoy working," she replies with pride. At the same time, Mickey growls, "Lest you forget, Mr. Blake, who took care of your indiscretions? You're not in charge here. You'll return to Florida as we discussed, and Lisa will remain in Washington to run your office here."

There's nothing worse than being in debt to a Gallagher…

"Fine," I mutter, but he can't stop me from announcing. I won't do it at the gala and upstage Jaclyn after the progress I've made with her. Fuck Mickey, and fuck his ridiculous plan to make my wife President. Tomorrow, I'll find a way to get rid of this Lisa woman and coordinate everything with my media team.

"Wonderful." Mickey finishes his whiskey and stands, fastening the middle button of his tux jacket. "Now that's all settled, I'll see both of you at the event. I hear there's a bachelor auction again this year. Perhaps I'll see if they need another victim; it'll make for an interesting night."

He walks out, leaving me with Lisa. I don't have the mental energy to deal with her, so I excuse myself and make my way up to my room. Jaclyn should be ready and preparing for the gala, and I need some time to figure out how the hell I'm going to pull off announcing my presidential run… and not piss off the damn mafia.

Mickey is a fucking idiot if he thinks I'm handing everything over to Jaclyn. While I love her, the country isn't ready to. At least not yet. One day, but not for at least a few more decades.