Exposure

Excerpt:
As Robin gawked in awe, the man said, “Senator Kensington! So good to see you!”

Whipping his head around to hear Kipp’s reply in case this was a mistake, Robin choked at the information and froze as if instantly he would be arrested for lewd conduct.

“Stanley, how are you?” Kipp kept his cool, shaking the man’s hand. “Stanley, this is my nephew, Robin. Robin, Stanley Olson, an old friend of mine.”

Hearing the word “nephew” Robin kept his mouth shut, petrified he’d be interrogated and give up the charade.

“How’s Louise? I hear your re-election campaign is running full steam ahead.”

“Yes. It’s going well. But it’s still a few months off.”

“Well, good luck to you, Kipp. I’ll let you and your nephew enjoy your meal.”

Robin felt if he moved a muscle, he’d give something away. It wasn’t until the man left the table that he was able to breathe.

“Senator?” he gulped in surprise. “Did he call you senator? You’re Senator Kipp Kensington?”

Kipp flagged down the waiter and asked for the check, not looking at Robin.

After Kipp signed his credit card slip and they were walking out the door, Kipp nodded goodbye to Stanley. They passed him by, leaving through the exit to stand outside.

After he set his helmet on the seat of his bike, Robin crossed his arms over his chest and gazed at Kipp, waiting for his explanation.

Casually, Kipp leaned against the door of his Mercedes and tilted his head for Robin to do the same.

Walking closer, Robin rested back against the fender and stared at him expectantly.

“I thought it would scare you off.”

“You lied.”

“No. No, I didn’t lie. I just didn’t think I should just blurt it out.”

Robin’s arms were still folded tightly over his chest. His attention moved to the people coming and going from the parking lot. He and Kipp were in back of the restaurant and secluded at the moment.

After a deep breath, Kipp began, “Look, Robin, I’m gay as well. But unfortunately for a politician it’s taboo. So, my publicist found me a wife. She’s what they call in the business a ‘walker’. She poses with me for photos. That’s it. I’m sorry I said you were my nephew, but the way politicians are being caught and outted lately, well, it’s something every gay man in the closet fears.”

“Senator?” Robin repeated, still not believing his ears.

“Yes. Look, I understand if you want to run a mile. Believe me.”

Softening, not wanting to move an inch, let alone a mile, Robin finally released his tightly crossed arms and turned his body so he was facing Kipp. “No. It’s okay. I’m not going anywhere. But, you asked me to come with you tomorrow. How will I do that?”

“I don’t know. It was just an impulsive idea. Never mind.”

Robin imagined caressing Kipp’s cheek softly, comforting him. “Can your nephew go?”

When Kipp’s eyes lit up, Robin laughed at his expression. “You realize no one will believe you.”

Kipp smiled back. “I know. That’s why it’s a bad idea.”

“You want to try anyway?”