Page 14 of See You Next Tuesday

“In your face, Dawn!” Toby yelled, then immediately slumped over, unsteady on his feet. Gabe rushed over to help Toby sit on a stool, then turned to Dawn in genuine shock.

“He beat you?”

“I obviously let him win.” Dawn threw up her hands in frustration. “It’s his big night!”

Gabe laughed, then nodded toward the bar’s door. “Listen, I’m gonna walk Anya home—it’s a couple of blocks. You okay to keep an eye on this guy until I get back?”

“I think I can handle him.”

“I kicked your ass,” Toby slurred.

“You sure did, bud.” Dawn patted him affectionately on the shoulder.

Gabe turned back toward the bar’s entry, but Anya wasn’t waiting there. He didn’t see her anywhere. He rushed to the front door and went outside without his coat—holy hell, it was freezing—but Anya was nowhere to be found.

“God,” he sighed. “That girl is stubborn.”

Chapter 4

Two years later

Colorado Won’t Discriminate—Denver, Colorado

Flannery for President—Miami, Florida

——Forwarded Message——

FROM: Jill Zaretsky

TO: Portsmouth Posse

SENT: November 6, 12:09 pm

SUBJECT: Tomorrow!!!!

Guys!! Hope everyone is having an EXCELLENT e-day, and for the love of all that’s holy hoping today goes better than four years ago!!! I know a lot of us haven’t seen each other since then, but I can’t tell you how happy it makes me that you’ll all be in gorgeous Vieques tomorrow. Since I’m the only one of us not on a campaign this year (i.e. the sole sane person on this list), Laurel and I are already here, and the house is all ready for when you arrive. I think most of you are on the 1pm ferry, maybe a couple on the 3pm? And then Simone and her friend are on the 4:30 bc they’re coming from Colorado and time zones are oppressive. Text me if you get delayed, GOOD LUCK TODAY, and I WILL SEE YOU ALL TOMORROW!!!!! LOVE YOU xoxoxoxo

“How are you feeling?”

“Like my head is gonna fall off my neck.”

Anya leaned her forehead against the seat in front of her, which was a mistake: The impact immediately made her hangover even worse.

“Why did I let you convince me to get on a plane the morning after Election Day?” she groaned.

“Awwww, did someone have too much fun with the homosexuals?” Simone rubbed Anya’s back. “Was someone’s cishet tolerance not quite equal to the task?”

“Yeah, well, it was about your equality, not mine.” Anya put down her tray table and laid her head on her forearms. One thing about working for a gay rights campaign: They knew how to throw a victory party. There’d been a drag show, a disco ball, confetti cannons, and go-go dancers who circulated through the crowd bearing trays of rainbow shooters (blue raspberry vodka, pineapple juice, and grenadine layered to look like little rainbows) that were super fun to take but far less enjoyable the next morning.

“In a couple of hours, we’ll be on a gorgeous ferry ride—blue skies, crystal waters, a gentle breeze.”

“Mm, that sounds nice,” Anya sighed.

“Then a whole week in an island paradise where absolutely no one will ask you to approve the text of a fundraising email.” Simone grinned.

“That is paradise,” Anya laughed. “And you’re sure Gabe won’t be there?”

Simone shot Anya a look that clearly said, I have already answered your stupid question thousands of times. Do not make me repeat myself.