It wasn't just ideologies causing tension in the Seattle City Council chambers that spring night. I was just there to vacuum the floors, wipe down the desks, empty the trash cans, same as I always do. You can imagine my surprise when I flipped on the lights and saw Council Member XXXXXXXXXXXX on the dais, sitting dead center below the corporate seal of the city.

"Bright light!"

I let out a startled scream and then turned the lights back off.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, Council Member XXXXXXXXXXXX! I didn't realize you were still here."

"Don't apologize. You're just doing your job. So am I. Except only one of us is about to get a nice, sweet raise, am I right?"

I didn't understand what she meant, so I said nothing and blushed harder.

"Hey," she said. "Don't be so bashful. You're a beautiful girl. You should smile more. Come up here where I can see you a little better..." There was a little catch in her voice. "My eyes aren't what they used to be."

I did as I was told, leaving my vacuum and supply bucket by the door and crossing the great chamber. I hesitated slightly as I approached, but her long finger beckoned me nearer. Even in the dark, I could see it glistening. Just then, I noticed an object in her other hand, poking up from behind the desk like a gearshift. As my eyes adjusted, I realized what she was driving at.

"Council Member XXXXXXXXXXXX, what are you doing with that gavel?"

"I'm calling," she said, heavily, "a special session"—I could practically hear her heart pounding (or maybe that was mine?)—"to order. Sit. I've got a motion I need you to second."

Without a moment's hesitation, I loosened my coveralls and sat in the chair next to her.

"What do you think you're doing?" she said sharply. "That chair is for elected officials only."

I started blushing again and looked away.

"You're so serious," Council Member XXXXXXXXXXXX laughed and rolled her chair backward a few inches, letting the blazer on her lap fall to the floor in in front of her. There had been nothing under it. No clothing, anyway. She nodded toward the blazer, as if urging me to kneel, which, of course, I was only too happy to do. "I just thought you'd like a little face time with local government. Besides I—"

I interrupted by pressing my finger to her lips. Her mouth fell silent.

"You politicians. All you ever do is talk."

I pulled the chair toward me, making a mental note of all the dust bunnies under that desk. Looks like I'm working late again tonight.

To be continued...