Incumbent(35)

“Come, let’s sit down,” she said.

I followed her into the library, my favorite room, and we sat on the chairs overlooking the serene pond.

“Let me tell you something about my oldest.” Tina smiled, and I leaned forward, listening intently. “He is a very fair man. I think that’s why he’s progressed so far in politics. He doesn’t rush to judgment and gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. He’s a fact checker. I remember when he wrote a paper about the assassination of Kennedy. He wanted to go to Dallas to check things out for himself.”

I could totally understand that. It was a very weird shooting. My head tilted as to why she thought this was odd. “Did he go?”

“He was ten years old.” She laughed, and so did I. “So, whatever you think may hurt him, talk to him about it. Let him know what’s bothering you. One of his favorite presidents was Lincoln, because he was an honest man, and that’s who Drake is and wants to emulate.” Her warm smile comforted me. “I’m here for you too. So if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

I wished I could tell him everything, but knew he would look at me differently. What was worse was that I was truly falling for him. Not Drake Prescott, the US senator, but Drake Prescott, the man.

“Thank you, Tina.”

“There you are.” Drake’s voice boomed through the quiet room, and his mom stood up. “I didn’t know where you went.”

“You caught us having girl talk.” She patted his arm. “I’m going to go find your father.” Tina began to walk out of the room and turned back to me. “No matter what, sweetie, you’ll always be welcome in our home.”

After releasing a deep breath, I smiled.

“What was that all about?” Drake sat in the chair his mom just vacated.

“I was explaining to your mom how different our backgrounds are.” I shrugged. “I saw our picture again, and I’m so nervous that one day I’m going to say the wrong thing or embarrass you in some way. What if something I do hurts your campaign?”

But what I really wanted to say was, What if something I’ve already done hurts your campaign?

“You won’t,” he said with absolute certainty.

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because you’re a good person. I knew it the first time I met you.”

“But you really don’t know me. There are things I’ve done in my past that I’m not proud of.”

“Did you rob a bank?”

My nose crinkled. “No, of course not.”

“Did you go to jail for anything?”

“No.”

“Did you disgrace our flag or country in any way?”

“No! I’d never do that.” The thought of any of those things made my stomach turn.

“Then you don’t have anything to worry about.” He took my hand in his. “If you’re ever worried about anything, please let me know. I’m here for you. I’m on your side. I even told Ben as much.”

“Ben?” My blood pressure must have spiked because I could hear and feel my pulse in my ears.

“Yes, he believes it’s important to run background checks on the women I date. And before you think he’s done this numerous times, he hasn’t. Actually, he’s never done it, because I don’t usually take women to public events or do anything that could link them to me.”

Holy shit. I might have stopped breathing at the thought of a background check. I really needed to figure some things out and stay out of Ben’s line of fire. I knew I didn’t like the beady-eyed little man. He seemed like a troublemaker, and I didn’t want that for Drake or for me.

“Let’s go into the dining room,” he said. “I’m sure the food is on the table by now.” As we stood, he said, “Oh, by the way, Gretchen arrived. I thanked her for her shopping expertise.”

I laughed and followed him to join his family for a wonderful meal.

? ? ?

Monday morning, Mason and I were sitting in my classroom, having our ritual morning coffee.

“Nice picture in the paper,” he said with a laugh. “That’s twice now.”

“It’s so weird, Mace. I’m nervous.” I tentatively took a sip of my coffee, which was steaming.

“Don’t be, Lucy. You can tell the man genuinely cares for you.”

“I know he does, and that’s what worries me.” I slumped back in my chair. “I’ve never felt this way about a man before. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted, except the public figure part.”

“Then go for it. You deserve to be happy. I’ve known you for ten years, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile as much. Please don’t let your head get in the way of your heart.”

Mason stood when the bell rang. “Looks like another day of dealing with pubescent teens is upon us.” He strolled toward my door. “Have a good day, and I’ll catch you later.”

My day went by like all other weekdays, one class ended and another one started. Students had begun to get antsy, ready for the school year to end, and I wished they were younger or that I taught elementary school so I could take them outside for recess. But we were stuck inside reviewing for the state tests that were quickly approaching.