Incumbent(40)

LUCY: Did the Nats win tonight?



DRAKE: They’re off tonight.



LUCY: Oh. So, why are you watching it then?



DRAKE: Because the Capitals are in contention for the cup.



LUCY: Oh. Okay.





She had no idea what I was talking about, but I let it go.



DRAKE: I have something to ask you. Can I call?





My phone vibrated in my hand and her name appeared. “Hello, gorgeous.”

“Hey, that’s my line.” She laughed. “But you can borrow it.”

“Thanks. So, when I was on my way home, I talked to Dane.”

“He’s the golfer, right?”

She remembered. “Yes, he wants to be a pro one day. Anyway, every Memorial Day weekend, we head down to our home on the Outer Banks. I only stay through Sunday, because I always visit the memorials in DC on Monday and try to make it to the veterans’ hospital. But my brother happens to be in a tournament that week, and I’d like to know if you’d like to spend a few days with me. We can leave early Friday morning, go watch Dane play that day, and then head over to the house for the weekend.”

“Wow, that’s quite the invitation, but I have work that week. It’s a pretty popular time to take off. I can try and get a sub for Friday, but I can’t guarantee it.”

“See what you can do. I’d love to spend the time with you away from here.”

“Okay. I’ll check this week and let you know. Thank you, and thank you for tonight too. I heard everything you said to Ben. We didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but a small crowd gathered and when I saw you, I couldn’t turn away. You looked as if you were about to punch him, and I didn’t want anyone getting that on camera. I was a little nervous. Mason was ready to come down there, but he wanted to protect me just in case people recognized us.”

Shit. She was right. I didn’t even think of that.

“I’ll always protect you, Lucy. You don’t just have Mason; you have me too.”

“Thank you.”

“What you said to me tonight . . .”

“Which part?” She yawned. “I’m so sorry. Excuse me.”

“Go to sleep, and we’ll catch up tomorrow.”

“No, wait.” Her voice perked up and tightened. “When I said what?”

“You were falling for me.”

“Oh, that.”

Even though I couldn’t see her, I could tell she was smiling.

“Yes, that.” Knowing she’d never lie, I couldn’t help but ask, “Did you mean it?”

“Every word. I’ll never say something I don’t mean.”

“Me either.” When she yawned again, I said, “Go to sleep.”

“Okay. Good night.”

“Sweet dreams, Lucy.”

“Sweet dreams, Drake.”

? ? ?

A few days later, I was sitting in my office on Capitol Hill, staring out the window at passing cars. I had a few committee meetings today, and then last on my schedule was a meeting with Ben to go over the final details of the convention prior to the primary.

The last thing I wanted to do was see him. He’d decided to take a short vacation, which I thought was a banner idea.

Our country’s flag was waving in the breeze outside. Anytime I saw our flag or heard our anthem, I was extremely proud. There wasn’t anything I loved more than this country. I glanced around my office, which had been occupied by wise men who came before me. Some had moved back into the private sector, but others had transitioned elsewhere in government after their Senate term ended.

All I wanted was make a difference. That was how I wanted to be remembered—as a politician who ran a clean campaign, a smart race, and who used whatever office I held to benefit others.

There wasn’t anyone who would stop me from reaching my goals. That was why I was thankful for Lucy. She was kind and honest, exactly the type of person I wanted in my life.

When she told me she’d be tied up for the rest of the week in end-of-year meetings, I decided to get as much work done as I could so when she was free, we’d be able to spend time together.

I was going to my parents’ house for dinner tonight. When I talked to my mother earlier and told her Lucy was unavailable, I think she felt sorry for me. But who was I to turn down a meal with my family?

When I pulled up at my parents’ house that night, Gretchen was sitting on the front porch with a glass of wine.

“Hey, sis.”

“Hey, yourself.”

She looked sad, and I swore to myself that if her * boyfriend did anything to her, there would be hell to pay.

“What’s wrong?” I took the seat next to her.

“Scott is taking a job in Minnesota for a month.”

“Oh. I thought he did something to you.”

Her eyes practically bugged out of her head. “He did! He’s taking a job halfway across the country away from me and never asked me to come with him. I really don’t think it crossed his mind.” Her voice cracked. “Do you think he has someone else?”

I’ll kill the bastard. “Have you asked him?”

“No, I haven’t. Have you asked Lucy if she’s hooking up on the side?” She brought the glass to her mouth and drained it as if it were Kool-Aid rather than wine.