by Cara Addison
“Thanks, Dad.” She hung up the phone, a grin crossing her face as she drove.
Almost instantly, the focus of the Freeman campaign shifted away from Kate, and back to the business of running a city.
* * * *
Over the next week, Kate moved into her new home in Westover. New furniture arrived daily. As a freelance graphic designer, Laura spent her days working from the new home to orchestrate furniture delivery and setup on her behalf. Just days before the election the final pieces arrived and, taking a much needed break from the campaign trail, Kate worked with Laura to arrange each and every room of the house.
“It’s beautiful,” Laura declared, as they sunk into the suede sofa in the living room. “I’m especially jealous of that closet.”
Kate had to agree. The large closet was a room in and of itself, and featured a central seating area surrounded by wrap-around shelving and racks for every piece of clothing, footwear, and accessory imaginable.
Settled into her new home, Kate felt ready for Tuesday’s election, and the promise of a future in the mayor’s office.
On election day, she woke and grabbed a protein shake before going straight to the country club for an early morning yoga class that she hoped would set the tone for the day. Kate concentrated on her workout, blocking the past months from her mind, focused purely on the days and months ahead. She returned home to shower and dress before heading to the polls to cast her vote. At precisely ten o’clock, her father arrived to drive her to the polling station where she was certain the media would be waiting.
As predicted, there was a throng of reporters waiting at the community center that had been converted for the election. Cameras followed her to the ballot box, snapping photos and taking video of the moment her ballot dropped into the box. Kate knew the images would be used for the noon newscast and would appear online as media outlets worked to encourage the community to get out and vote. Stepping aside to make room for other voters, she exited the polling area to address the media in the parking lot.
“How do you feel today, Kate?” one reporter shouted.
“It’s a great day to be a resident of Lowden,” she responded with a celebratory smile. “I want to encourage all of our citizens to get out today and vote. Get out, and be a part of shaping the future of this great city.” She had repeated the message of hope, and spread the news of her platform for the past several weeks. The time for campaigning was over. Now, it was up to the voters to decide her fate.
“How will you spend the rest of the day, Kate?” another reporter yelled.
“The time for campaigning is over. I’ll be spending the day with our campaign team, writing thank-you notes to the many volunteers and supporters who have made the campaign possible.”
“Where will you be when the polls close this evening?”
“The Elect Kate team will be watching the results downtown at the convention center,” she answered. “I look forward to seeing you all there.”
Having their sound bites, the television media slowly disbanded, leaving print reporters to ask a few more questions in an effort to make their story unique from all of the others that would be published that day.
Kate greeted a number of voters as they exited the center, shaking hands and thanking residents for their support and encouragement. After an hour or so, her father steered her toward the car, and chauffeured her off as she waved to those remaining behind. Feeling energized, she returned home, finding Dan and Stan, and an entire crew from the campaign office, set up throughout the house. It seemed that the campaign headquarters had shifted to the Westover neighborhood. Even in the cool, crisp weather, volunteers sat on the patio gathering and analyzing data from exit polls throughout the city. Another team sat around the kitchen island organizing transportation for seniors.
At noon, she watched the news coverage of both Jim Freeman and herself casting their votes in their respective neighborhoods. Kate couldn’t help but notice that the incumbent looked as if he had aged dramatically during the campaign. This was the first time in his political career that he had faced any real opposition during an election, and it appeared to have taken its toll.
A volunteer arrived a short time later, with dozens of cartons of Chinese food to feed the famished team. Grabbing a carton of noodles with vegetables, she quietly slipped away to her office to begin writing notes to the dozens of individuals who had made the past few weeks a reality. She had checked off a dozen names on the list when Stan appeared at the door. His expression was telling.
“The exit polls look great,” he exclaimed.
“You know those aren’t reliable,” she warned.
“They don’t have to be one hundred percent accurate, when you’re ahead by this margin,” he said handing her a piece of paper. She unfolded it, reading that advanced estimates had her team leading the incumbent by more than twenty points.
As she exhaled, the wind whistled between her teeth. “That’s significant!” She paused before adding, “But to be safe, let’s keep that little number to ourselves, and wait to see how this all plays out.” Stan tucked the paper back into his pocket before leaving.
Kate returned her focus to her writing, determined to check off each of the long list of names before the polls closed at eight p.m.
News coverage began promptly at eight o’clock and as she returned to the main room of the house, the entire team was crowded around the large television. Kate handed a box containing alphabetized cards to Dan, requesting that he distribute the cards in the days following the election.
Volunteers quickly tidied up, and at eight thirty they loaded into a dozen vehicles and drove to the convention center where they were greeted by hundreds of residents, volunteers, and supporters. Dozens of media outlets were in attendance, giving live updates to viewers at home. Within minutes, results from various polling stations began pouring in, and the digital score bar on the screen began counting the votes for Freeman and Callahan. Mayor Freeman took an early lead, as the polls in his Ward reported in. Nine o’clock had tallied the polls from three of the ten Wards tallied, giving team Callahan a slight lead.
The crowd was buzzing with anticipation. Kate slipped quietly into a private room off the main hall, taking a moment to mentally review two possible speeches, one in the event of a victory and the other in the event of defeat. Her father joined her a few moments later. “I thought I might find you here.” His grin was contagious, and she realized that this was the happiest that she had seen him in months. “I’m so proud of you, Kate. You’re an amazing woman and I’m so exceptionally honored to be your father.”
“I’m scared, Dad.”
He studied her face. “Why, Katherine?”
“It isn’t just about winning or losing, Dad. I just don’t want to fail. I don’t want to let people down…the campaign supporters…the volunteers…donors…the residents of this city…”
“Oh, Kate,” he whispered, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. “You’ve run an exceptional campaign. You have so much to be proud of.” He kissed her cheek and smiled. “You’re too driven and competitive for your own good, you know.”
They heard a loud cheer from the hall. “We better get out there,” he murmured as he hugged her. “We wouldn’t want to miss the big moment.” They walked back into the main hall, arm in arm in time to see the results from the ninth ward posted on the screen. Camera lights flicked on around the room as reporters delivered live reaction to the twenty percent gap between the two candidates. Finding Dan and Stan standing in the middle of the room, Kate winked at Stan as he held up the small slip of paper containing the advanced polling information he had shown her earlier in the day.
She overheard one member of the press report that there had been a record turnout of voters for this election. She wondered for a brief moment how Jim Freeman was feeling at this exact moment. Seconds later, the final results flickered onto the screen, and the auditorium went wild. It was a victory! Her senses were overwhelmed and the ca
mpaign transitioned into a rock concert as “I’ve Got a Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas blasted over the sound system, laser lights flickered, supporters offered hugs and high fives while confetti fell from the ceiling. This was the moment!
It was dizzying having so many supporters gathered around. In the buzz of activity, the boyish grin and stunning blue eyes of Mr. Taylor caught her attention. Through the crowd, he lifted a glass of champagne to toast the victory. Champagne began to flow throughout the hall, a glass having been placed in her hand by a volunteer. Holding his gaze, she raised her glass in response, flashed a satisfying grin, and then took a perfectly delicious sip.
* * * *
The days and weeks following the election were a whirlwind of activity. The official inauguration into the mayor’s office was held on November 29, and Kate spent the next few weeks meeting with the members of the newly elected council as well as senior city staff. She endured a barrage of interviews, as key staff members for the mayor’s office were hired to replace those who had resigned in loyalty to the former mayor. Kate spent her evenings reviewing countless documents and budgets, working to get a handle on the inner workings of the city.
Two weeks later, Kate sat with the senior staff for an in-depth discussion about the path the city would take on its journey to becoming a smart city. “As you know, I’ve made it a priority to lead Lowden on the journey to becoming a smart city.” She paused, looking around the room identifying those who had already embraced the concept, while noting the staff who might create some resistance to change, regardless of what that change might look like. “Being a smart city affects every aspect of what we do. We’re going to start with smart governance. That will lead us toward a smart economy that provides high-value jobs. I’d like us to be an environmental leader. I want the 350,000 residents of this city to be smart people, accessing smart services that provides them with the opportunity to live and grow in an intelligent community.” She placed her hands on the conference room table and looked around the room. “The new year is just a few weeks away. I’d like each and every department to spend the next three weeks researching and brainstorming ways that your department can facilitate this transition.” She stood, and handed out folders that she had prepared for the meeting. “I’ve done some preliminary research, and I’ve identified cities from around the world that are already a step ahead of us. I’d like to you take a closer look at these examples…even find other communities we could emulate.” She returned to her seat and took a sip of coffee. “I want you to think outside the box. I want us to be leaders, not laggers. I want Lowden to be the city that gets noticed because we’re on the cutting edge, and the city that businesses want to call home because of it.” She sat back, pleased that most heads were nodding and smiling in agreement. “In the new year, I want to meet with each and every department about your ideas. We’re going to work together to formulate a work plan for the coming year that challenges all of us.”
* * * *
On December sixteenth, she received an e-mail from Nigel, reminding her of the particulars for Bradley’s fiftieth birthday party that was to be held that Friday night. Nigel reminded her that the night was casual and fun, and that gifts were not expected. She had attended a dozen events in the few weeks she’d been elected, as it seemed that everyone wanted the mayor to make an appearance at their event. Some evenings, she was booked at two or even three different events. Her calendar for the twentieth had intentionally been left wide open.
She was delighted to be looking at her casual section of her wardrobe as she dressed for the party. She selected a pair of skinny jeans and a white blouse that was loose and flowing, accented with pleated detail and three-quarter-length sleeves. She paired the outfit with a sturdy silver bangle bracelet, adding a silver and crystal cascading necklace, and a pair of Louboutin camel jazz leather pumps.
Kate arrived at Nigel’s downtown home, parking on the street. As Nigel opened the door to greet her, he called back to the crowd that had gathered inside. “Get ready to welcome Her Worship.”
“Oh Nigel,” she groaned. “Let’s leave that title, and the Chain of Office at the door, shall we? I’m here as a friend, not as the mayor.”
She spent the evening reconnecting with friends that she hadn’t seen in months. While she had been out and about at so many events, she hadn’t really been able to sit and visit with friends, sharing in their own personal joys and triumphs. Kate felt completely selfish for having taken so much attention from her friends without giving back. It was an evening full of laughs and smiles. When the evening was over and she stepped out the door, she knew that she would once again be the mayor of Lowden, but in this comfortable setting, she was allowed to be Kate.
Well into the evening, she slipped out onto the balcony with Laura for some fresh air. Laura shared with her some of the challenges she was facing with her teenage daughter, desperately seeking advice on how to boost her young self-esteem after a nasty breakup with her boyfriend. They were admiring the brilliant light and detailed shadows that were cast against the manicured yard from the full moon when she heard a familiar voice behind her. “What are your plans for Christmas, Kate?”
Kate turned to find Brad standing beside her. Laura quietly slipped away, leaving the two of them standing in the dark. She visually took him in, enjoying the effortless way he moved in his well-fitted jeans. “The office will shut down over the holidays, and with all that’s gone on over the past few months, I think that Dad and I will take a few days and get away somewhere. We could both use a break.”
“I’m sure that a few days away will do him a world of good. How is his health?”
“Much better, thank you for asking. We’ve pursued a number of experimental treatments combined with some alternative medicines, and he has responded exceptionally well. He’s strong, and gaining weight. The oncologist is very optimistic.”
“How about you?” she questioned. “Do you have plans for the holidays?”
“My kids will be joining me on a ski vacation.”
Kate took a sip of wine. “Skiing. Sounds lovely. How old are your children? Are they living here in Lowden?”
“Seth is twenty-seven now, and he runs the human resource division of the company. He was married this past spring, and he and his wife live in Atlanta. Chad is twenty-five, and he has just joined our marketing division. Drew is twenty-three, and I’m hoping he’ll join the family business when he finishes his MBA at the end of this year.” She could hear the pride in his voice as he described his three sons.
“And their mother?” she inquired cautiously, suddenly realizing that until now, no one had mentioned a wife and mother that must clearly exist in some capacity.
“Carolynn died in June after a long battle with cancer,” he responded sullenly. “I guess it’s been a challenging year for both of us.”
“Indeed,” she paused, looking up at the night sky, observing the intricate detail and contrast of colors on the lunar surface. “You’ll never have to wonder if I understand what you’re going through, Bradley,” she added, turning to face him.
“What would you say has been the toughest part?” he questioned.
“Besides the public embarrassment and humiliation?” She chuckled before offering a thoughtful response. “I guess it’s coming home from a grueling day or an overwhelming, exciting event and not having anyone to share it with. Not having someone to support my dreams or…” She paused. She felt like his intensely blue eyes were able to look deep into her soul as she shared more than she had intended.
“You?” she questioned, gazing deep into his eyes.
“Falling asleep”—he paused, taking a deep breath—“and waking up alone.”
“Hmmmm, yes, there’s that, too,” she murmured. We should fix that, she thought to herself.
They stood, looking silently over the railing into the abyss for some time before a noisy crowd spilled out onto the balcony.
“I’m keeping you from your party, Brad,�
� she said, placing her hand on his arm. Kate paused, before changing her tone. “I’d like to think that the worst is behind, and the best is ahead. Given that this is supposed to be your birthday celebration, perhaps we can focus on a brilliant future,” she said, lifting her glass to the stars.
“It’s been refreshing to talk so candidly with you, Kate.” He clinked her glass.
Elizabeth approached, wanting to pull Brad inside so that the slightly inebriated crowd could sing Happy Birthday to him. He leaned in and gently kissed her cheek. “Let’s connect in the new year, Kate. I’m putting together a dinner party for mid-January. I do hope you can attend.”
Her response indicating that she wouldn’t miss it for the world was met with the mesmerizing smile that she was growing very, very attracted to.
Chapter 4
The first two weeks of January, Kate met with each department head at city hall to hear their smart city ideas. She knew that their enthusiasm for the project would be one of the keys to its success. She was impressed. Steve Smith, the parks director, rolled out a map outlining a detailed plan. He showed Kate his proposal to add green walls with edible plants to municipal buildings. The plants would provide additional insulation from both cold and heat, lowering energy bills. “They’ll be beautiful, edible, and efficient,” Steve pointed out.
“I’m really impressed, Steve. This is exactly what I was looking for. You’ve nailed it.”
He beamed. “I’ve always wanted to do something like this, Ms. Callahan. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to spread our wings on this one.”
Next, she met with the manager of facilities, John Wilder. John pointed out a number of facilities that could integrate alternative energy sources, including wind and solar. Kate was impressed. John went on to propose the idea that the citywide recycling program be enhanced with a program to collect wet and organic waste for use in a biodigester. “The plan would dramatically decrease the impact on the landfill,” John explained. “The biodigester would use anaerobic digestion to biologically digest the organic material, and turn it into energy…much like the human body. We would provide residents with a separate bin, in addition to their regular recycling bin, to put all of their organic waste in. We can even include bones and meat, and other organics including lawn waste. The wider the range of material, the more efficient the digester works.”
