by Donna Hill
“Senator,” Preston greeted as he unbuttoned his jacket and sat down.
Branford barely looked up from the documents in front of him. “Graham.” After several moments of tense silence, he closed the folder and slid his half-framed glasses from his nose and set them next to his dinner plate. “How was the flight?”
“Fine, sir.”
Branford nodded as if that was the most important bit of information he’d gathered all day. His eyes, identical to Lee Ann’s, bored into Preston’s. But that was typical of him, his trademark, and what made him so popular among his colleagues and constituents. He had the ability to make one believe that they and their issues were all very personal to him.
The waiter approached. “Can I get you something to drink, sir?” he asked Preston.
“Bourbon, on the rocks.”
“Right away.”
“Anything else for you, sir?”
“A refill on this scotch.”
The waiter nodded his head and moved away as quietly as he’d appeared.
Branford focused on Preston. “Tomorrow’s session is crucial,” he said without preamble. “As chairman of the subcommittee on the Gulf Restoration, I need to make sure that I have everyone on board.”
“Of course, sir.”
“I understand you visited the wetlands.”
Preston’s eyes flashed for a second before he reached for his glass of water. “Yes, I did.” He wasn’t going to speculate on how he knew.
“I appreciate your proactive approach. It’s important that the people know that we are still invested in what’s going on down there.” He lifted his glass to his lips. “I know that you’re working on the education reform bill, as well.”
“Yes, sir.”
“It’s a lot for a junior senator, especially during a first term.”
Preston leaned forward. “What are you getting at, sir?”
The waiter returned with their drinks. “Can I take your dinner orders now?”
“I’ll have my usual,” Branford said.
“And for you, sir?”
“Make that two,” Preston said, handing back the menu.
“Two?” Branford raised a bushy brow as the waiter moved away.
“I figure if it’s good enough to be your usual, it’s good enough for me.” He sipped from his drink.
Branford tossed his head back and laughed a rumbling laugh that was infectious. He shook his head as his chuckle diminished. He wagged a thick finger at Preston. “You have balls. That’s what I like about you. And your drive. I was just like you when I started out more than three decades ago.” He clasped his hands in front of him, twisted his lips for a moment before he continued. “I think you have what it takes, Preston.”
“What it takes, sir?”
“Yes. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Preston leaned back and took Branford in. “I’m not going to guess.”
The corner of Branford’s mouth flickered. “That’s exactly what you should have said. This business we’re in,” he said, leaning forward, “is full of innuendos and people not saying what they mean. The key to staying ahead of the play is to get people on the record.” He jabbed his finger on the table to punctuate his point. “Make them commit.” He rolled his wide shoulders. “In eight years, if you play your cards right, stay on the right side of the issues, keep your face in the public light, you will be our Democratic candidate for president of the United States.”
Preston blinked back his surprise. Just hearing the words coming from the mouth of Senator Lawson was as close to a confirmation as he would ever get. His temples pounded, and he could hear the blood rushing through his veins.
“To do that, you can’t owe anyone, be in anyone’s pocket. There will be those who are going to do their damnedest to woo you, line your pockets and once you get in bed with them you’ll never get out.” He shook his head vigorously.
Did he know about Paulsen the same way he knew about his visit to the wetlands?
“You need to start now, defining where you stand on the issues, not just today’s issues but into the future and the long-term implications of your decisions.”
The waiter appeared with their meal. Seared sea bass, with basil and lemon over saffron rice.
“Hope you like sea bass,” Branford said with a wink. He sliced into his fish, took a mouthful and hummed with pleasure.
Preston tried to concentrate on his meal, but he barely tasted it.
“What are your thoughts about what I’ve said?”
Preston looked at Branford. “I’m honored, and I know that your belief in me is not misplaced.”
“I’ve watched you for years. From your days in Chicago with the president, coming back to Louisiana, running for office and beating a long-term incumbent.” He chewed thoughtfully. “And I know that my daughter chose wisely.”
Preston’s stomach tightened.
“I wanted to see what you did when I tossed you that ultimatum. You followed your own mind. You didn’t get intimidated by the old man.” He smiled. “That’s the kind of man the country needs and what Lee Ann deserves.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“But trust me on this,” he said, pointing his knife at Preston, “you mess up on the floor or in my daughter’s life and I guarantee I will ruin you.”
Preston watched Branford work through his dinner with the same precision in which he ran the Senate, his life and his family and didn’t doubt his statement.
Chapter 10
Preston returned to his apartment near ten o’clock, still shaken by his conversation with Branford. In the deep recesses of his soul, he’d imagined the day that he would run for higher office. To have someone as powerful as Branford Lawson endorse, even encourage, that idea left him awed. But it didn’t come without strings. Nothing did. Every move he made in the coming weeks, months and years would be scrutinized. Beginning with his position on the direction the education reform bill would take—a position that was in opposition to Branford’s.
He pulled his tie from his neck and tugged off his jacket. Not to mention his growing relationship with Lee Ann. What if it didn’t work out? Would his career be destroyed as a result? If he went against Branford and the party on issues that he disagreed with, would that be held against him, as well? Branford implied as much even as he lauded him for being his own man.
He dropped down on the side of his bed. President of the United States. Perhaps only the second recognized African American to hold that office. Eight years was a lot of time for things to change.
Preston picked up the remote from the side of the bed and pointed it at the television, tuning to Anderson Cooper 360, who was interviewing those in attendance at a community meeting in a Baton Rouge parish hit hard by the economy and hurricanes. More than half of the schools in the parish were still operating out of makeshift trailers, and the health department had closed two more school buildings as health hazards, putting teachers out of work and hundreds more students with no place to go.
As he watched the angry and mentally beaten parents and disillusioned children, all the victims of a government that had totally failed them, he knew that he had the opportunity to bring major relief and change and hope, with one meeting with Paulsen. But at what cost? The future of a generation now or a possible presidency later? That was the question he wrestled with.
He turned off the television, picked up the phone and called Lee Ann.
“Hey,” she whispered in the phone, the edges of sleep making her voice throaty and enticing.
Just hearing her on the other end loosened the knots that had formed in his gut during the past few hours.
“Did I wake you?”
“I was waiting for your call.” She turned on her side. “How was dinner?”
“Interesting to say the least.”
“Is that good or bad?”
He exhaled a long breath. “I, uh, need to talk to you about some things, but I’d rather do it face-to-face.”<
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Lee Ann pushed herself into a sitting position. “Is something wrong?”
“No, nothing’s wrong.” He blew out a breath. “Everything is fine. Just some things have come up, and I have some decisions to make. I’ll say this. Your father, in his own unique way, approves of our relationship.”
“He does?”
“He told me as much. Along with his belief that in eight years I’ll be in a position to run for office.”
Her pulse picked up. “Office?” she asked, not daring to say what she thought.
“Yes, presidential office.”
“Preston…he said that?”
“He did.”
“I mean just out of the blue?”
“Not exactly. It was all part of a larger conversation that had to do with making the right choices and allies.”
She was quiet for a moment. “My father never says anything lightly or without careful thought,” she said slowly. “He has a lot of confidence in you, and his support will go a very long way.”
“I know.”
“You should be ecstatic. Do you know how many young senators would kill to be in your position right now?”
How could he tell her that as much as he was stunned by her father’s declarations he was also stymied by it? For as much as her father professed that he admired him being his own man, at the same time, couched in his praise, was the underlying idea that he could never be his own man as long as he went along with Branford Lawson. Not to mention the fate that would befall him if things didn’t work out with him and Lee Ann.
“I guess I’m still in shock,” he finally said.
“It is a lot to digest. But Preston, your future has taken on a new direction. The possibilities…” She halted. “Is it even what you want?”
“I’ve thought about it. I suppose a lot of people in politics have thought about it. But I never said it out loud or admitted that it was a viable long-term goal.”
“Now it is, and I think you are going to have to get used to it.”
“I guess I will.” He paused. “So enough about me. Let’s talk about us.”
“Yes. Let’s…”
“I was thinking that with our schedules being what they are we won’t have a great deal of time to spend together.”
“I know. I was thinking the same thing. With you being in Washington half the year…”
“But we’re both off for the spring recess, me here at the Senate and you with your classes.”
“Yes…”
“I know this may seem kind of soon, but what do you think about getting away together, taking a trip?”
“A trip?”
“Yes, a mini vacation. Go someplace where no one knows us. We can relax, get waited on, enjoy each other.” He paused, waited for her response that didn’t come. “How does that sound?”
“Preston…I…”
“You think it’s too soon. I understand.” He was unexpectedly disappointed.
“No…yes…I’ve never been away with a man before. I mean not like that,” she blurted out. “I know it sounds sophomoric but…I’ve never wanted to.”
An inkling of hope stirred. “Do you want to now?”
“Well…” She drew in a breath, remembering what Teresa said earlier about her deserving more than the life she was living. Everything about her was rational and organized and responsible. But since Preston had come into her life, she’d begun to shed all of the restraints, and it was scary and thrilling at the same time. And she liked it.
“Yes, I do! Did you have some place in mind?”
Preston’s insides felt as if they were smiling as much as he was. “I was thinking something tropical…”
The morning session began at ten. There were hundreds of pages of documents to read through and make adjustments and additions to. And it seemed to Preston that everyone on the education committee had a different opinion, each wedded to their own districts and self-interests. By the time they broke for lunch, everyone walking out of the room knew that the new legislation would never pass before the spring recess. They’d been at it for weeks and were no further along than when they started. To Preston it felt as if they’d gone backward instead of forward. His head was pounding. Well, if the wheels of justice grinded slowly, Preston mused, irritated and annoyed, then the wheels of government were at a standstill. It was no wonder that the people were fed up with business as usual.
He turned down the corridor, intent on going out for some air and to clear his head.
“Senator Graham.”
He turned to the sound of his name. Anthony Paulsen began walking toward him.
This he didn’t need.
Anthony stuck out his hand when he came to a stop in front of Preston. “Anthony Paulsen.”
With great reluctance he shook his hand. “Yes, I know who you are.”
He didn’t flinch from the cold shoulder. “We have an acquaintance in common. I was hoping that her conversation with you would have sparked a conversation between us.”
The corridors were beginning to fill as the meeting and conference rooms began to empty their occupants.
“I’m heading out for lunch. Can we walk and talk?”
He fell in step next to Preston. “Certainly.”
They walked out into the early afternoon. The White House stood in the distance.
“Charlotte speaks very highly of you.”
“Does she.” It was more of a statement than a question.
“She feels that you would be amenable to support from many of my connections. The kind of support we are willing to offer will turn things around in your district. I know how invested you are in education reform and the platform that you stood on during election.” He hooked a finger over his shoulder indicating the building they’d left. “They won’t let that happen—not even members of your own party. But if you have the money, and the corporate muscle behind you, you can get it done.”
Preston stopped walking. He turned and looked into the cunning eyes. He knew that Paulsen was as good as his word. If he said he could get things done, he would.
“It was good talking to you,” Preston said. “I’ve really got to go.”
“Think about what I’m saying. Think about the good you could do. Think about what your success would mean for your career.” He stepped back. “You have my number. Think about it and give me a call.” He turned and walked away in the opposite direction.
For several moments, Preston stood at the bottom of the steps of the Capitol. The choices you make. Be your own man. The choices you make. Your future. Eight years. The words ran circles in his head.
“It’s great to see you looking really happy, sis,” Dominique said, as she sat with Lee Ann going over the details for a grant that Dominique was working on for the foundation several weeks later.
Lee Ann glanced up from the notes. “Really?” She grinned. “Did I look unhappy before?”
“No, not unhappy…” She searched for the word. “Resigned, I guess. Yeah, resigned. As if some part of you had simply accepted life and wasn’t looking for anything else.”
Lee Ann’s brows rose and fell. “Wow. I never thought of it that way.”
Dominique put down her pen and pushed the notebook aside. “After Maxwell, you changed.”
Her body momentarily stiffened. “I had reason to change.”
“Of course you did. You were hurt. But…it was almost like you never got over it. And then Mom got sick, and you took on the world to get away from the hurt.”
She’d never said the words out loud, but she knew that’s how she felt and what she had done. The past few years had turned her into a different person, someone who lived her life through others because she was still afraid of her own life. She was slowly beginning to trust her feelings again. She was entrusting her heart bit by bit to Preston. And although they were miles away it made them work even harder at their relationship. Preston had made several weekend visits since he’d had to return to Washington and even
surprised her one afternoon showing up on her doorstep because he had the following day off. Those brief times that they were able to spend with each other were intense and maddeningly thrilling and only increased their desire to be together. She was looking forward to their trip to Cancun. Recess couldn’t come fast enough.
She thought about him all the time, and from the middle-of-the-day text messages that he sent and the late night phone calls that they shared, Lee Ann was confident that Preston felt the same way.
Dominique reached out and touched Lee Ann’s hand. “I’m glad you have Preston. He brought you back.” She twirled the pen in her hand. “What did Daddy have to say about your trip to Cancun?”
Lee Ann chuckled. “Oddly enough, he seemed not to mind. Only thing he said was be discrete. There was no reason for me and Preston to become someone’s headlines.
“I can only imagine what they would turn that into. But I don’t even think the press would want to get on Daddy’s bad side.”
“That’s true. But we’re still trying to keep things low-key. Besides, Preston doesn’t need the distraction with all that he has going on. He says the bill won’t pass before the recess even with all the work they’ve done.”
“I know, and from all reports, the president isn’t happy.”
“That’s an understatement.” She glanced at the figures on the pages in front of her. “I really appreciate you helping me with this grant, Lee.”
“Sure.” She checked some information on her computer screen.
“I would have never gotten First Impressions off the ground without your help.” She folded her slender hands on top of each other. “I know that Daddy thinks that what I do is nice but that’s it. He would have given me the money to build buildings and fill them if that’s what it took. But I wanted him to see that I could do something on my own. So that he would take me seriously.”
“Dom…”
She shook her head. “No, it’s true. He only sees Rafe, the heir apparent, and you. Even Desiree and Justin get his attention.” She uttered a sad laugh. “You don’t know how hard it is sometimes being the carbon copy of someone else and never having your own identity. Desi was always quiet, smarter in school, the responsible one. Me, just the opposite. I wanted to be noticed for me, not because I look just like someone else.”
