by Lee Taylor
Chapter 15
Walking into the bright sunshine outside of the polling place, Gia was surprised and gratified at the crowd of well-wishers waiting for her. Of course the media was there, but Gia truly hadn’t expected the crush of everyday people. Good grief, young mothers clutching the hands of toddlers and pushing strollers vied with senior citizens shoving to get next to her. Naturally, the brazen reporters managed to push their way through the crowd.
“What’s your prediction, Gia? How much are you going to win by?”
Nodding to the local NBC affiliate’s political stringer, Gia laughed. “Thanks for your confidence, Frank. But I learned long ago not to make predictions. You know how hard you would ride me if I was a percentage point off.”
Frank Berman shook his head in agreement, conceding that was exactly what they would do, then persisted. “C’mon, Gia. You know you are going to win big, but you have to have a margin you’re shooting for. Is it gonna be as big as one of Big Bart’s?”
Refusing to take the bait, she smiled and turned her attention to the crowd. “Thank you, all of you, for coming today. I will be honest. I’m excited. This has been an amazing campaign, all eight days of it.” She laughed along with the crowd. “But in these eight days I have learned so much. I thought I knew what challenging issues we face, and at least on an intellectual level, I did. But it took meeting you and people like you all across our district to know at a gut level that the issues we are facing are serious and are ones that we simply must address.” Acknowledging the “#RedforEd” button a woman with a toddler on her hip was wearing, Gia addressed her directly. “Please know that one of the first issues I will insist the legislature address is the failing wages we pay our teachers. How can we possibly say we love and support our children if we are unwilling to pay our teachers what they need and deserve?”
She answered question after question from the media and, more important, from the people who were crowding around her. If anything, the crowd grew as they stood in the parking lot. Passing cars honked, and their passengers yelled out, “Go Gia!”
Finally, when it was clear they would keep her all day if they could, Ben stepped forward. “Thank you, everyone, for coming today. Unfortunately, Gia has three more gigs she promised to do today and we need to mosey on. But please do us a favor. If you know anyone who hasn’t voted today, whether they are for Gia or Gretchen . . . ” Laughing at the hoots and catcalls at the mention of Gretchen, Ben persisted. “No, folks. It’s critically important that everyone votes. And yes, we would be honored if you are willing to convince others to vote for Gia. We learned long ago that no race is a sure thing. So please make sure every member of your family and all of your friends make it to the polls today. And know that we appreciate the heck out of you!”
Guiding her through the cheering crowd of enthusiastic supporters, Ben murmured to Gia, “How’s this for compelling video, boss lady? We have to fight our way through the crowds just to make it out of our polling place. Damn, we couldn’t have asked for better B-roll than if we created it ourselves.”
As she climbed into their waiting van, Gia agreed. “Honestly, Ben, I’m stunned. I never in a million years thought we would see a turnout like the one that seems to be building today. But then, eight days ago I would have said you were crazy to think that I would be a candidate, much less a winning one.”
Ben murmured, “As I recall, that is exactly what you said as many times and as ferociously as you could. Fortunately, there was a team of us buoyed by the most compelling political prognosticator I’ve known, who refused to listen to you. And come on, boss lady, admit it. You were wrong, and even though we were so damn right, it’s a fucking miracle that we are where we are today.”
Gia didn’t try to answer. What could she say except that she’d never been more wrong in her life?
****
“Gia, come quick. There’s a package for you in the waiting room, but the man who brought it insisted that only you could sign for it.” Kaila was flushed with excitement. “From the label, it looks like it’s from the Moschino boutique. At least I think it is. Hurry, we’re all dying to see what it is.”
Gia didn’t have to see the boutique label to know that Kaila was right. The high-end shop was the source for many of the clothes Logan had bought for her. The boutique represented designers who seemed to have a sixth sense as to what would look wonderful on her. She chided herself, admitting that it was Logan, not some damned store, who had an unerring sense of what would make the most of her sensational body. Everything he had given her seemed to have been made for the express purpose of accentuating her beauty. And to underscore her willingness to look and feel as sexy as she clearly was.
Emma and Kaila crowded into her office, insisting that she open the box immediately. Kaila couldn’t contain her excitement. “I knew it! I knew Logan would insist that you have something wonderful to wear to the victory celebration tonight. Oh God, Gia, I can’t wait to see what that amazing man chose for you!”
Gia tossed her head as she began to open the outer box. She was surprised to see three boxes inside the container. The biggest one clearly contained a dress, but there was also a shoebox and what looked like a jewelry box.
Emma shrieked in excitement. “Oh my God, he even gave you shoes and jewelry to go with the dress! Oh Gia, you are going to look so beautiful.”
Seeing the envelope tucked inside the satin ribbon surrounding the dress box, Gia swallowed hard, wondering what the note could possibly say. Obviously, he’d bought the outfit earlier, before she’d turned off her phone, refusing to connect with him. When she opened the card, it was clear that Logan had dictated the message this morning. While the message was benign on the surface, it didn’t take a code breaker to know that Logan was pissed as hell.
“Princess. I want you to look as spectacular tonight as your victory is certain to be. I intended to give you this gown personally. Regrettably, that won’t be possible, as I’ve been unavoidably detained. But then, you know that, don’t you? We will deal with your reaction to my absence in due time. I recommend you prepare yourself. Trust me, my response to your problematic actions will be more memorable and longer lasting than this extraordinary dress is sure to look on you. Until then. —Logan”
****
Gia knew that she looked beautiful. Standing in front of her mirror, she was astonished at her reflection. She didn’t need to hear Emma and Kaila’s excited claims that her dress was truly the most beautiful dress they’d ever seen. Even Ben’s bug-eyed whoop wasn’t overstated. “Holy crap, boss woman, you have to be the most gorgeous woman alive.”
She didn’t know if she was the most gorgeous woman alive, but the dress came close to perfection. She wasn’t surprised that Logan had chosen a color that mimicked her astonishing emerald green eyes. But it was the design of the dress that was remarkable. Unlike the emerald green knockout dress that she wore the first time she’d set her sights on Logan, which was overtly sexy, frankly close to slutty, this dress reeked with sophistication. That it was also astonishingly sexy confirmed that the gifted designer had managed to create a dress that trumpeted Gia’s lush body while underscoring her inherent elegance.
As much as she loved the dress, Gia confessed that she was even more excited about the five-inch, high heel, peep-toe, sparkling Christian Louboutin pumps. She never dreamed that someday she would wear thirty-five hundred dollar shoes, but a glance in the mirror confirmed that she was doing exactly that. The pendant earrings were comprised of a firestorm of emerald and crystal colored beads that sparkled when she moved her head. They were simple but, like the dress, striking and elegant. Gia admitted if ever she had felt beautiful, it was tonight.
Paul Davis’s stunned acclamation when she arrived at the election night celebration spoke for the crowd of attendees. “My God, Gia. Isn’t it enough that you are likely to win this election by a margin that has never before been achieved in this district? Do you have to be simply the most gorgeous woman I’
ve ever seen?”
Anchoring her between himself and Elliott Lockhart on the other side, the ever-ebullient Paul ensured that she had the opportunity to speak to as many of the eager attendees as she could. Gia was impressed that there were as many Republicans as Democrats at the event. She knew that it was likely at Logan’s insistence that the attendees included politicos from across the voting spectrum. While it was a given that the Commonwealth Club was a second home to the makers and shakers of the community, she hadn’t known that they would turn out in the numbers that they did.
The excitement of the crowd reached a fever pitch when the latest returns rocked the multiple television screens surrounding the ballroom. The numbers flashing on the screens confirmed that the Tremaine campaign had trounced the Engle campaign by a whopping seventy-two percent to twenty-eight percent. It was the largest winning margin in the history of a Second District primary election challenge.
It was at that moment when the crowds were shrieking with excitement and the band was pumping out the rousing notes of Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” that Gia saw him. She’d been watching for him since she arrived. She was stunned that she hadn’t connected with him. As the hours passed and it seemed he might not be back for the event, she almost swallowed her pride and asked Paul, or better yet Elliott, if he had heard from Logan. She was glad she hadn’t broken down when her gaze clashed with his across the crowded room.
Later she would learn that his all-black, slim-fitting suit with the open-necked black silk shirt was a creation of Ermenegildo Zegna, the avant garde designer who was rocking the men’s fashion world. Only Logan would choose to wear the forward-looking ensemble in the heart of the American Midwest. As always, he pulled it off with his studied panache. But all Gia knew at the moment was that if he didn’t take her in his arms and hold her close to him and never let her go, she might die on the spot. It was then that she saw Savannah Phillips standing next to him, her arm possessively entangled with his.
Paul’s hearty welcome broke the ice. “Dammit, Logan, I was wondering where the hell you were. Christ, man, you are missing the celebration of the year, hell, the decade. Although it isn’t as if you didn’t predict it, fuck it, engineer it.” Seeing Logan’s darkening mien and Savannah’s questioning frown as Logan freed his arm from her possessive grip, Paul gathered himself. “Glad you are here, Logan, and you too, Savannah.” Turning to Logan, he said pointedly, “I understood you got called away, but how about a message, or maybe even a text, or hell, a fucking voicemail letting me know you were alive?”
As if determined to regain his position as impresario of the astonishing political spectacle, Paul planted a grin on his flushed mug. “I presume you’ve seen the returns that have turned this party into a melee.” He raised his glass to Gia, who was standing at a distance, staring at them. “And for good reason. Our little Irish wench has all but done the impossible. She’s won her first race by the largest margin ever achieved in this congressional district.” He hollered across the room to Gia, who was frozen in place and clinging to Ben’s arm. “Gia, for God’s sake, get your spectacular self over here. Logan has finally arrived.”
As Gia tentatively stepped toward them, Savannah surveyed her outfit, then a knowing expression tightened her surgically-smoothed visage. In a sugary voice that was intended to be heard, she purred, “Well, I’ll be. Christian Louboutin pumps, no less. Who’s the sugar daddy who ensured that she’d win the election and get decent shoes and an almost respectable dress in the process?”
Gia lurched back as if a blast of napalm had hit her in the face. In the din rushing through her ears, she heard Logan’s quiet, determined voice. “Gia, come here.”
Seeing him approach, she raised her hands, stopping him. “And I would do that why, Logan?”
His silky smooth voice was dark with intent. “Because I have several people I want you to meet, amongst other reasons.”
Holding his stern gaze, she backed away from him and reached for Ben’s arm. “No thank you. I’m confident I’ve met all the people I need to meet.” She turned and spoke to a frowning Paul Davis. “Thanks, Paul. It’s been a lovely party. I appreciate you hosting it for me.”
Logan’s voice dropped dangerously lower, if possible. “Where are you going, Gia?”
“Not that it is any of your concern, Logan, but I’m going to my other election celebration. The one at the HT&M. Where my friends and supporters are.”
Stepping toward her, Logan said carefully, “Dean Pritchard, the congressional representative I helped elect in Washington State, is due to arrive any minute. He flew in today specifically to meet you.”
With a flippant toss of her head, Gia said, “That was nice of him. Please give him my best.” She added, “You don’t need me, Logan. I’m confident you’re perfectly capable of handling this room and all the muckety mucks in it. I need to check in with my people.”
At Logan’s rigid glare, Ben put up his hands in dismay. As he hurried after Gia, who was striding purposefully from the room, he said over his shoulder, “Sorry, man, but I’m her driver tonight.”
Chapter 16
Dammit, Gia. Have you lost your mind? You’ve been pining for Logan for three full days, and he finally arrives and you dismiss him? Hell, you walk out on him after he tells you he wants to introduce you to a special guest? A congressman who flew across the country to meet you?”
When she didn’t answer, just moved faster through the surprised crowd that stepped back at her fierce advance, Ben waited until they were in the parking lot. He grabbed her arm, forcing her to stop. “Jesus. Hold up!” Confirming that he’d also heard Savannah’s snide remark, he implored, “Please, please tell me you aren’t going to let that jealous bitch spoil your incredible victory. Dammit, woman, you won tonight. You’re the winner, the biggest fucking winner ever!”
Freeing herself from his grip, Gia climbed into his car, then appealed to him as he sunk into the seat beside her. “Please, I can’t talk right now. I need to go to the HT&M. Now, please.”
A deep frown creasing his brow, Ben blew out a tortured sigh, then started the car. He drove without speaking until they arrived at the HT&M. Pulling up to the entrance, he stopped the car and turned to her. Before he could begin to tell her how wrong she was, Gia shook her head and reached for his hand. “Ben, let me speak. First, thank you for your support. But before you write me off as an emotional female, hear me out. You should have been in the ladies’ room, where I had to hide in the stall listening to the society ‘ladies,’ egged on by that cunt Savannah Phillips, talking about what a bitch I am.”
At his startled gasp, she shrugged. “For example, you won’t believe all the horrible things I did to Aiden Maxwell, their trust-fund buddy. Apparently, I threw him to the wolves, when all he did was give a little town slut the time of her life. Savannah added that she didn’t know why I suddenly ‘got religion.’ Given the way I grew up, she was sure that my father had been passing me out as jailbait to his reprobate friends as long as he could. Until I could whore out my own ‘over-blown’ body once it reached the garish proportions it has today.”
“Jesus God, Gia. I . . . I don’t know what to say except that I’m so sorry . . . ”
Gia pinned him with an emerald-hard gaze. “You need to understand, Ben. I could handle that. I’ve heard people say things like that about me all of my life. Of course, the ‘ladies’ would think that Aiden got a raw deal. After all, what can sluts like Sissy Blankenship and me expect? We should be happy that such a classy guy would stoop to fuck us.”
She leaned back against the padded seat and closed her eyes. After a long moment, she said, “I could have handled that, Ben, honest. What I can’t handle is what she said about the sugar daddy who not only bought the election for me but bought me.”
“Gia, stop. You know that isn’t true.”
“Do I, Ben? Do I really know that? Admit it. Who bought the clothes I’m wearing tonight? Right down to a pair of thirty-five hundred dollar sh
oes, created by none other than Christian Louboutin? And who talked Paul into throwing the bash for me with all their classy friends? Oh yeah, and who contributed a cool mill to my campaign that hasn’t even started and talked his buddies into doing the same? Finally, any chance that he’s the same guy I’ve been sleeping with for the last week?” She slammed her eyes closed, then said in a choked voice, “I dunno, Ben, but that comes dammed close to sounding like a ‘sugar daddy’ to me.”
“Gia, for God’s sake, stop. You do yourself and most especially Logan a huge disservice buying into the scurrilous crap that jealous bitch was spewing.”
Gia blew out a hard sigh as she unfastened her seat belt and prepared to go into the HT&M. “Admit it, Ben. This is where I belong, where I always have. Logan belongs with them—Savannah, Paul, and the other upscale people, not with me. They’re right. I can’t believe how stupid I was to think otherwise.”
****
By the time Ben entered the saloon, a boisterous crowd had gathered around Gia. The televisions lining the huge room were blaring with news of the election. One after another of the eager men surrounding her called for yet another toast hailing their conquering heroine—claiming that she’d achieved the most phenomenal political victory in memory. Gia was tempted to downplay the importance of the election. After all, it was only the primary and Gretchen Engle couldn’t have been a bigger loser if she’d tried. But seeing the excitement in their eyes, she realized that this was as much a victory for them as it was for her. These were the people Savannah and her ilk wrote off as ignorant, ill-mannered, manual laborers. They were farmers, factory workers, men who got their hands dirty, and were too stupid to know how much the wealthy people despised them. But Gia knew, and tonight she confirmed what she also knew, that she was one of the ones they despised.