Whispers on the Potomac_Room 312

by Mia Villano

  “It is with some sadness that I find out I have a rat in my inner circle.” He smiles as the journalist laughs.

  “Not to worry, I’m pretty sure this so-called rat is out of the picture now. Nevertheless, I have a campaign to run and an election to win. I’ve chosen Lance Christopher because of his experience, values, and his good looks.” Once again, the journalist laughs. Ever the comedian, I can’t help but laugh at him as well. Remembering from the past, it’s his nerves. Whenever he’s nervous he tends to make jokes.

  Watching him intently, I wonder if Garrison would give me Sebastian’s number. The excuse for calling him could be that I decided to go to the convention. Attempting to text Garrison with a quick “Hi,” I figure I will feel him out before coming out and asking for Sebastian’s number. I wait but Garrison doesn’t text me back, and the only thing I can think of is he’s in Paris again; or something worse.

  After spending the day doing basically nothing but watching the news, my phone chirps with an incoming text. Hoping it’s Garrison, I’m shocked to see it’s none other than General Fitzgerald. I never did give him my number, so it’s surprising to receive a text from him.

  Patrick: Hi Daria, this is Patrick.

  Me: Nice to hear from you. Just one question... How did you get my number?

  Patrick: I have high clearance in the military, I can get any number if I want.

  Hope you don’t mind.

  Me: A little creepy but ok. How have you been?

  Patrick: Busy. Care to meet for coffee?

  How do I say no without being a bitch? Remember Sebastian telling me the General is quite the player, I don’t want to start something with him. Even if it’s just coffee, I don’t want to lead him on and let him believe that something more could come out of it. I’m not above lying when it comes to things like this, so I text the first thing that comes to mind.

  Me: I can’t Patrick. Seeing someone. Sorry.

  Patrick: Lucky bastard. Seems I’m too late.

  Me: LOL.

  I didn’t know how else to respond. This was entirely unexpected.

  Patrick: Maybe I’ll see you at another one of Sebastian’s party?

  Me: I’m sure we will run into each other. Looks like he may pull this off.

  Patrick: My old buddy may just win. Talk later.

  Me: Bye Patrick.

  That was easier than expected. I know if it wasn’t for Sebastian, the thought of coffee with the General sounded rather pleasing.

  Of course, the convention is in a week. I plan on traveling to New York City to be there for Sebastian. My parents are delegates and are invited every election year and attend the entire week. I don’t plan on going until the last night. Squeezing shopping in between my busy schedule, I buy a new outfit just for the evening.

  The night of his big speech, I can hardly control my excitement. The man I love is about to accept the nomination of his party to run for president of the United States. The applause and screaming for Sebastian is incredible. Unable to help myself from admiring his good looks and incredible aura with the crowd, his very presence up at the lectern commands the room. I don’t expect him to see me out here in this sea of screaming people, however our eyes meet. How I know this is he offers me this smile that’s only for me. His eyes crinkle more and then he winks at me. If I had been standing, I would have fainted. His eyes don’t leave me the entire speech. I’m not just another person in the crowd he’s speaking to. I’m the center of his attention.

  I need to make my way back to him somehow. Thankfully, I can use my parents’ delegate pass to go backstage and congratulate him. Once back there, though, it’s virtually impossible to get near him again. Surrounded by so many campaign workers and security, I push my way in just like the rest till I’m finally in his sights.

  Once he sees me again, everyone else is ignored as I can finally walk up to him. With all the courage I am able to muster, I kiss him on the cheek. His stubble scratching my lips and his cologne burning my nose has an arousing effect on me. I congratulate him and he thanks me for being there. by the time I can say anything else, I’m pushed out of the way. Turning to head back to my parents, a man comes up to me. I recognize him for Sebastian’s campaign manager.

  “Miss?”

  “Yes?” Hesitantly I acknowledge him.

  He sticks out his hand to shake, which I accept with a smile.

  “I’m Vick, the campaign manager for Sebastian. Wonderful speech, wasn’t it? Do you mind stepping over here for a minute so we can chat?” Unsure where this is going, I nod and move to a quiet corner with him.

  “Listen, I know you and Sebastian have this special friendship; maybe a bond, right?” My face immediately changes, and I don’t respond to him.

  “I need you to not come around after tonight, until the election is over. It’s too distracting for Sebastian and he just can’t have that right now if we’re going to win.” Shock is an understatement. Sebastian had just told me how happy he was that I was here tonight and thanked me for sharing this with him. I don’t even know how to even respond to this.

  “He said that?” Only a whisper comes out, my self-assurance crushed.

  “He did. He wanted me to tell you, as soon as the election is over, he will be able to concentrate more on you.”

  Embarrassed that I made a fool of myself, I try to explain that Sebastian personally invited me to be here tonight.

  “I understand, but for him to win this thing, he can’t be distracted, and you are a big distraction to him right now.”

  This guy is a real bastard. How dare he talk to me like I’m some groupie. My eyes dart over to Sebastian deep conversation with an older man. He’s unable to see Vick and I huddled in a corner. It’s impossible to get his attention from the angle we are standing. If this is true, I want Sebastian to tell me and not some flunky he has working for his campaign. There are so many people surrounding Sebastian, there is no way I’ll get to him. Without arguing, or standing in front of this guy any longer, I turn around and push my way out of the backstage area. I approach my parents and let them know I’m going back to my room. The look of concern in my mom’s face has her questioning what happened.

  “It’s nothing, I’m just exhausted. I’m going back to my room, and then trying to get back to D.C. earlier. I need to get back home. I have a patient that’s not doing well, and I really need to be at the hospital.” I made that up rather quickly to avoid any other questions I don’t want to answer.

  Within two hours, I’m boarding a plane to head home. My heart crushed, my emotions shattered, I try to make sense of what just happened. Showing up was a total mistake. Going through this before, I understand his need to have me only in private. As long as no one knows about us, he’s okay with loving me. The words he spoke at his party about going out and telling the world he loves me was nothing more than his bullshit. Tonight, I publicly showed him some affection, and was then told to stay away. I should have known better.

  17

  Sebastian

  Making it through the convention and accepting the Democratic nomination for the presidency is a dream come true. Me, Sebastian Atticus Reed, congressman and child of two prominent politicians, is picked to lead my party - and hopefully America - at the young age of forty. It’s to be one of the greatest nights of my life and I honestly can’t believe I’m here. Looking out into a sea of blue signs bearing my name is like a scene out of a movie. The crowd is so loud; I can’t be heard to begin my acceptance speech.

  My mother is in the crowd, along with some cousins and two aunts. I found out earlier today that Garrison is back in Europe. I’m relieved he’s not here to try and ruin my evening. As I stand behind the teleprompter, my eyes scan the crowd. Before I begin to speak over the roar of people, I somehow find her. Holy shit, she did come to see me. Our gazes meet over hundreds of heads and arms in a crowd of thousands. Winking at her, she smiles back. I suck in a breath and begin to speak.

  The crowd won’t stop cheerin
g for me as I look out at the faces of America. The faces staring back are counting on me to get the country back on track, and make good on the promises of what seems like an endless campaign. Halfway into my speech, as I’m promising what I would do once I’m elected, my eyes land on her again and I pause. She intently watches me as I compose myself and continue. Though her presence is calming, I come off cool as ice and give a stellar speech written by my amazing speech writer. I have the crowd on their feet, cheering and yelling over top of me. My eyes don’t leave hers. She stands, raising her sign and yelling, “Reed, Reed, Reed” along with the crowd.

  Afterwards, when we all congregate backstage, my mother is the first to run up and kiss me on the cheek, embracing me in a bear hug.

  “My Sebastian. I’m so proud of you. Your dad and grandfather would have been extremely proud. You sounded presidential up there tonight. Did you see that crowd?”

  I wiggle out of her clutches, shocked that she’s showing me physical affection. The cheers and congratulations are coming at me from everywhere. My team pops champagne bottles, hollering and yelling.

  “Yes, thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you, Mother.” That is true. She’s been the backing and name I needed to seal the deal.

  “Nonsense. You’re a true politician.” She’s pushed aside as people bombard me with pats on the back, hugs, and an occasional high five, which I detest.

  “I’ll talk tomorrow, Mother. You get back to your hotel and rest,” I shout back at her. I need to see Daria. Where is she? Was she close by? I can smell her heavenly scent as Vick rushes me in a rough manly hug.

  “You were amazing.” He’s happy with something I did for a change.

  “Thanks, man.” I try to keep my eyes on him, but I see Daria standing behind some people wanting to congratulate me. The sight of her has the commotion around me fading away. This look on her face is different tonight. No longer looking like the shy unsure girl she portrayed at my parties, she has the look of a woman that knows what she wants. Walking up to me, she kisses me on the cheek in front of Vick. I’m floored at her public display of affection and I like it.

  “Congratulations, Sebastian,” she whispers in my ear. I want her to say that to me as I fuck her in my bed tonight. I want her to stand with me and let me tell the world she’s mine. Vick is trying to talk to me and push me to see someone, but I completely ignore him.

  “Thank you, Daria. You have no idea how happy I am you came tonight. Thank you for sharing this night with me.” Wanting to tell her how much it really means to have her there is impossible. The only person I care about being there is her.

  “I wouldn’t have missed this for anything.” I want to talk to her all night. The predatory lust in my eyes for her is no longer hidden. I want her to know I want her and I’m serious about being done with hiding my emotions and feelings just to win an election. I want her more than I want to be the president. I’m bombarded by more people as they push her back away from me. She looks back at me and I know she will be in my bed before the election is over. I will have what is mine, and I’m never going to let Daria Stewart go again.

  It was well after midnight when Cameron drives me back to my hotel. On the way, I scroll through my phone to find I have several texts. The messages are from my inner circle, congratulating me on a job well done. Curtis, who was there, said he’d line up a woman for the night, but wanted to tell me he loves me. Another, surprisingly from Annalise, congratulating me. I should have given Daria my number before I left, in case she needs me. I’m about to become the most powerful man in America and yet the woman I love is not with me. As I peer out the window, I can’t help but think of Daria and how much I miss her. I start to call Frank to have him get me her number when Vick calls.

  “When will you be at your hotel?”

  I look out the window again to see where we’re at. “About five minutes. What’s up?”

  “I’m coming over.” Wonderful. He sounds pissed off again. I thought he would be happy, at least for tonight with the successful day we had. No one has to pound my ass with something all the fucking time.

  I wasn’t inside my hotel room for more than two minutes when he barges in.

  “Vick, what a wonderful end to a perfect evening.” I can smell the alcohol on his breath. “Come in. I’m just going to order room service. Is there something I can get you?”

  Looking quite disheveled and irritated, he states, “I’m not staying. I want to tell you something before you find out from someone else.”

  “What now?” I throw my head back and close my eyes as I wait for the news. “Can I at least order something to eat before I lose my appetite again? I’m losing weight and the next thing the press will say is that I’m dying.” I didn’t wait for him to answer, he’s already looking for alcohol. The front desk picks up after the first ring. I place my order of a large pizza with extra cheese and a salad. I look at him to see if he wants anything. He shakes his head no.

  I hang up the phone and open my box of Bolivar Royal Corona cigars, pushing them towards Vick.

  “Would you like one?”

  “Christ, no. I don’t know how you can smoke that shit, and get pissed if I walk in here with a cigarette.”

  “Well, this is a non-smoking room, Vick.”

  “What do you call lighting up a stogie?”

  “This is not smoking and don't refer to it as a stogie. This is a Cuban cigar. This is high end and smells amazing. My dad smoked these.” I moisten the head with my mouth and hand Vick my butane lighter, hoping he can help me light it properly. These Cubans are best handled with some help. I spin the cigar around slowly until I see the red glow on the end, and smile at Vick with a puff.

  “Thanks. These are a pain in the ass to light.” I puff slightly and close my eyes. I only smoke these occasionally and after the day I had, it’s perfect. The spicy wood aroma takes me back to the days when my dad would smoke these on a Sunday afternoon. A time when Garrison and I were brothers and shared everything together. A time when nobody or nothing could come between us.

  Vick waves his hand at me and I sit down on the couch alongside him as he stares at the news with an extra-large drink in his hand that he made while I was on the phone.

  “I had a talk with Daria tonight.” He’s not looking at me.

  “What? When?” My mind jumps as to why he needs to speak to her.

  “I saw her backstage and I noticed you forget everyone else around you when you talk to her. The head of the DNC was there and wanted to speak to you. You didn’t even acknowledge her. I had to explain to her that it was because of all the excitement, and you would speak to her tomorrow. It put me in a fucked up, awkward situation. When I had a chance, I pulled Daria to the side and I told her to stay away from you, and you didn’t want to see her around anymore, until the election is over. Plus, I’m not convinced your brother isn’t hurting you because of her.”

  I jump off the couch, throwing my cigar in the wet bar sink. My face is hot with anger and I want to knock his lights out.

  “You did what!” I yell at him so loud I’m sure anyone around could hear. He doesn’t flinch or even look at me.

  “There’s talk and rumors the two of you are getting close. I heard someone say she used to be your intern when you were in Congress, and the two of you had something going then. If she is the one, I did you a favor.” I pace around the room. How the hell does he know about our past? How does anyone know? I should’ve seen it coming eventually, but not now. Years ago maybe, but why now?

  “Did me a favor. How do you call that a favor? How could you take it upon yourself to do that to me? She’s an old friend and a wonderful girl. You have no right meddling in my personal life.” My hands are in my hair and my chest is heavy with fear that I won’t see her again. Now I get his attention. He slams his glass down on the table and stands up abruptly.

  “I made a choice for you by telling her you would lose this election if she kept coming around. I made a choic
e for you to win this election tonight.” He walks to the bar again, pouring another drink for himself.

  “Daria is not the deciding issue whether I win this election or not.”

  “Yes, she is! You lost it as soon as you saw her. I was watching you. You’re losing your fire, and I saw it coming the night she walked into your dinner party. You wanted this presidency more than you wanted anything else. I promised I would give it to you, and I will, but you must stay away from her. You won’t listen to me, and you know it, so I took care of it for you.”

  Pacing the room, my heart is seized by panic. Anxiety rakes at my stomach. What is going through her mind? She must be devastated. I need to go to her. Will she run back to Paris again? How could he do this? What if she disappears again?

  “Get out, please. Get out of my room now, before this ends badly for both of us.”

  Vick swallows the last of his drink and walks to the door. I can’t look at him and have half a mind to fire him.

  “We’re dropping in the polls. It’s this, or you’ll lose. I’m not letting you lose. I gave you my word.”

  As Vick walks out, my food is delivered. I tell the bellboy to bring the food in and I give him a tip. The smell of the food makes me nauseated, there’s no way I can eat now. I need to talk to Daria. I call Frank and tell him what happened, and to be ready to leave as soon as possible, then I shower and try to clean up quickly. Despair and fear still racks me as the memory of her the other night in my arms torments me. What if she needs me and she thinks I don’t want her? I could have Frank find her number for me, but this is too important for just a phone call.

  Frank comes to my room with his bag. The plane is ready and the car is waiting downstairs to take us to the airport by early morning. Frank and two Secret Service agents escort me down and past photographers waiting outside, blocking them from asking me questions. I need to get back home and I can’t get there fast enough.