Bill took a seat next to the desk. “This story just posted in the Santa Rosa paper, and now it’s spreading. Supervisor Ursula Robles has entered the race.”
“Who the hell is Ursula Robles?”
“The Sonoma County supervisor? You’ve never met her?”
“I don’t know. Maybe.” He shook his head. “Is she stupid or something? She’s a nobody county supervisor, and she’s running for Congress in a district which spans four counties. No one knows who she is. She’s gonna get clobbered.”
“Uh. She’s not stupid. She was smart to get in. This could be the only time this congressional seat is open in her lifetime, and she’s the only woman running in a field of four men.”
“So what does she look like?”
“Not bad. Not bad at all.” Bill cocked his head, looking at the photo one more time. “Pretty actually.”
“So what’s her story?”
“First of all, she’s a widow, but she’s young.”
“That’s sad.” Jack frowned. “How did her husband die?”
“In Iraq. He was a doctor in the army. They met while she was at nursing school and he was doing his residency at UCSF. He died when she was seven months pregnant.”
“Wow. That’s rough.”
“Yeah, she first ran for school board when her son started kindergarten. When the county supervisor seat opened up, she beat out a bunch of guys.”
“Interesting.” Jack yawned and stretched. “Where does she live?”
“Petaluma.”
Jack snapped his head up. “What else do you know about her?”
“I don’t know. I already told you most of what I read.” Bill shrugged and glanced at the screen one more time. “Single mom, widow, nurse, marathon runner, lives in Petaluma with her parents, rescues dogs, went to Cal. She’s Mexican-American, and her friends call her—”
“Lily,” Jack whispered as he leaned forward in his seat.
“That’s right.” Bill lifted his head. “See you do know her.”
Covering his eyes in humiliation, Jack laughed. “Oh my God. I can’t believe it.”
“What? What’s going on?”
Jack didn’t answer because he couldn’t stop laughing or wondering how on earth this had happened to him.
“Tell me,” Bill demanded. “Why are you laughing? How do you know her?”
“She’s the woman I met last night.”
“Ursula Robles? She’s the girl you’re all hung up on? Are you kidding me?”
“No, I’m not kidding.”
Bill smiled and snickered. “I can’t believe you hit on your opponent. No wonder she gave you the brush off.”
Jack shook his head, but then slapped his forehead. “That’s what she meant!”
“What?”
“After she told me she wouldn’t go out with me, she said ‘you’ll understand’—like you will understand. It didn’t make any sense to me because why would I understand in the future if I never saw her again. So this is what she meant.”
“Oh my God. This is fucking hilarious.”
“Let me see her picture,” Jack said reaching for the laptop.
There were two photos with the story about her entrance into the race. The first image was her official headshot as county supervisor. Jack nodded, vaguely remembering seeing it before. She looked attractive, but nothing like the Lily he met the night before. When he examined the second photo, he smiled because there was the Lily he’d met. She stood in a blazing orange field of California poppies with her arms around a young boy. Her smile was bright, and her hair mussed. He sighed. “That’s her.”
“Well, you’re gonna get to see her again.” Bill laughed.
“I guess I am. That should be interesting.”
“Yeah. Interesting. Get ready, buddy. Because she’ll be at that candidate forum on Saturday. What are you going to say to her now?”
CHAPTER TWO
“Hey sweet guy,” Lily said, rousing her son. She rocked his shoulder with soft pushes. “It’s time to get up. You’ve got a big day.”
Luke scrunched his mouth, nestling his head further into the pillow. “No.”
“Come on, guy. You’ve got karate this morning, and soccer this afternoon. You need to get going.”
He opened his blue eyes for a second, blinked, and closed them again. When he was younger, she didn’t think of them as his eyes because they were his father’s—exactly. The rest of Luke’s features were a true blend between her and David, but his eyes came straight from his dad.
But time had passed. She’d spent seven years with her son, compared to the three she’d spent with David. Now it was only on occasion she’d see her husband in her son.
This was one of those times. She needed the reassurance she found in remembering David. He had been such a daring rock for her, providing her with solidity, but urging her to do more. Her first official event as a candidate for Congress was that afternoon. David would’ve gotten a huge kick out of it, and in some ways she was doing it because of him. Thinking of her husband, she leaned down and kissed Luke’s cheek.
He groaned and said, “What’s for breakfast?”
“If you get up now, I’ll make blueberry pancakes. If you get up in half an hour, you’re having cereal. Those are your choices.”
“I’m getting up,” he muttered and rubbed his eyes. “Are you going to karate with me?”
“Not today. I have that candidate forum this morning. Abuelo is taking you, but I’ll be back after lunch. I’ll take you to soccer.”
“Good,” he said with a smile.
“Why do you say that?”
“Because you don’t like karate, and Abuelo does, but you like soccer.”
“It’s nice that it works out that way.” She kissed his forehead. “Now get dressed and come downstairs.”
An hour later, Lily stood in front of her open closet, absorbed by an internal fashion debate. What to wear for her first public appearance with the other candidates shouldn’t have been such a hard decision. From her years as a county supervisor, she had plenty of nice, professional clothes.
Yet looking at her closet reminded her of whom she’d see that afternoon. She tried not to think about him because she wasn’t sure which man would show up. Would it be the handsome, cocky state senator, John Bengston? Or would it be that cute, nice guy, Jack, she’d met the other night? She wasn’t sure which one she wanted to see again either.
John Bengston had always annoyed the hell out of her. It was one of the reasons she’d gotten into the race. She’d shaken his hand once, and he couldn’t get her name right, even though she was an elected official in a local county. Privately, she called him Senator Ignore.
He never took her calls, although his staff always followed up. The sliver of Sonoma County he represented wasn’t a priority for him. He cared about the populous, ritzy parts of his district in San Francisco and Marin. She understood the politics behind his actions, but it was still frustrating when she needed his office to get something done for the county.
The Jack guy was completely different. Confident, but warm, he made her laugh, and she found his way with her endearing. It was the opposite of the conceited doctors who hit on her at work. They thought because she was a young, unmarried nurse, all she wanted in life was to drop her panties for a hot doctor. When they found out she was a widow, single mother, and a local politician, they ran for the hills.
She sighed. Nothing was possible with Jack; he was her opposition. It didn’t matter, she told herself. She wasn’t going to see Jack again. His alter-ego, John Bengston, would show up that morning, and she certainly didn’t want anything to do with him.
Her mother’s voice rose from the bedroom doorway and interrupted her thoughts. “What are you going to wear?”
“I don’t know. I think this black pantsuit,” she answered, touching the pinstriped jacket.
“No. That’s not good.” Martha’s voice was firm.
“Why not?”
> “You are the only woman in the race. You need to show that. You should wear a dress or a skirt.”
A skirt posed a problem she didn’t want to tell her mother about. Lily worried if she showed off some leg, Jack might think she did it for him. While deep down she hoped he’d again find her attractive, she didn’t want him to know how she felt. Yet, her mother was correct she should play up her femininity in a field of men. She mulled it over aloud. “Maybe I’ll wear a skirt, but I don’t want to look too young.”
“You are young. That’s who you are. And there are other candidates your age.”
“They’re men though.”
“That is my point!”
Lily wanted to roll her eyes at her mother’s circular logic, but she knew better than to debate her. “Okay. I’ll wear a skirt.”
“Good.” Martha wore a smug smile as she left the room.
Lily pulled out the navy skirt which always garnered compliments because of the high waist. A shiny silk blouse caught her eye, and she held the outfit together, deciding it perfect. With a pair of heels, she’d look chic and professional and nothing like the woman Jack had met the other night.
***
A few hours later, Martha and Lily followed her campaign manager, Jordan Singer, into a small auditorium on the Sonoma State University campus. The seats had already begun to fill with community members from around the county. Jordan had chosen that week to announce her candidacy so her first appearance would be to a friendly crowd. Outside of Sonoma County, she’d be unknown and constantly introducing herself. An event in a local setting would ensure she started off with good press.
Jordan tugged at his natty bowtie, which stood out loud and proud against his peach button down shirt. Lily chuckled. “I told you not to wear that bowtie. Now it’s bothering you.”
“Maybe a little,” he answered, bobbing his head. He turned and winked. “But, you know me. I’m a slave to fashion.”
“You’re one of the few people I know who honestly thinks it’s better to look good than to feel good.”
“Well, it is.” He gave her another once over. “And you look good today. Great idea to show a little leg.”
“Thank my mother.”
“Thank you, Martha.” He smiled at the white haired woman bringing up the rear.
“You’re welcome,” she said and nodded. “I knew it was the right thing to do.”
“Why don’t you talk to her more,” Lily whispered behind Jordan’s shoulder.
“I feel like a fool when I do it. She’s very proper.”
“Yeah, now imagine having her as your mother.”
“I can’t.” He shook his head. “That woman is tough. No wonder you are how you are.”
As they approached the stage, Martha nodded toward the end of the first row. “I’m sitting down. I’ll save you a seat, Jordan.”
“Thanks,” Jordan replied.
While Martha settled herself in a prime location, the candidates, their staff, and the media mingled around the front. They introduced themselves, shook hands, or slapped backs depending upon their familiarity with one another. Though she was in a good mood, Lily reflexively drew her fingers into tight fists. She began saying a silent mantra, He’s John, not Jack. Do not call him Jack.
The mantra soon left her mind, though, as she was met by one of the other candidates, Herb Yancey. Herb extended his weathered hand, “Hello, Ursula. I’m Herb.”
“Nice to meet you,” Lily said as she shook his hand. “It looks like we have a good turnout.”
“Well, your presence certainly makes the race more interesting.” Herb smiled. He was a wealthy retiree from Marin, who was a one-note candidate. It was only his obsessive fight against mass transit had brought him to run for Congress.
“Thanks,” she said, returning his smile. “I think we’ll all have a good time.”
A sharp voice rose from behind. “Hello, Ms. Robles.”
“Excuse me,” Lily said to Herb and turned to see a scowling face. “Hello, Mr. Lee. Please call me Ursula.”
“Whatever you want,” Gerald Lee announced as he placed his arms across his chest. “I doubt we’ll be conversing much.”
“Maybe not.” Lily said in a clipped tone. She extended her hand. “There’s no reason not to be friendly, though.”
“I suppose not,” Lee said with a huff. He gave her hand the briefest shake before excusing himself and walking away.
She side-eyed Jordan who sneered in disgust at Lee. He hated Lee, who was a self-righteous, lefty blogger. Jordan whispered in her ear, “He’s such an asshole.”
“I know,” she answered with a frozen smile.
Lily started to elaborate on Lee’s horrible personality, when she saw the Democratic frontrunner in the race. As the long-time state senator for most of Sonoma County and the rest of the north coast, she knew and liked Charles Kingsley. He was an affable guy who people were drawn to who would be hard to beat. She was so different from him, though, she still liked her chances.
Wasting no time, she walked toward him. “It’s good to see you, Charles.”
“And you, Ursula.” He grinned and patted her back. His large belly prohibited them from getting too close. “Now I’ve got a competitor.”
“Thanks, Charles. I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“These events were getting sort of boring. Now that you’re around, things are gonna spice up.”
“Yeah, right. You’ve just got a new punching bag.”
“Not me. You know I’d never hit you,” he snickered. “Lee’s the one you have to watch out for.”
“Great…”
“If you’ll excuse me, I think I need to at least say hello to him so he doesn’t pick on me first.”
“Good luck with that.” She laughed and let him go on his way.
As he left, Jordan muttered, “Only one more candidate to meet…”
“Bengston,” she said under her breath.
“He’s over there,” Jordan said, gesturing with the press packet in his hand.
As she craned her neck, Jordan quickly turned and blocked her view of Jack. He kept his voice low. “I know the guy annoys the hell out of you, but he is kind of hot.”
“Well, I can’t see.” She pursed her lips, debating whether or not she should tell him about her encounter with Jack. They always talked about men, and despite her paltry love life, the sheer number of Jordan’s escapades gave them much to discuss. She decided against telling him—at least at that moment. Instead, she shrugged. “Objectively, he is good looking.”
“Well, I wouldn’t kick him out of my bed.”
“That’s not a very high bar.”
“Hey, what are you saying?” he asked holding his hand to his heart in pretend shock.
“I’m just saying you get around, especially for someone who lives in Sonoma County. This isn’t exactly San Francisco.”
“Wouldn’t it be great if Bengston was closeted and played on my team?” he said as his eyes lit up with relish.
“He doesn’t.” Lily realized she’d answered a little too fast. She winced internally, realizing she’d set herself up to either divulge her secret or to lie to her friend.
“And how do you know?” Jordan snipped.
“I just do,” she replied and looked away.
“Hello,” a strong, familiar voice came from behind Jordan.
Lily’s head swung around to the voice, and her mouth dropped open for a second, before she quickly snapped it shut. A small smile formed on her lips as she said confidently, “Good afternoon, Senator Bengston.”
“It’s good to see you again, Supervisor Robles.”
She gazed into his eyes, which held hers just as firmly. He had his own wry smile, and hers grew a bit bigger. While he wore a suit and looked the part of Senator John Bengston, his expression told her the Jack she’d met the other night was also there in him. As they shared the moment of recognition, she was tickled. He was happy to see her.
Her eyes fl
ew to Jordan when she saw him silently mouth only to her, “Again? See you again?”
She placed her hand on his shoulder and turned him around. “Senator Bengston, please meet my campaign manager, Jordan Singer.”
“Morning, Jordan. It’s nice to meet you,” Jack said and shook his hand.
“Good morning, Senator.” Jordan grinned, his eyes darting back and forth between his boss and her rival. “I last saw you speaking on the state house floor. It was a good speech on the budget.”
“Well, thank you. That’s kind of you to say.” Jack turned to Lily and motioned toward Jordan. “He’s obviously a brilliant staffer. You’ve picked a good one.”
“Luckily, he’s faithful.” Lily chuckled. “No trying to steal him.”
“No, I think Nelson, my campaign manager, is enough.” He smiled at Jordan. “I can’t handle too many taskmasters.”
“Nelson’s great.” Jordan nodded. “But tough.”
Jack crossed his arms, while he blatantly assessed her from her heels up her legs over her skirt. No doubt in an effort to be decent and not leering, his eyes skipped her chest and went straight to her face. He grinned and announced, “We should talk after this. Don’t you think?”
As she absorbed the fact he’d just obviously checked her out, Lily took a deep breath at the prospect of such uncharted territory. It wouldn’t have felt like a routine flirtation even if they weren’t political opponents; the attractant which flowed between them was too intense. But the fact he was her opponent made the situation altogether bizarre. It was both unsettling and exciting.
“That’s probably a good idea.” She nodded. “Though I have to get somewhere afterward.”
His mouth twitched. “No coffee this time.”
“Er…no.” She stole a glance at Jordan whose eyes had widened.
“All right then.” He smirked. “We’ll just talk for a minute.”
He turned to Jordan and patted his shoulder. “Good to meet you.”
“You too,” Jordan said with a slow nod, as if he were still adjusting to unexpected news.
As Jack walked away, Jordan faced Lily and took a step closer to her. He whispered, “What the hell? You’ve had coffee with him before? I thought you said you’d only spoken to him once.”
More Than Rivals Page 2