Page 45 of Pursuit of Happiness

Meredith glanced wistfully at the exit door again, wishing therewas some way she could sneak off and watch the rest of the returns with Stevieby her side. “We should go in.”

“I promise I’ll get you out of here as soon as I can. Erica’swaiting downstairs, and she’ll be ready to take you home, right after yourvictory speech.”

“Stop it. You’re going to jinx the results. We have no idea howthe rest of the night is going to go.”

A loud roar accompanied by applause sounded from inside the room.Jen pointed at the door. “Sounds like it’s going spectacularly well.” Shegrabbed Meredith’s hand and tugged her into the room where they were bothenveloped by the cheering crowd.

Gordon walked over and grabbed her by the shoulders, his face litup with an uncharacteristically positive smile. “You took Texas, Oklahoma, andMinnesota. The rest of the night will be frosting on the cake.”

“Don’t let people hear you talk like that or they’ll think you’vegrown a sunny disposition.”

“I know I have a tendency to downplay things, but this is a bigdeal. We still have a lot of work to do, but tonight you should celebrate.” Hepulled her into a hug.

Meredith embraced him back, feeling a tad bit guilty that hercelebration plans involved a secret rendezvous with Stevie on the Upper EastSide instead of an all night blowout with the staff. “We’re still takingtomorrow off, yes?”

“You are. I’ll be flying to California to work with the officethere. Your strong showing in the Southwest means we need to beef up our staffout West so we can be ready for the general election. You lay low and dosomething you enjoy, because in a few days we’ll be hitting the road again.”

She fully intended to take his advice.

* * *

Stevie scanned the crowd of drivers holding placards, searchingfor the name she’d been given for the evening. When she finally spotted it, shewas pleased to see a familiar face. “Erica, what are you doing here?”

“I’m here for the day since you know who is in town. Plus, shethought it might be more comfortable for you if a familiar face was waiting.”

Stevie melted at Meredith’s thoughtfulness, touched she’d takentime from her busy schedule to consider her feelings. Who thought about detailslike that when they were in the middle of a presidential campaign? “I’m gladyou’re here.”

“Did you check a bag?”

“No. I’m all set.” Stevie started to protest when Erica reachedfor her small carry-on but decided it wasn’t worth the battle. The bag waslight, and she smiled when she remembered Meredith’s suggestion that she notbother packing any clothes at all because she wasn’t going to be wearing themfor long. Of course, that had been a conversation from last week. Today whenshe’d spoken with her, Meredith had been stressed about the logistics snafu,and no doubt she was on edge right now waiting on the night’s results to comein. All their sexual tension ramp-up might be for nothing. She should’ve packedtights and a hoodie just in case.

As Erica whipped through the crowded Manhattan streets, Stevietried to get her bearings. She loved the city but hadn’t spent much time hereand wasn’t familiar with the different neighborhoods. “You seem to know yourway around.”

“I’ve worked for the senator for a long time, since she was acouncilwoman here in Manhattan. I learned to drive on these streets, and in myopinion it’s much easier than getting around DC.”

“DC is supposed to be easy to get around because of themathematical way it’s laid out, but I agree it can be a pain to navigate ifyou’re not used to it.” Stevie pointed out the window. “Is that Saint Patrick’sCathedral?”

“Yes, it is. And the hotel where the campaign is based tonight isthat building, just up ahead.”

Stevie gazed at the Peninsula Hotel as they drove by, her mindflashing back to the hotel in New Hampshire. Maybe she should’ve suggested theystay at the hotel tonight. Going to Meredith’s apartment was so much morepersonal than a hotel room.You’rejust nervous, wondering which direction tonight will go—stay up too latetalking like old friends or ripping each other’s clothes off at first sight,like long-separated lovers.

A few minutes later, they pulled up to an apartment building onthe Upper East Side. Erica left the car with the valet and escorted herupstairs via a private elevator to the penthouse of the twenty-story building.Stevie stood by as Erica unlocked the door, wondering if Erica usually had akey or if this was another thing Meredith had asked her to handle personally.When they walked into the apartment, Stevie sucked in a breath. When Meredithsaid this place was slightly bigger than her home in DC, she’d obviouslyunderplayed her description.

“There should be plenty of food in the kitchen. Help yourself. Ihave your number, and I’ll text you when I’m on the way back with Meredith. Doyou need anything else before I leave?”

For some reason, it hadn’t occurred to Stevie that Erica wouldleave her here alone, but of course, she’d be going back to meet Meredith, andbring her here when her night was done, whenever that might be. In themeantime, Stevie would wait here, and the fact that she was all alone amplifiedhow out of place she felt. Everyone important in Meredith’s life was sitting ina hotel suite with her, cheering her on or comforting her as the results rolledin, but she was here instead. What did that mean?

“I’m good,” she told Erica. She wasn’t, but she’d figure out away to get there before Meredith got home.

* * *

Meredith looked down at her phone and smiled at the simple textfrom Erica.She’s here.Stevie was in the city and either on her way to her apartment or there rightnow. Dear Colorado, can you please count your votes faster?

“Looks like they’re getting ready to call the rest,” Gordon said,appearing at her shoulder like a fortune-teller. “The ballroom downstairs isalready full. Are you about ready to go down?”

“Shouldn’t we wait until the results actually come in?”

“You do realize you’re going to need to make a speech eitherway?” He cocked his head. “Do you have somewhere else you need to be?”

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