Page 38 of Pursuit of Happiness

“That’s rough. Did you always want to be involved in politics?”

Meredith noted that Stevie always turned the conversation back toher, which had a way of making her feel special. “That’s a good question. For along time, I’m not sure I knew there was anything else to be involved in. Whenwe were kids, we’d ride around with my parents, canvassing neighborhoods andattending town meetings. I’m sure some of that was for show, but Dad alsowanted us to see how important community involvement was. James Jr. and I tookto it right away, but Jen always felt like she was being forced to join in, andthat she was missing out on all the fun stuff in the process.”

“What about your brother Michael?”

“Dad was smart enough to realize from early on that Michael’stalents were better used in the background. He’s a brilliant statistician, butnot so great with hiding how he really feels. He’ll tell a supporter to theirface that he thinks their ideas are stupid. I love him dearly, and he’s helpedme tremendously, but he has no filter, which is why he’s not on the road withme, although I talk to him daily.”

“How did Jen come to work for you?”

“It was a mutual decision, but it was her idea. I never would’veasked her after her very public dust-up. Not that I didn’t believe she wascapable or worthy, but I figured she’d be done with politics for good. Yet, shecame to me and offered to work my Senate campaign. At first in a backgroundsupport role, but increasingly I came to rely on her more and more. She’smanaged to overcome her past and garners a lot of respect in political circles.At this point, I don’t know what I would do without her, which is why it’s beensomewhat tense on the road. She and Gordon tend to clash.”

“Legitimate clashes or power struggles?”

Meredith smiled, pleased at the way Stevie could get to the cruxof the matter. “Probably some of both, but likely more power struggle thananything else. Jen’s not alone. You got a glimpse of it at Christmas. The restof my family doesn’t understand why I felt the need to hire an ‘outsider’ torun the campaign, but as successful as most of them are, none of them havenational experience, and I need someone completely objective to keep mebalanced.”

“Makes sense.”

Stevie nodded but looked off in the distance like she wasthinking things through. “What are you thinking?” Meredith asked.

“It’s really not my place.”

Meredith leaned back into Stevie’s arms. “We’re snuggled on thecouch, and you just gave me the best massage I’ve ever had. In a minute, I planto kiss you silly. There’s no such thing as ‘place’ here. Just you and me, andI welcome any advice or insights you care to share.”

Stevie shifted slightly so they were face-to-face. “Here’s myquestion. Have you made it clear who’s in charge? Because maybe it’s a matterof the roles not being clearly defined. If Jen is used to running the show, ithad to be awkward having Gordon and his team step in and take over while she’sstill involved. Where does his responsibility begin and hers end?”

As Stevie spoke, Meredith realized she’d once again drilled downto the core issue. She’d never set a clear demarcation of Jen’s and Gordon’sroles, but only assumed that they would work together to get things done. Shecould see how her failure had caused the rifts that had occurred so far. Firstthing tomorrow, she was going to set things straight.

That was tomorrow. Now all she wanted to do was engage in some ofthe silly kissing she’d mentioned earlier.

* * *

Stevie swiped at her ear, wishing whatever was disturbing hersmoking hot dream would go away and leave her alone.

“Hey, babe. I know it’s early, but I’ve got to leave in aboutfifteen minutes, and you’ve got a flight to catch.”

The words floated on the edges of her conscious, and Stevie triedso hard to integrate them into the action scene that was tugging her in theother direction. The one where Meredith stood over her, naked, arching her bodyover hers in an achingly slow caress. But now someone was shaking her, gentlysure, but if they didn’t stop, Meredith was going to be scared away becausethey couldn’t get caught together. “Go away,” she mumbled, pushing her handsout to ward off the distraction.

“That must be one hell of a dream.”

Stevie shot upright in bed, suddenly very aware of whose voiceshe was hearing. “Morning,” she mumbled. “I didn’t mean to push you. I was—”

“Busy. Clearly,” Meredith said with a sly smile. “I can only hopeI was a virtual part of that little action sequence.”

“Now I’m kind of mortified.” Stevie rubbed her eyes, wonderingexactly how much of her dream she’d vocalized. “You’re all dressed up.”Meredith was standing in front her dressed in a crisp navy suit, complete witha flag pin on the lapel. Even through her haze, Stevie could tell she waslooking very presidential, but also very ready to leave. “Holy shit, Ioverslept.”

“A little.”

Stevie patted the covers, and Meredith sat next to her. “I hadthis image of us sharing coffee and, I don’t know, pancakes together before weeach flew off in different directions.”

“Pancakes, huh?”

“Or omelets. Or French toast.” Stevie squeezed Meredith’s hand.“I think you’re missing the point here.”

Meredith grinned. “I promise I’m not. Plus, I’m sure you workedup a good appetite in your sleep.”

“Stop.”

“It’s hard.” Meredith leaned forward and kissed her. “You’repretty adorable.”

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