Page 44 of Pursuit of Happiness

Stevie’s stomach pitched, and she inched a hand toward her phone,but she’d checked it just seconds ago and there’d been no message from Meredithor anyone else about a change of plans.

“You didn’t know.”

“No, but I’m sure there’s a good reason.”

“Of course there is. I’m sure she’s planning to let you know.”

Hannah’s voice was full of soothing tones, but it did nothing toshut out the disappointment Stevie felt at the idea she wouldn’t see Meredithtonight. If tonight didn’t happen, who knew when they would see each other? Itcould be weeks, months. Her brain was already scrambling for solutions,thinking of ways she could catch up with Meredith on the campaign trail again.The next Super Tuesday was over two weeks away. Would Meredith come home towatch returns again, or set up shop in one of the big states that was sure toswing her way?

Her internal voice shut down the spiral.You have a job, and a caseload,and trials, and hearings, and clients. You can’t shut your entire life down fora night with a woman whose life is headed into complete insanity.There was barely room for her to be in Meredith’s life now. The general electionand, if she won, the presidency were going to be all-consuming for Meredith.There would be no time for a personal life, which made Stevie question why shewas investing so much energy in a future that would never be. “It’s for thebest.” She murmured the words and willed herself to believe them.

A loud ring pierced through her thoughts, and she looked down tosee her phone flashing an unknown number.

“Are you going to answer it?”

Stevie looked up at Hannah and back at the phone. She didn’t feellike talking to anyone right now. “It can go to voice mail. Not in a headspaceto talk to anyone.”

“What if it’s her?”

What if it was? Two competing factions warred in her head—onethat urged her to go with the flow and the other warning her to resist the risingtide of chaos that could consume her, make her want things she’d never havewith Meredith. Another ring and another. Time was running out, and she snatchedthe phone and punched the answer button. “Hello?”

“Thank God you answered. It’s been a hell of a day.”

And just like that, Stevie curled into the warm curve ofMeredith’s clear pleasure at being with her, even if it was only on the phone.“I’m sorry. I heard your plane was grounded.”

“Key word ‘was.’ I’m pleased to report that we’re boarding now, andI’ll be in New York soon. I’ll tell you all about it when I see you. What timedoes your flight leave?”

Hannah stood, made a heart out of her fingers, and headed for thedoor. Now was the perfect time to bow out, but it seemed chickenshit to do iton the phone. They did need to have a talk, but not tonight, another big nightin Meredith’s campaign.

“You’re still coming, aren’t you?”

Meredith’s voice carried a trace of worry, a hint of insecurity,not emotions Stevie usually associated with her. “If you want me to.”

“Knowing that I was going to see you tonight is the only thingthat’s gotten me through the last week.”

It was a big admission, a vulnerable one, and one that deservedsomething better than a “not sure I want to be caught up in your crazy life”response. Stevie’s mind drifted to the plane ticket saved on her phone and thepacked bag under her desk. A few hours ago, she would’ve agreed that knowingshe was about to see Meredith was the one thing that had gotten her throughthis week too. Nothing had changed really, and now, hearing Meredith’s voice onthe phone, her determination to let go wavered. One night. They deserved atleast one full night together before they went their separate ways.

“I’ll be waiting at your apartment.”

Chapter Fourteen

Tuesday evening, Meredith paced the hallway outside hersuite at the Peninsula Hotel, waiting for the next round of returns. Inside,the rooms were crackling with energy and packed with the key players in hercampaign, but she couldn’t help but feel like something very important wasmissing. Make that someone. Everyone here had a vested interest in a victory,but they were all rooting for what was best for their party, their politicalinterests, and their country. Even her family, all of whom had decided to makethe trip, were more interested in her professional future than how winningwould affect her personal life or whatever personal life she could fit betweenthe obligations of her candidacy.

Any resolve she’d formed to reevaluate her relationship with Steviewas fading fast. What she had with Stevie, however infrequently they saw eachother, was a connection to a life she hadn’t known she wanted until now. A lifewith something outside the job and public service. A life with someone to shareit with, and even if that person wasn’t ultimately Stevie, she wanted to makethe most of this opportunity to be with her and navigate what it meant to havea portion of her life that didn’t belong to her constituents.

Gordon poked his head out the door. “They’re about to call Texas,Oklahoma, and Minnesota.”

She glanced down the hallway toward the door marked Exit. “Guessit’s too late to make a break for it.” She tacked on a smile so he would thinkshe was kidding, but a tiny part of her was serious. When had her life’s dreambecome a liability? “I’ll be right there.”

He ducked back into the suite, and she took a few deep breathsand focused on getting her head right. All the people in that room andthousands more across the country were working hard to get her elected. Itwasn’t just about her dreams anymore, if it ever had been. She’d made adecision early on to dedicate her life to public service, and that meantpersonal sacrifice. She brushed her hands down her skirt and straightened herjacket. With her armor in place, she was ready to face whatever fate the ballotbox had to offer. She took a step toward the suite but stopped when she spottedJen coming down the hall toward her.

Things had been rocky between them, but family meant you were init for the long haul, no matter what road bumps you encountered along the way.She embraced her sister. “Where have you been?”

“Checking on a few details downstairs,” Jen said. “Congrats onGeorgia. That’s a big get.”

“They’re about to call three more big ones.” Meredith noddedtoward the door. “Come in and hold my hand?”

“Absolutely. And speaking of holding hands,” Jen lowered hervoice to a whisper. “She’s here. Well, not here, but at your place. Erica madesure she’s squared away.”

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