Page 119 of Not the Plan

“I think you’re right. Staff, members, and lobbyists only.”

Isadora leaned back into the couch, letting her head loll on the armrest.

“Staff, members and lob—” The hairs at her nape stood on end. One woman’s voice had been a little familiar, she thought. Then it all clicked.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Isadora

The grate of cement plus bumper didn’t register this time. She only noticed once she was out of the car and headed to the elevator. Her car would be fine parked half on the bumper that day.

She could still save Daniel’s presidency and her reputation. And she’d apologize to Karim. She only hoped she could do it without humiliating herself. Fidgeting in the elevator on the way up, she almost lost her temper at having to stop at each floor. But when she glanced up in time to see Karim talking to Daria just inside Julian’s office, Isadora shoved her hand against the closing elevator doors and headed straight for them.

Karim jerked his hand off Daria’s shoulder as Isadora approached. Isadora flashed him a smile, hoping he’d understand she wasn’t upset about him touching Daria, but he’d have to wait for her to say so.

“Daria,” Isadora said, trying to make sure to warm her voice as much as possible. “Can I have a minute of your time?”

She glanced up at Karim, then back at Isadora. Her lips opened like she was going to speak, then she closed them and nodded.

“Do you mind coming to my office?” Isadora asked.

“I’ll…uh, I’m here if you still need to talk, Daria,” Karim said, hands in his pockets.

“Please, Karim,” Isadora said, heat pricking her neck and cheeks. “If it’s okay with Daria, I’d like for you to join us. And bring Julian’s drive?”

His surprise was so adorable Isadora would have loved to hug him, but it wasn’t the time.

“Sure,” he said. “If that’s okay?” he asked Daria.

“It is,” she said.

—

Unlocking the outer office door, Isadora had a moment to reassess her plan. Daria might not have been ready to tell Karim everything just then. She’d cross her fingers that Karim could be patient with her for a couple more minutes.

“Karim, sorry to ask this, but would you mind getting the coffee started while Daria and I speak privately in my office?” She hoped her smile didn’t look as brittle as it felt.

“No problem.” He smiled back and soothed her nerves. She noticed the clock over his shoulder.

“If my assistant arrives, just tell her you have an appointment with me?”

“Sure thing,” he said. And his smile was even better, warmer. Made her feel like they were on the same team again.

She relaxed, gave him a real smile back, ushered Daria into her office, and closed the door. Daria started speaking before Isadora got into her seat.

“You know, don’t you?” she asked.

“Yeah, I do,” Isadora said.

“Do you hate me?”

“Hate you?” Isadora asked. “No. Why would I?”

“Because I helped Julian blackmail those other senators to vote for him to be pro tem,” Daria said, voice wavering as she stared at Isadora’s desk.

“You mean because Julian forced you to help him? And when you told him you didn’t want to do it anymore, he blackmailed you too?”

All the color drained out of Daria’s face.

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