CHAPTER TWELVE
Nate
When Charlie left my place the next morning, my brain kicked into overdrive. I could hardly believe that the events of the last 24 hours had really happened. While my talk with her had mostly been around how our relationship would be impacted, there were still dozens of other things to consider. I needed some advice, and I knew there was one person I could count on to give me an honest opinion.
“A lot has changed since we last talked,” William said as he greeted me in the hotel lobby. Conveniently, he was in town for work and had an hour to catch up before we both needed to run off to meetings.
“You have no idea.” I hadn’t given him details on the phone, only told him that I needed some advice on a career move. Two Secret Service agents stood near the entrance of the hotel as a precaution. “I had an interesting job offer yesterday.”
“We’re just going to skip over this whole Vice President assassination, then?” William was intrigued. “Must be an important job offer.”
“You could say that.” I glanced around the crowded lobby. “Let’s find some place private.”
William eyed the hotel guests that were swarming around us. “Follow me.”
I followed him to the concierge desk where he spoke briefly with a hotel employee, slipping him some cash before following him around the check-in desk. We were led to an empty office where we were left alone.
“Seems secure,” I said, looking around the windowless room.
“You got the call, didn’t you?” William said, cutting right to the heart of the matter.
“Yes.” I appreciated that I didn’t have to break the news myself. I wasn’t sure how I would even begin to tell my brother what the President had asked of me. “I have two days to make my decision.”
William leaned against the desk, gripping the edge of it with his hands. “You want my advice?”
“I do.” In really, I wanted more than that. I wanted him to make the decision for me. I trusted William more than I trusted myself.
“The Vice President was just killed, likely for no other reason than some crazy guy wanting to make a political statement. You’ve just been offered the most dangerous job in America.” He paused, considering his next words. “As your younger brother, I’d be just fine with you staying in the Senate. As your best friend, I think you have to do it, Nicky.”
It was what I had expected him to say. “Why? Why do I have to do it? I’m perfectly happy as a senator. My life is good right now.”
“Is this about the girl?” William said with a knowing smile.
“Charley? No.” I answered without thinking. Then I thought about what he had asked and realized the answer might not be that simple. “Maybe a little. If I do this, it doesn’t just affect me anymore. It would be selfish of me to not at least consider what this means for her.”
“Have you talked to her about it?” William said.
“I did. She’s completely supportive of whatever I decide.”
“The nerve of her,” William joked. He turned serious when he said, “You’re one of the smartest, nicest guys I know. Add in your political intelligence and practicality and I don’t think this country could have a better Vice President. Maybe the timing is a little sooner than you planned and the circumstances aren’t as neat as you would like, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t the exact right thing for you to do.”
I left William’s hotel still thinking about his advice. Maybe I was being ridiculous for considering not accepting the position just because it might make my romantic life a little more challenging. Especially since Charley had already told me she would support me.
The hotel wasn’t far from the Capitol, so I took a detour on my walk into work. My journey took me past the White House and I found myself standing in the middle of a group of tourists, staring at my possible future. Because of the shooting, we were kept further back than usual. It was just another reminder of what my future could be like if I said yes.
Up until a day ago, I had thought that all I wanted was to work in that building someday. My career had always been the most important thing in my life, so much so that I had been able to put up with Heidi’s terrible behavior because I spent so much time at work. But that had all changed when I met Charley.
When I was with her, I barely even remembered that I was a Senator. Her wit and intelligence were captivating, as was her beauty. I loved that she was passionate about her job and didn’t care whether I agreed with her on the issues or not. She wasn’t seeking my approval. I loved that she challenged me.
One of the women next to me asked if I would take a picture for her and I was snapped back to reality. She didn’t seem to recognize me at first, but then the man with her said, “Aren’t you our Senator?”
“You’re from New York?” I said, slipping on my politician smile.
“Born and raised.” He shook my hand. “Shouldn’t you be at work instead of playing tourist?”
“I have some business at the White House,” I said, only partially lying.
“It’s so terrible what happened to the Vice President,” the woman said with a slow shake of her head. “Did you know him?”
I nodded. “Yes, I did. He was a good man.”
“Whomever they pick to replace him will have a big job in front of them,” the man said. “This country needs someone that can bring it together. We don’t need any more partisan bullshit.”
When I had run for the senate the first time, I had taken a gamble by running as an independent. It made it harder for me to raise money, but I knew that it was the only way to stay true to myself and my values. Now it seemed like that risk could pay off.
By the time I got to my office, my talk with the President was no longer a secret. People had seen me being escorted to the White House the night before and the media had found sources that confirmed I was at the top of the short list of candidates. President Wilkins had contacted me so soon because he was hoping to make the nomination official before anyone even started to speculate about names. Apparently, Vice President Anderson had already decided not to run for re-election with the President, so Wilkins had already been working on a list of people to replace him. It was news to me that I was his top pick.
My aides were running around the office, answering phones and yelling to each other about messaging. It took almost a minute for them to notice that I had entered the room.
“Senator.” My aide, Jackie, ran over. “Is it true?”
“What is the press saying?” I asked, dodging the question.
“That you are going to be the next Vice President.” Her eyes were wide. “Is it true?”
I struggled to keep my face impassive. “That is just a rumor.”
“Oh.” Her face fell.
Jackie had been part of the team since the very beginning and had proved her loyalty. She was my best aide and if I did accept the President’s offer, she would be the first person I would take with me. I couldn’t hold back a smile as I said, “I haven’t accepted the Vice Presidency… yet.”
Her eyes lit up as I walked away and for the first time, I let myself imagine what it would be like to accept the position. It felt almost as good as when I thought about Charley. For the first time in my life, I was so close to having it all and I couldn’t shake the feeling that somehow I was going to ruin everything.