In Dublin, Georgia, the event has been extra entertaining – much more so than we would've thought thanks to a torrential downpour this evening.

I've learned that often when it rains in this state there's no warning. I like this, but it does cause problems due to unpredictability. Tonight many in the audience didn't think to bring umbrellas, so the Civic Center is filled with a lot of wet-haired faces.

Justin made them laugh by going outside and coming back drenched, announcing, "I'm in it with you."

My father followed suit during his speech by taking a water bottle and pouring it over his own head in a very comical way. Since he is such a sophisticated and subdued man, the people loved it. I glanced over to Justin, curious to see his reaction and expecting him to be angry, but he was amused along with everyone else. Then he met my eyes and saw that I was looking at him, and his smile vanished.

I have received the silent treatment for the last four events where we covered northern Georgia, always piggy-backing Justin.

Try as I might I can't stop thinking about him as more than just our opponent. And I certainly don’t hate him as he does me. It’s been extraordinarily difficult because his inspiring speeches have only deepened my admiration for his ideas.

I feel like a fraud supporting my father in this race. I believe that Justin would do the things he’s promising, or die trying. I plan on voting for him, which I will never tell anyone but God.

Still, I’ve not slacked off in my service to my father. If anything, because of my guilt, I’ve worked harder. I want him to win because he’s my dad, not because he’s the best man for the job. And I would never sabotage him in any way. I believe that if he could just understand what the people need today, his mind might open.

Because I haven’t given up hope, I’ve coached my dad to be more receptive and have more fun. That’s why he let loose his tie a bit with that water bottle stunt. He’s starting to enjoy himself. The audience is loving it.

As the event comes to a close people gather around both men — asking questions, expressing concerns, and giving congratulations and support. I see a couple approaching Justin with a certain familiarity. I really should stop staring at him, but I'm curious who they are.

Justin turns and explodes into the biggest smile, making my heart skip a beat. "Jake! Drew! I didn't know you were coming!"

"You think I’d miss my badass brother kicking some serious tail?" They hug and slap each other's backs as my jaw drops.

Jake Cocker. My goodness, he's sure grown into a hunk. They hardly look like brothers these two, with Jake having brown hair and eyes, his skin slightly olive. But their smiles are similar. The confidence is the same. Just like in high school, they both know how good they look.

A wedding ring?

I bet a lot of girls wept the day he got married.

"Your parents just said hi to me," Justin smiles to Jake's wife. "You want to ask them to come and have a drink with us?"

The pretty brunette laughs, and says in the thick Southern drawl, “My parents don't drink and they’re watching the kids, but after seeing you give that speech, if you ask them they might change their minds! You could probably talk anybody into anything."

On a grin Justin tells her, “Not true! I couldn't talk you into choosing me over Jake.”

Jake hits his brother’s chest. "You're never gonna let up are you? She's mine. Let it go."

They're all kidding of course, the smiles big and genuine. The friendship is so apparent it makes me wish I could join them. Behind me my father walks up and put his hand on my shoulder. "You're frowning."

“Am I? I'm sorry, my mind was elsewhere.”

"A couple of my golfing buddies are here. We're going to get a drink. Would you like to join us?”

I almost say yes, but I’ve had enough political debating for one night.

"That's very sweet, but you and I both know that you'll have a much better time smoking your cigars without my complaining about the smell." I offer him a smile, clasp his bicep and add, "I think I'll just go back to the hotel and read.”

He lays a warm hand over mine and smiles. “I’ll see you in the morning for breakfast then." He disappears into the crowd, and I don't notice until it's too late that he took the umbrella with him.

"Dammit,” I whisper as I open the door to leave. Look at that rain, wow. Deafening sheets whip through the air with drops so thick they look like hail. I should have asked him to have his driver drop me off. I have two long blocks to walk in this wet darkness.

Crossing my arms I duck my head and start moving fast. With each hasty footstep I’m more and more drenched. Every article of clothing is sticking to my skin. My pumps are soaked, toes squishing inside them. So gross. If it were a warm night it wouldn't be so bad, but I'm freezing my ass off in this dress and insufficiently thin coat.

A car slows on the street beside me and I glance over hoping it’s my father come to rescue me. The passenger window is rolled down on a black Audi, and Justin is staring at me from the driver’s seat.

"Get in."

He reaches over and pushes the door open as I run toward the car and duck inside. I try to wipe the wetness away from my face but since my hands are soaked and my hair is dripping, it's useless.

"There are napkins in the glove compartment,” he grumbles.

Glancing over to him I see his cheek ticking with tension. Pulling out a small stack of tan paper napkins I mutter, “Thank you.”

We drive in silence as I blot my face and hair. It really is a lost cause, but I do what I can. When he pulls up to my hotel, in shock I blurt, "You know where I'm staying?"

As the rain beats down he keeps his stare locked ahead. "I saw you last night.”

"Are you staying here, too?"

"No."

Well, that's a mysterious answer…how did he see me, then? Was he looking?

“I liked what you said in your speech, about mandating our homeless shelters implement a more dignified system. How you feel it will empower the people. I really liked that."

He glances over and holds my eyes. "That wasn't entirely my idea.”

“No?”

“I read online about a shelter in Kansas City where the guy running it decided to present it as though it were a restaurant, calling the impoverished people who were forced to go there, guests. He gives them menu options, rather than slapping food on a tray. He puts out a sign reading Specials of the Day, and they order what they want at no charge. It gives them dignity to be able to choose and be a part of the process rather than just getting a handout. Not only that but everyone working the kitchen used to be on the other side. He gave them all jobs when he saw they wanted them. No one wants to be poor. They want to be useful. I did some research and discovered we have a long way to go in our shelters here. I want to take that man's ideas and make them common law and practice."

Justin glances back to the windshield.

Gazing at him, I whisper, “That would be really wonderful, Justin."

"It would be good, yes."

My body has started shivering from the cold and even though I don't want to, I have to reach for the door handle. "Thank you for the ride."

Justin grabs my arm. "I’m very angry. When I look at you I can't even see straight sometimes, I'm so pissed.”

I hold his eyes and confess, "It doesn't matter anyway because when it all comes down to it, you're trying to take my father’s job."

Justin lets go of my arm and chuckles in a mean way. "Go clean yourself up, Jaimie.”

Sincerely and without any sarcasm at all, I whisper, "Have fun tonight with Jake. Goodnight.”

Opening the door I climb out and run through the rain to get inside quickly. As my heels click against the wet pavement I cringe realizing that I just revealed I was watching him, and eavesdropping on his conversation, too.

Glancing over my shoulder I lock eyes with him and stop running, turning around to face him, helpless and unable to move from this spot. We stare at each other as the rain beats down on my head and body.

He looks confused, almost like he doesn't want to drive away. My lips part to call out to him and invite him inside for some coffee or something stronger. Much much stronger. But he doesn’t give me the chance. He hits a button to roll the passenger window up and guns the engine, tires screeching and skidding until he disappears.