Chapter 131

Logan

My cell phone rang, bringing me back to reality, releasing me from my dream world. I looked at the side table, and the bright light shone in the darkness.
"Hello?" I asked, my voice husky from sleep as I held it to my ear.
"He needs a decision, and he needs it now." Serra Gayle, my campaign manager and press secretary's voice boomed in my ear.
"Who?" I managed to say as I swung my legs over the side of the bed and ran a hand through the tangled mess of hair.
"Who the hell do you think? Mayor Townsend." She let out an exasperated breath. "He wants an answer now. Says that we 'can't take a chance on losing this seat to the republicans'. And if it's not you, then he'll endorse another candidate."
I looked at the clock. Four o'clock. "And this couldn't wait until morning?"
"It is morning."
"So it is," I said, trying to gain my bearings. And there was no arguing with Serra at this hour. "I'm in."
"You'll run?" Her voice was hopeful at the other end.
"That's what I said." I rose from the bed. "Let me know when and where he wants to do the press conference."
"Nine o'clock this morning, in front of the One World Trade Center," she said without missing a beat. "He said it's a good move politically."
I chuckled, understanding. "It's already booked. How did you know I'd agree?"
"How did I know that man was going to land on Mars one day?"
"Man hasn't landed on Mars."
"Not yet."
I laughed. She had the biggest balls of anyone I knew including the men. "I'll be there."
"Eight sharp. And don't be late."
"Eight?"
"You need to be briefed."
"Why does it feel like I'm being ambushed?"
I could hear her smile on the other end. "That's why I make the big bucks."
I laughed out loud. "Yeah, yeah. See you in a bit."
"Soon."
The line went dead. It was her standard exit line.
Involuntarily, I looked over at the other side of the bed, hoping beyond all hope that Alyssa would be there. That, somehow, she had missed me and had entered my condo and climbed into bed with me, even though she doesn't have a key. And, of course, the bed was empty. "Well, it's your own damn fault," I said to myself as I got out of bed and adjusted my boxers before heading down the hallway to the bathroom. But I didn't want to put any more pressure on her than I already had.
I showered quickly, letting the hot water warm my body. It was December in New York, and cold. In fact, cold didn't even begin to cover it. Maybe Cold with a Capital K would be more like it-something my mother used to say when I was little, before I inadvertently grew up and turned her into such a bitch. Yes, in a way. I blamed my growing up on turning her into the person she had become. When I was little, the possibility of my being president was a long way off. But when I grew up, it became real. The kicker of it was that I'd never been sure if I really wanted to become president one day or not. It was always just understood that I would.
I turned off the water, wrapped a towel around my waist, and pulled out a black Armani suit and a pair of matching three-hundred dollar shoes. Even though it was part of the political uniform, I still felt more comfortable in my Converse tennis shoes, band T-shirt, and jeans. But those days were gone. I was a grown up now with responsibilities. My days in Nashville were a lifetime ago.
As I drove to work, I reminded myself over and again of all the good I could do if I became senator. Remembering the kids in the hospital, I vowed to do a fundraiser to bring awareness to these kids. I could also use my influence to help homeless, the city and the country.
As I steered my car into the parking garage, the news was already camped out in front of the One World Trade Center, awaiting the big announcement that they knew was inevitable. I looked around for Alyssa, even though I knew she wouldn't be there. But I couldn't help but hope. You're losing it, Logan, I thought to myself as I shook my head.
I hit the automatic locks on my keychain and headed inside, and then took the elevator to the ninetieth floor.
"Well, it's about damn time you got here," Serra greeted me as she walked beside me to my office.
"I'm early," I said, not in the mood for her condescension.
I had my hand on the door handle, but she stopped me. "Mayor Townsend is in there, along with his entourage." She shoved a sheet of paper into my hand. "Here's your speech. Memorize it."
I crumbled it into my hand without looking at it. "I say what I want. That's the deal."
She narrowed her eyes, but was unshaken. "Fine. It's your ass after all."
A broad grin spread across my face. "Yes; it is. Glad you noticed." Then, I opened the door and walked in.
"Congratulations!" Mayor Townsend said as he crossed the room with his hand extended. "Glad you decided to join the team!"
"I'm not sure what you mean by 'join the team', but thank you. Your endorsement means a lot to me," I said as I shook his hand.
He wrapped his arms around my shoulder and walked me away from his entourage. "You know, 'the team'," he whispered. "You'll play ball, right?"
I lifted an eyebrow. "By 'play ball' I hope you mean doing what's right for the state of New York and its constituents, because that's my intent."
The mayor placed his hands on his hips. "Now, before I give my endorsement, I need to know that I have your ear."
I forced a smile, getting his meaning. "Again, I intend to do what is right for the state of New York." I slapped my hand firmly on his back. "Just as I know that you want what is right for them, too."
He studied me with a fake smile plastered onto his face. After a moment, he finally said, "Of course." I was sure he got my hidden meaning, too. That was the thing about politics. The Good 'Ol Boy Club. They looked out for each other. I was a part of the club now because of the philanthropy of my parents, my father's involvement in politics, and now my decision to go into politics, too. I fully intended to adhere to their code but to a point. Before anything else, the people would be the motivation for my actions. And I wasn't about to let my parents, the mayor, or anyone else influence my decisions.