Chapter 132
Off to the side, Serra held her breath as she watched our exchange. Then, she approached without emotion. "They're ready."
Mayor Townsend looked into my eyes. "Shall we?" It was his silent understanding of what I was telling him. He might have had my ear, but my decisions would ultimately be my own.
We walked out together, and cameras started flashing as we stepped in front of the barrage of reporters who quickly descended upon us.
"Mayor Townsend, what does it mean that you are endorsing Logan Ambrose for Senator?" one reporter asked as he shoved a microphone to his face.
"Mr. Ambrose, are you announcing your decision to run for office?" another reporter asked.
But Serra and the mayor's entourage held them off. "Ladies and gentlemen, please hold your questions until the end."
As Mayor Townsend stepped up to the microphone and raised his arms, his smile never faded as a hush fell over the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us today on such short notice." The crowd of reporters laughed, because if they got their scoop, they would go anywhere on a moment's notice. "But it's my extreme delight to announce my endorsement of Logan Ambrose for Senator
Immediately, the crowd convened upon us, shoving microphones into our faces.
One reporter pushed in front of the others. "Why have you decided now to run for Senator, Mr. Ambrose?"
I stepped up to the microphone. "I want to make a difference in the lives of others, and I feel that, as senator, I can make a lot of positive changes in the state of New York."
"What changes?" another reporter asked.
"A few days ago, I visited a children's hospital where a lot of the kids are terminal." I paused for a moment, and silence fell over the crowd. "Changes need to be made in our nation's healthcare system, for one. I know that healthcare professionals are doing the best they can to save these children, but more needs to be done. And what about the parents who can't afford healthcare for their children? Affordable healthcare for all is one of my goals, among other things. Also, in lieu of recent terrorist attacks in cities in our nation, gun control will be another area of concern with stricter criteria for obtaining weaponry and a longer wait time, along with the elimination of exotic weapons in the hands of civilians. In addition, there are too many homeless people in our state. I plan to do what I can to improve the job situation for all and to reduce the amount of homeless in our state and in our nation."
The conference went on for another half hour, and I fielded questions without pause. Exhausted, the mayor finally held up his hand. "Thank you, folks! We'll have an official press release for you, too." Then, he ushered me into the building as his entourage and Serra held back reporters.
In the lobby, Mayor Townsend gave me a goodhearted slap on the back. "Not bad for your first press conference!" He offered me his hand. "Congratulations!"
"Thank you, sir," I replied as I shook his hand. "And thank you for your endorsement."
"Ah, think nothing of it," he said as if the Giants had just won the Super Bowl. "What are you doing for Christmas?"
My eyebrows pulled together, confused by his unexpected question. "Sir?"
He laughed. "Well, now that you've announced your candidacy, we need to do a fundraiser for your campaign. Say, maybe donate some of the proceeds to the children's hospital that you were talking about?"
"The Maria Fareri Children's Hospital," I added. Politicians did fundraisers for their campaigns all the time. But somehow, I could justify it a bit more if a portion of the donations went to the hospital. "Sounds good."
"Maybe we could do it on Christmas Eve?" the mayor suggested. "Well, think about it and let me know. We'll make it happen."
I shook his hand again. "Thank you, sir."
"It's time, sir," a bodyguard dressed in a black suit resembling an F.B.I agent said to the mayor.
The mayor nodded. "Well, I have to go, but let's make it happen. I want to make sure that your campaign gets off to a good start."
I nodded my thanks as I watched him disappear out the door in a sea of suits.
"Well done," Serra said in a low voice, impressed. "Time to go."
She followed as I headed to the elevator and walked into my office. We spent the rest of the afternoon arranging the fundraiser that the mayor had suggested, as well as a few more. She also handed me a list of speaking engagements, which included a few local universities and more.
Later that evening, I looked out the window and the sun was setting in the distance. Serra and I had worked on the campaign all day. We had even sent out for lunch and worked straight through. There was a lot to do and little time to do it in, so time was of the essence. But I wanted to see Alyssa. I needed to see her. "Serra, thanks for everything, but let's continue this tomorrow."
She looked at me and gave me a sly smile. "You know that you're the most eligible man in New York now."
I laughed as I snapped my briefcase shut. "Well, I'm taken." I raised an eyebrow. "And we're not going to use my personal life as a ploy. My personal life stays private."
She shrugged. "Well, good luck with that. Now that you've announced your candidacy, you're fair game with the paparazzi now. And you're one of the youngest people to run for senator, to boot. The people will want to know all about you, including your women."
I laughed as I headed out the door. "Not interested."
"You'll change your mind!" she hollered behind me.
"No, I won't!" I yelled without looking as the door closed behind me.
