Page 74 of Power Games

“In a way. Elections are hard and stressful on everyone. I'll always support my family and friends when they need me.”

“But you don't participate in the campaign. We haven’t seen you around your brother at all, not during any of the Democrat meetings.”

“I don’t intend to get involved in my brother’s campaign, no.”

“Let me ask another question, if I may. We’ve all heard whispers surrounding Charles Grant and you. Are you supporting his campaign, Nessie?”

“That’s a complicated question. I can’t say I’ve thought about it in great detail. On one hand, I’m a public personality and my fans come from all backgrounds, with all sort of political affiliations. I feel like getting involved in the race might potentially affect my relationship with my listeners. On the other hand, I'm a citizen of this country and I'm greatly concerned about our future. I know who I'll vote for. I know why I'll vote for him. Because the other candidates are offering us more of the same, and Charles Grant is the voice of the future. So, yes, I will support him."

The second survey came out today. 32%, 31%, 19%.

And Charles was ahead.

Aiden mostly attributed the victory to Vanessa.

"Genius. Fucking genius. I could kiss you.The voice of the future. Thanks for the slogan, sweetheart."

"You're welcome, Aiden. Now, what else can I do? Put me to work."

The volunteers assembled around the TV in the drawing room of Charles' new house in McLean turned to her, their expressions ranging from shock to elation.

"Wait, you were serious? You're joining the team?"

She shrugged. "I spent the last month recording my album. I have time now. Let me know where I can be most efficient. I was thinking it might be worth going through an indirect route to resonate with some of our voters. I can look into middle schools, see if I could give some encouragement to kids. Keep it low key, but they'll talk to their parents."

Aiden exhaled, eyes to the skies, mouthing "Hallelujah."

"That's really smart, but that won't directly help Charles," Barrett pointed out.

"I beg to differ. Everything I do right now is linked back to Charles. They know I'd be in LA if it wasn't for him. If you have any other suggestions, I'm all ears, though."

Charles had noticed that Barrett didn't like Vanessa very much, although she was always very polite to him. He could have asked why, but he didn't bother. She was full of tricks and plots, while Barrett preferred straightforward honesty.

"And of course, I can attend the public speeches, too." Vanessa turned to him, asking, "Would it be helpful if I hosted a brunch for the Woman's Society here? I used to attend their meetings with Cici and my mother a while back. That's a little more direct...."

"And also a lot more useless," said Aiden. "They know who they'll vote for, and it most likely won't be Charles. No, the school should be our priority."

"I'll get Henry to book it for me. In the meantime, are cupcake stands still a thing? Please tell me they're a thing."

"Affirmative on that score. Gemma was organizing something in the park this weekend."

Vanessa stepped away to engage Gemma in a conversation about her project, and Charles got back to working on his next speech with Denise Harrington and Aiden.

He'd plucked the speechwriter right out of college; many had applied for the position, but she did wonders with words.

They worked until dark, his home buzzing with energy, as it had been every day for months now. At six, he ordered takeout for those who still remained, determined to finish their current tasks. By eight, everyone had left.

Except her. Charles' name might be on the deed, but it was Vanessa's home as much as his. Left to his own devices, he would have chosen the White House view. This felt different. Quieter, more like a home, less like an office, although they were working their asses off at the moment.

He could imagine raising a family in this neighborhood. Growing older.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, pulling her hand to him until she was seated on his lap.

He remembered the dates of her periods by now. She pouted. "Like I want cuddles."

The answer he'd hoped for. "I can do cuddles."

She tucked her knees on the side of his armchair and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

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