Page 5 of Campaign Season
“Why don’t we plan something at our house?” Cassidy suggested. “Instead of holding a party in?—”
“The mouse house?” Candace cracked.
“JD is still calling this place her hamster wheel, huh?”
“Mm. Mouse house, hamster wheel… I keep wondering when to expect more pets.”
“I’m not sure a mouse is the best idea with Jinx running the place,” Cassidy teased.
Candace chuckled.That cat might actually be running the White House.Jameson had started bringing him to her office, and Jinx had made himself at home under Candace’s desk more than once. Truth be told, she was grateful for those moments—it was the closest thing to normal in an otherwise surreal existence. She sighed.
“Uh-oh,” Cassidy said.
Candace shook her head. “There are things about living here that I love, Cass. But it isn’t normal. Not really. Jameson’s right—it’s like a giant cage with people constantly running in circles. Lately, I think I’m the one in the wheel.”
“I know,” Cassidy replied. “How’s Jonathan?”
A deep sigh escaped Candace’s chest. Freedom of movement was as important as freedom of expression in a democracy. Ironically, the leader of the “free” world didn’t enjoy either without limits. Every word was weighed, every trip a logistical ordeal. She’d been crisscrossing the country to support congressional and gubernatorial candidates and hadn’t been home to New York or to visit Marianne in a month.
“Candace,” Cassidy began gently, “you need to make a trip back to New York.”
“I know. I’m not sure how to make that happen right now.”
“Have you talked to Jonathan recently?”
“I talk to him daily now.” Candace closed her eyes. “He’s determined to hang on through the holidays. The closer it gets, the more determined he becomes.”
“But?”
“He tells me he isn’t in pain.”
“But you don’t believe him,” Cassidy said softly.
“I know him. Better than even our kids realize. He’s exhausted, Cass. The last thing he wants is sadness hanging over the holidays. The kids try to be supportive. But no matter how old we get, our parents are still?—”
“I get it,” Cassidy said. “I think about it, too—what I’ll do when something happens to my parents or Helen. How will the kids handle it? How will Claire… and Alex? They act tough, but they’re both so sensitive underneath. There’s no way to prepare.”
Candace nodded.
“You need to make the trip,” Cassidy continued. “You can’t focus on anything or anyone fully when this is weighing on you.Visit Marianne, or if Jonathan’s up for it, have everyone come to the house in Schoharie. Early holiday celebration.”
“He’ll balk.”
“Well, I don’t know Jonathan well, but something tells me he’ll do what the president tells him to.”
Candace chuckled.
Cassidy’s tone softened. “Take the pressure off everyone—yourself most of all. Besides, after the election, things will calm for a few beats. Good time to regroup.”
“Thanks, Cass.”
“I’ll look for the bonus in my next check. Or a wineglass.”
Candace laughed. “That’s not why you came in here.”
“I saw Shell when I got here.”
“Dare I ask?”
