Poppy bobs her head up and down. “I’d like to know that too.”
“We’ll figure us out later. We’ve got time for that.” Noli shoots me a shy smile, and I think my heart just grew inside my chest. It must be pressing against my lungs, because I’m having trouble breathing. In that one look, I see a future. I see kids running around at the beach, and Noli and me cuddling up next to the fire. I see bowling dates and Sunday morning coffee at the Getaway Café—extra whipped cream for my girl. I can see it all, and I want it all. It takes everything in me not to wrap her in my arms and beg her to be my wife for real.
Before I can do something rash, she goes on.
“I’m more concerned about what he’s going to do regarding the election. Have you guys read the comments on the article? What’re people saying?”
Poppy bites her lip. “Feedback has been pretty brutal.”
“Local news stations have picked up the story. Of course Lloyd McDermit has had plenty to say.” Rose widens her eyes. “What’s with that guy? Is he as annoying as his name makes him sound?”
Noli bursts out laughing next to me.
“You didn’t hear it from me, but…” I cut myself off and shrug.
We all chuckle, but Noli turns serious first. “Can we salvage this?”
“Maybe we lay low. Ride it out, and hope it blows over,” I say.
“The election is only a few weeks away.” Rose sounds skeptical, and my spirits sink.
“I’m no campaign manager…” Poppy taps her chin. “But I have watchedThe American Presidentwith Michael Douglas and Annette Bening more times than I can count.”
I arch a brow. I’m not familiar with the movie.
“Michael J. Fox is epic as the president’s policy assistant, and he argues through the whole film that the only reason the president’s opponent, a sleazy senator, is gaining any sort of favor in the media and with the public is because he’s the only one talking,” Poppy explains.
“You think he should give a statement?” Noli asks, deciphering the cryptic movie reference for me.
Poppy nods, swiveling to look at me and softening her gaze. “You deserve to be elected, whether or not you’re a married man. If the people can’t see that, or don’t want to, that’s on them. But if you want your name to still be in the running, then you need to go out there and defend yourself.”
40
Some Speech
Noli
Itug at the hem of my black dress. I’m standing in the back of the conference room Collin’s team has procured for this pre-election speech. I check my watch. It’s almost five o’clock. I had to pull some major strings to get someone to cover my shift at the comm center, but I felt like it was important that I’m here tonight, in a show of solidarity and support.
Collin wanted me to stand up on stage with him, but I thought it was best to not be front and center—less of a reminder of his deception to the Cashmere County people this way.
Who would have thought when we agreed to fake date each other that we’d wind up here. Life is weird. Throw politics in the mix and it only gets weirder.
Poppy joins me on one side, and Rose comes up on my other.
“How’re we doing, Noli?” Poppy asks as she loops her arm through mine.
“Fine, I think.” My gaze hasn’t left Collin. He’s sitting in the front row of the room with his head down, studying the papers on his lap. It’s his speech. We stayed up late last night, talking through it. He practiced it, in full, seven times for me. I could give the thing at this point, but I was happy to listen—anything to give him a boost of confidence heading into this presser.
Ashlyn approaches Collin. She’s wearing a smart pantsuit and killer red high heels to match her power-red lipstick. I have to fight the urge to frown. I’m trying to keep my face neutral as much as possible. I don’t want to appear smug. I don’t want to cower. So I’m going for the middle ground, but something aboutthe way that woman used us for her own ends really irks me. Little did I know one fateful plane ride to Pensacola would have such an impact on my life.
“Wasn’t that woman at your wedding?” Rose asks.
I nod and look on as Collin exchanges some words with Ashlyn. Judging from his stiff posture, he feels about as happy to see her as I do. But what can we do? I only hope she gives Collin a fair shot in the follow-up she’ll likely publish for the paper tomorrow.
Ashlyn takes her seat.
“Looks like it’s show time.” Poppy gives my arm a squeeze.
