My father was a doctor and volunteered whenever he could to lend a helping hand, or just to sit and have conversations with the patients. Not all of them were from this area, so they didn’t have regular visitors, and always welcomed our visits. My siblings and I had been coming here for years, and although our busy schedules meant we came at different times now, the visits didn’t stop. My favorite time to visit was during the holidays. There was no better gift than to share your time with someone who needed companionship, especially if they were alone during that tough time of year.
Speaking to these brave men and women always filled me with gratitude. They’d been through so much, and although they engaged in battle when they were deployed, some of them still battled here—either with their own demons due to PTSD, or with bureaucracy. I made mental notes of their needs and did my best to address what I could. These people had served well, putting our country and our freedom before themselves and their families, and they deserved all the help we could give them.
For those ready to reenter the work force, I did my best to get them jobs, or at least leads for employment. One woman, Jennifer, had suffered a spinal injury, but thanks to physical therapy she received here, she had fully recovered. She now worked at Josh’s restaurant as a part-time sous chef while she attended culinary school.
This was the way I was raised. Our parents taught us to help people when we were able and to never be judgmental. It was never a question of why; it was a question of why not.
• • •
When I left the hospital, I headed to campaign headquarters for a meeting with Ben. Although my campaign was in its early stages, we’d already rented office space and had set up a headquarters.
I was early, so I sat at my desk, which was much smaller and less ostentatious than the one in my office on Capitol Hill, and went over my campaign schedule for the coming week. Ben had a packed schedule for me; apparently he didn’t get the hint when I told him I didn’t want to go full throttle into campaign mode until after the primary in June.
But true to his nature, Ben had a different plan. His heart was in the right place since my most likely opponent and the current forerunner on the Democratic ticket, Fredrik Grissett, was making the rounds. Grissett was known to play hardball. He’d toss his own mother under the bus if it meant getting elected.
It didn’t help that our high schools had been rivals. He was the quarterback for their team when we crushed them in the state championship in my senior year. Apparently he still held a grudge; according to Ben, Grissett was going to come after me, no holds barred.
When Ben walked into my office and dropped into the seat opposite my desk, the stormy look on his face gave me an indication of his mood. Frowning at me, he didn’t even say hello before he went on the attack.
“So, when were you going to tell me you went on a date to the Nationals game?”
And that tone of disapproval is exactly why I didn’t tell you, I thought.
“How did you know I did that? Are you having me followed?” I chuckled, but was only half kidding and more than half curious.
“No, but I did watch it on TV. In the sixth inning when the ball was hit to center field, I saw you sitting between Josh and the schoolteacher.” He glared at me. “Do you know how lucky you are that the announcers and the cameraman didn’t realize it was you? You can’t just go on dates without getting a background check.”
My head snapped toward him. “No. No background check. I’ve told you before, I want to be the one to find out about her. Can’t you understand that?”
I clenched my teeth as I bit back my anger. Ben was like a dog with a bone. He’d most likely run a check anyway, if he hadn’t already started.
“Senator, with all due respect, how well do you know her?” When he saw the look on my face, his expression gentled, as well as his tone. “Look, Drake, I know you value your reputation, or you wouldn’t always have Gretchen posing as your date at events. So tell me, why during this election year you want to take a chance?”
Because she’s worth it.
I rubbed the back of my neck. “Just for once, let me handle things. What do you think she’s done? Gone to jail?” Knowing he only had my best interest at heart, I took a cleansing breath before adding, “Thank you for your concern, Ben. If I need anything, you’ll be the first to know.”
Ben nodded without saying a word. That was all the confirmation I received, but it was enough for me to know he understood—or he better have.
After we went over the schedule for the coming week, finalizing a few future events at my office and the logistics that went along with them, I headed home.
My brownstone was in the Capitol Hill district, which made my daily commute a breeze. But now that I had an interest in the Northern Virginia area, I wished I’d moved there instead.
At the thought of Lucy, I grabbed my phone and called her. With each unanswered ring, the pounding in my chest strengthened. Her voice was sweet on her voice mail message, and I waited for it to end so I could leave mine.
“Hi, Lucy, it’s Drake. I had a great time at the game, and I hope you did too. Call me when you get a chance.”
I tossed my phone beside me on the couch and leaned my head back, resting as I turned on the TV and tuned it to SportsCenter.
About twenty minutes later and just before the Top 10 Plays segment, my phone rang.
Lucy.
“Hey there,” I said, and instantly second-guessed myself. Who answers the phone like that, you idiot? But when she let out a cute giggle, I mentally sighed in relief.
“Hi, Drake. I meant to call you earlier to thank you for the game last night. I had fun and really enjoyed meeting your family. They’re wonderful.”
Her enthusiasm seemed genuine, and it warmed me from the inside out. Family was the most important thing to me, and if the person I was interested in didn’t like mine, it would be a deal breaker.
“I’m glad to hear that. They really liked you too.”
She sighed. “I’m glad.”
“So, since everyone likes each other, how about coming with me tomorrow to my parents’ house?”
When she said nothing for a moment, I tried again.
“My family gets together every Sunday to have an early dinner together. We’re all so busy, but that seems to be the best time for all of us. It’s relaxed and informal, and I’d love for you to come with me.”
After another small pause, but not too long for me to worry, she said, “I’d like that.”
“Great. I’ll be at your place at noon. And, Lucy?”
“Yes?”
“I’m turning my phone off so you can’t call to cancel.” I chuckled, and she matched it with a laugh.
“Fine. No canceling. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“’Bye, Lucy.”
“Drake?” Her sweet voice made me want to keep her on the phone all night. Or better yet, to go to her place and spend all night there.
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
I hung up and went back to watching ESPN until sleep claimed me.
• • •
Sunday promised to be a beautiful sunny day. Since I normally woke at the crack of dawn, I went to early Mass before changing and going for my morning jog near the Washington Monument. I loved this city and the amount of history it held.
But as my feet pounded the pavement today, all I could think about was getting to Lucy’s. When tourists began to fill the streets, snapping pictures here and there, I pulled the brim of my cap down low and made my way back home.
Just after noon, I picked up Lucy at her apartment. We were on our way to my parents’ house when I noticed her staring off into space as she twirled the ends of her hair between her fingers.