asking what might attract a middle-aged guy to a hot younger woman? Earth to Cassidy…”
“Sorry, it’s late. But anyway—”
“You said something in your text about runner-ups?”
“No shortage of seriously attractive guys in this campaign. Between the adorable strategy guy in New York, the hunky advance man and the hotties on the plane, it’s like a cute guy buffet.”
“Okay, see you when you get back. At least now I know who the competition for Becker is. I’ll have to go to DEFCON 1.”
And where Ripley is concerned, that means seriously dressing up for her volunteer job. Her “A” game will turn mine into an “F”.
***
I’m already buckled in for the flight home and watching through the window as the Senator gives a last minute interview on the tarmac to a TV crew with Frank standing at his side. Becker wraps it up and shakes hands with the reporter and photographer before heading toward the plane. Frank enters first and walks toward the seat next to me.
But I’m laser locked on the front of the cabin. Senator Becker steps into the center aisle and hands Jessica his coat. She hangs it up, turns around and gives him a big hug.
He hugs her back with a big smile on his face, then kisses her on the cheek as Frank plops down next to me.
“They’re not terribly discreet, are they?” he says, shaking his head as he stares at them. “Someone should say something.”
“No kidding.” I’m still looking at the front of the plane where they’ve broken the embrace but Becker is now holding her hands. “Frank, I realize I’m new and this is probably not my place to say this, but don’t you think you should be the one to do something about it?”
“Yeah, I know.”
“I mean, it’s only a matter of time before we have reporters on the plane and they see it. Aren’t you worried about his image? How old is she?”
“Nineteen.”
“Good God, Frank, people can’t see the next President running around with a teenager.”
“What can I say, he likes ’em young.” Frank leans over and lowers his voice as the Senator heads toward the back of the plane. “No one’s had the guts to talk to him about it. Including me.”
Becker smiles at me as he passes. “Great job last night, Cassidy.”
“Thank you, Senator,” I say. He opens the door behind me and disappears into the meeting room. (Or should we call it the multi-purpose room?)
“You know,” says Frank, “I think we’d all consider it a personal favor if you’d say something.”
“Me? Are you out of your mind? I’m not going to tell the Senator he’s looking like a cradle robber. I hardly know the guy.”
“I meant say something to her. Maybe coming from a woman she doesn’t really know it might sink in. Go on, you’re not shy about saying anything. Go talk to her.”
I’m not wild about the idea, but I know how reporters think. And if a member of the media sees that kind of behavior with a woman that young, Becker is done. Besides, we need to keep the dream alive for American women that he’s available. I get up and walk toward Jessica, who is busy locking things away for takeoff.
She turns to face me and smiles. “If you want something to drink, I’ll bring it to you as soon as we’re airborne.”
I shake my head. “It’s not that.” I gently take her arm and pull her away from the aisle into the doorway so no one can see us. “It’s your… behavior.”
She furrows her brow. “Excuse me?”
“Look, I know you’re young and all but if the media sees you in a clench with the Senator, it won’t be good.”
Her face tightens a bit. “Really?”
“Sweetie, the media would eat it up, and not in a good way. It would be a huge scandal.”
“So I’m not allowed to hug my own uncle?”
To say my face is turning beet red is putting it mildly. “Oh my God…”
Jessica studies my expression for a moment, then smiles and starts to laugh. She grabs my hand. “You thought… Uncle Will and I—”
“Please ask the pilot to make an emergency landing at the nearest hospital so I can have my foot surgically removed from my mouth.”
She slowly nods. “Yeah, I know what this is about. Frank told you to say something, didn’t he?”
“How’d you know?”
“He basically initiates new people into the campaign with a practical joke. I’ve seen some good ones but this takes the cake.” She looks around to make sure no one’s listening. “You gotta get even.”
“Oh, trust me, Jessica, I will. Payback will be a stone cold bitch.”
“And just so you know, we’re a really close family. Uncle Will is my mom’s brother, and when my dad passed away he helped raise me. He’s been like a father to me. I really don’t want to be a flight attendant but he only wants people he can trust on the plane.”
“That’s nice to hear. Anyway, I’m sorry this happened.”
“Nothing to apologize for. I’m used to it. Nothing is sacred on this campaign so it’s good preparation for the real world.”
“By the way, may I ask how old you are?”
“Twenty-five. Why?”
“You’re mature beyond your years.”
“Thank you. Oh, we’re about to take off, so you need to buckle up.”
“Sure thing.”
“And please let me know if I can help you get some revenge.”
I turn and head back to my seat staring daggers at Frank, while the rest of the passengers are biting their lips and doing their best not to laugh. “Okay, guys, you’ve had your fun.” Everyone bursts into laughter as I pass them and take my seat, then look at Frank. “I will get even.”
“I would expect nothing less.” He extends his hand. “Welcome to the campaign, Twitter Girl.”
Jessica’s voice comes over the intercom as the plane’s engines fire up. “Please fasten your seat belts as we’re about to take off. Once we’re at a cruising altitude I’ll be bringing coffee through the cabin. And I cannot guarantee what will be in it… Frank.”
Oh, I like this gal.
I sit back and melt into the soft leather seat and just as I’m about to flip my phone to airplane mode, it beeps with a text.
And
