“Part of me misses talking about fashion every day at a microscopic level,” she confesses. “Not just the trends, but the whys behind them. I’d spend hours in meetings about jewelry or hats, listening to my editors pitching articles about fresh ways to cover them.”
She shrugs. “But now, I never have to do anything I don’t want to do. As a magazine publisher, I had to sit through lots of meetings that weren’t my cup of tea.”
“Meetings are my life when I’m here,” I say.
“And most of them must be with blowhard politicians who like nothing more than the sound of their own voice.”
She wrinkles her nose with distaste, and I laugh.
“There’s definitely some of that,” I admit.
“So, do you talk to your husband about your work?”
“Some. We both try to avoid the things we know will cause a fight.”
Andrea arches a brow. “Between a Republican and a Democrat, isn’t thateverything?”
“Not really. Jude and I actually agree on a lot. Too many people in politics focus on what divides us rather than what unites us.”
The waiter approaches, and Andrea nods her approval for two more glasses of wine. Fortunately, my next meeting is with my boss, who knows I’m here and will be thrilled the meeting is running late.
“Tell me some of the things you agree on,” she says, looking at me over the rim of her glasses.
“Let’s see…equality. Jude served with people of all races and backgrounds, and he firmly believes we all deserve the same rights and opportunities.”
Andrea is studying me as she says, “Yes, we deserve that, but do wehaveit?”
“No. Not even close. One of the things I miss most about being a state rep was working for the marginalized.”
“A privileged white girl like you?”
“Yes. I was raised by a strong mother who came from a poor family. She reminded us often how fortunate we were. We volunteered at homeless shelters growing up, and those experiences really stayed with me.”
“Good for you.”
I thank the waiter for the glass of wine he sets down and continue. “Jude and I both believe in education. We’re for increased funding for public education, preschool, and college. Our country has a lot of bright kids who deserve the same opportunities kids from affluent areas have.”
“Agreed.” Andrea takes a sip of her wine. “What’s something you two disagree on?”
“Ah…we try not to talk about those things.” I laugh nervously.
“Worried I’ll leak it to the media?” She gives me a shrewd look.
My cheeks warm at the way she read my mind.
“Don’t worry, dear. I avoid the media above all others. And you know I keep to myself. Our conversation stays between us. You have my word.”
“I trust you.” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear and clear my throat. “Gun control is something Jude and I never discuss. And while I may not agree with his views, I do respect them. His military service is part of why he feels the way he does, and as someone who didn’t serve, I don’t think I get to judge his views.”
“Spoken like a true diplomat.” Andrea smiles at me across the table.
“I know some politicians double-talk. My father used to say that believing in everything is the same as believing in nothing. I’m not trying to talk my way around anything, I just think that we’re never going to get anywhere if we keep belittling others and taking hard-line stances. Compromise is everything. Not just in politics, but in life.”
“And when are you running for office again?” Andrea’s eyes twinkle as she speaks. “You’ve got my vote.”
“Ah, that’s awfully nice, Mrs. Matisse.”
“Andrea, remember?”
