“The appearance in the school went viral. You’re riding high right now in the polls, especially among young voters.”
“That’s always good to hear.” My phone beeps and I pick it up, glancing down at the screen.
Boo: You’re a celebrity.
“Something good?” Carl asks. I peer up at him over my phone, and he’s quirking an eyebrow in curiosity.
“Just a message from a constituent.”
He’s pacified and returns to his paperwork. “They can’t get enough of you.”
“Yep.” I unlock my phone to send her a quick reply.
Me: I’ve already been informed.
Boo: I think you almost need a fan club.
Me: Want to be the president?
Boo: I’m your biggest fan.
No matter what’s going on around me, and how crazy the chaos becomes, she gives me a reason to smile. I chuckle softly, forgetting all about Carl.
“Is there something going on I should know about?”
I switch my phone off and place it facedown again. “Nothing at all. Just checking out some of the social media posts.”
Carl slams his fist down on the table and grunts. “Goddamn it. Who’s in charge of the travel accommodations?” he yells toward the back of the bus.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, stretching my arms across the back of the booth cushion.
“Someone’s getting fired over this shit.” The vein near his temple is protruding, and I can almost see it pulsate. “They booked us at Preston’s hotel again.”
It’s like the clouds have parted. I need to tell the travel assistant to keep up the good work. “It’s not a big deal.”
Jonathan, a newbie to the campaign, walks toward the front with his face hung in shame. “I did, sir. Is there a problem?”
“You booked us in the same hotel as the Preston campaign. Mr. Titan cannot work under these circumstances. You need to find us new rooms as soon as possible, or you’re fired.”
Jonathan peers at me, but he doesn’t lift his head. “Everything else is booked,” he says in a shaky voice.
“Cancel it, we’ll stay on the bus.”
“Jonathan,” I say and stare Carl down. “Leave the hotel rooms. It’s not the end of the world to be at the same hotel. We’ve done it before and survived. We can do it again. Keep up the good work.”
Jonathan’s head rises, and I can see the surprise on his face. “Thank you, sir. I won’t let it happen again.”
“Thank you,” I tell him with a smile. “You’re doing a good job.”
He smiles before walking toward the back of the bus with his head held a little higher than before.
“He’s doing a shitty job, and you know it.” Carl is trying to contain his anger, rubbing his hands together on top of the table.
I wave him off. “It’s one night, Carl. I can use it to my advantage.”
He sighs, puffing out his cheeks. “How?”
“I can get into Preston’s head a little. Throw her off before we even get to the debate.”
