Page 32

“Yes, please,” she looks down awkwardly and crosses her arms. “Sorry if I interrupted your routine. I always start my mornings with yoga.”

“No, you’re fine. I’m glad that you’re making yourself at home,” I say with a smile. “On weekdays I go down to the gym, but I skip it on the weekends. You’re welcome to use the gym at the community center as well.” And then I won’t have to see you in your yoga shorts.

We head into the kitchen, and I start the coffee while Odette scrambles some eggs and bacon. It feels a little odd to have another person here; I have to admit. Jen and I never lived together, so I’ve been on my own since graduating from law school. I was comfortable with the solitude, but it’s also kind of nice to have company in this big apartment.

Over our breakfast, we pull out our phone calendars and go over my campaign schedule for the next few weeks. “Tomorrow is the press conference where I’ll announce my campaign to the public, and then on Wednesday, I have a speaking event at Wichita State University. It would be great if you could come with me to those. Oh, and my campaign team will help me hand out fliers this weekend.”

“And so it begins.” Odette smirks. She adds the events to her calendar. “Those should work. I would like to make it to see my parents every morning, but if there are any morning events this week, I can see them in the afternoon instead.”

She sighs and bites her bottom lip nervously. “It’s a little weird to sync our schedules like this, huh?”

I chuckle and run my hand through my hair. “It really is. I’m not used to planning around another person.”

“Well, I suppose we’ll get used to it, eventually?” She shrugs.

Scrolling through my Google calendar, I notice we have a few free evenings. “Hey, what if we try to fit in some time together each week? If we have to live together, we might as well get to know each other, right?

“True.” She smiles. “Sounds good to me.”

I rub the back of my neck and take a deep breath. “Once we get past the primaries in August, we can breathe, at least. These next nine months are going to be intense. Are you ready for it?”

She quirks an eyebrow at me. “Don’t forget that assisting politicians was my full-time job. I’ve missed it, actually. It’ll all be worth it when you’re a Congressman.”

I lean against the kitchen wall with my coffee mug in hand. “You really think I can win?”

She chuckles. “Of course! You’re one of the good ones. You’re genuine, kind, and you want to help. The voters can sense that.” She pauses, then smirks. “Why else would I agree to marry you?”

Because of my high-handed financial assistance. I push the thought away and wink at her. “My dazzling good looks, of course.”

“I am a sucker for a man who wears llama pajama pants.”

Surprised by her quick comeback, I belt out a laugh. She gives me a humorous pat on the back as she walks past me, back to her room.

Trying not to notice the way her hips sway in her little shorts, I glance down at my phone and see that I missed several texts from my family group chat. I roll my eyes and scroll through the messages.

Brooks: Madden, I have to know: did you figure out the whole “birds and bees” thing?

David: Brooks, leave him alone.

Sophie: Hey, Madden, you missed my announcement last night: Sam and I are expecting!

Brooks: Such amazing news. Chicks dig babies. It can be my little wingman/woman.

Dad: You will not use my grandchild to pick up women.

Me: Brooks, you’re ridiculous. *GIF of Robert Downey Jr. crossing his arms and rolling his eyes*

Me: And congrats, Sophie! That’s awesome.

Odette

Only Madden could wear flannel pants with Santa-hat-clad llamas plastered all over them and still look sexy. It’s infuriating. And his t-shirt? Why even wear a shirt if it’s so tight that I can see every chiseled muscle underneath?

I shake my head. The campaign. Focus on the campaign. That’s what I’m here for.

This year is going to be insanely busy. I’ll probably need to go shopping soon for a few outfits and dresses to wear to events. Shopping is not my area of expertise, so Kate will have to come with me. I shoot her a text while I’m thinking about it.

Me: Good morning!