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Balancing a congressional campaign and a new wife is so much more complicated than I had expected.

Chapter 16

Odette

My dad’s nurse usually comes in the morning at nine o’clock, so I arrive promptly at eight to get an entire hour of alone time with my parents. My early arrival definitely has nothing to do with avoiding my husband, of course.

It’s cathartic to sit here with my parents, eating breakfast and chatting–just what my heart needs. They look content here in their little duplex. But my parents have always been that sweet couple you see holding hands and doting on each other. They never had much money, but it didn’t matter because they truly loved each other. I sigh and take a sip of my coffee.

The mature adult deep down inside of me knows that I need to move past my irritation with Madden. I definitely don’t want to be one of those whiny, high-maintenance wives. But I can’t shake my hurt from the night before. I don’t expect romance, of course, but I hoped for friendship at least.

I’m so deep in thought that I don’t hear Mom calling my name until she waves her hand in front of my face. “Odette? Earth to Odette.”

I glance at her over the rim of my coffee mug. “Oh, sorry, Mom. I must need more coffee.”

Dad regards me curiously. “What’s going on in that mind of yours?”

I hesitate for a moment, contemplating how to answer honestly without giving too many details. My parents still think Madden and I married for love, much to my eternal guilt “It’s just… Madden is so busy with the campaign, and I truly understand that. But we had one evening we could have spent together, and he forgot all about it.”

Mom pats the top of my hand. “Oh, hon, I’m sorry. I can’t even imagine starting out a marriage while also campaigning.”

“You two will definitely have to face some unique challenges this year. Try to be patient with him,” Dad says gently.

“I know. I’m frustrated with myself for feeling upset about it. I think I’m just annoyed because I had been looking forward to a quiet evening together. He obviously didn’t care as much.” I shrug one shoulder.

“Well, the only thing you can do is communicate how you feel, even though you probably don’t feel like it. Behind every splendid marriage is an exhausting amount of communication. Believe me.” Mom gives Dad a wink from across the table.

“It’s true.” Dad chuckles. “I can’t count the times that Mom was angry with me and I didn’t know until she really spelled it out. Where is Madden today, anyway?”

“He’s with his team, handing out fliers and delivering yard signs to supporters.” I rest my chin in my hands.

Mom places her hand on my shoulder. “Odette, you know your father and I are always here to listen, but your husband is the one you should talk to. And if you want to spend time with him, jumping in with his campaign team might be just the way to do that.”

I look down at my feet, feeling ashamed for lying to them. Here they are giving me sincere, loving advice, when they don’t even know the reality of the situation. Slowly, I look back up, hoping my face doesn’t betray the shame I’m trying so desperately to hide. “You guys are right. I do need to talk to him.”

Dad grins. “Gotta rip off the band-aid, baby girl.”

When Dad’s nurse arrives, I hug my parents goodbye and send Madden a text asking where they are. He responds quickly with a Google Maps link.

Our marriage might not be typical, but we still have to live with each other and get along. So, hesitantly, I plug his location into my GPS and start driving that direction.

Madden

Odette didn’t explain why she wanted my location. I wonder if I should be nervous. She might drive by and egg all of my signs.

David and I map out our route as we walk. I want to get as many fliers out and talk with as many voters as we can. I want people to see that I truly care, that I want to have genuine conversations, which is why I’m out here doing the grunt work with my entire campaign team.

Suddenly, I hear a soft voice behind us. “Madden, David! Wait up.” We look over our shoulders and see Odette walking towards us.

David raises his eyebrows. “I’m guessing you two patched things up?”

“Not yet. I tried to talk to her last night, but she was already asleep.”

“You mean to tell me that you did nothing to appease your wife, and yet here she is with a smile on her face?”

I give him a teasing jab to the ribs. “Apparently. She’s clearly too good for me.”

He pats me on the back. “I think she’s the magical unicorn of women. Keep her around.”