The corners of his mouth start to curve as if he’s going to laugh, but he smothers it quickly. “Am I really the first person who’s told you this bill is dead in the water? You think legislation imposing new regulations on businesses is going to pass in a Republican-controlled Congress?” His tone clearly communicates:You can’t be that dumb.
“It will if we can get enough Republicans on board.”
“I see.” He nods gravely, steepling his fingers under his chin. “So who have you gotten so far?”
I walked right into that one.
I hesitate, but there’s no point in lying. He could find out without much digging. “Callahan and Roscoe.”
“They’re lying.”
“They’renotlying,” I snap. “They’re considering it.”
His phone starts buzzing on his desk but he ignores it. “Well, it sounds like you’d prefer me to BS you, so Senator Hammond will take this under advisement. We’ll let you know,” he drawls.
My frustration builds into outright fury. Even in the egotistical cesspool that is the DC swamp, this guy sets a new benchmark for repulsive behavior. I can’t believe these are the people I have to grovel to.
His next words make me wonder if he can read my mind.
“Look, maybe I was a little abrupt,” he concedes, pinching the bridge of his nose, “but I’ve had a long day and just thought I’d save us both some time. Would you rather I let you go on and on about a bill I know Hammond will never support?”
Apparently that’s his apology.
“Nowyou’re so concerned about my time?”
“I amverysorry I was late,” he says evenly. “Though I suppose I should have told everyone that my appointment about a doomed child care bill was more important than rewriting the tax code?”
My mouth drops open but no sound comes out.
“Too abrupt again?” He smirks.
I can only gawk at him. He’s rendered me mute.
Ben leans forward, seemingly more interested now that I’m melting down in front of him. He’s like a hunter, sensing my distress and looking to step on my neck.
“Is this your first bill, Ms. Adams? Because you seem to be taking this very personally.”
I finally recover my voice. “Is this your first time conversing withanother human? Because this has got to be the most condescending conversation I’ve ever had.”
“Sorry, I’m incapable of bullshit. Hazard of the job.”
“Is one of the hazards also being completely closed-minded? Or is that just one of the many hazards of being a Republican?”Good one, Kate.I do a mental fist pump.
That earns me a scowl. “I notice you didn’t answer my question.”
“My previous experience is irrelevant to this meeting.”
His mouth turns up in that smirk again. I wish I could smack it off. I’d leave an angry red handprint on his big stupid face.
I glare until he throws his hands up in surrender.
“Fine. You’re right, I kept you waiting, so it’s only fair for me to give you some time. Why don’t you tell me why I’m wrong about this bill? Let’s see if you can change my mind.” He folds his hands on his desk like an angelic schoolboy, though his tone communicates that this is all a big waste of time.
Even so, I seize my opportunity. “You can’t make a snap judgment on the bill without knowing the specifics. This is a bipartisan issue. Rising child care costs are a major pain point for families, especially those living under the median income. Lack of access to affordable care is the number one reason women drop out of the workforce.”
“I’m well aware that the child care system needs overhauling. There’s a GOP-backed bill already introduced that tackles this via tax credits and flexible spending accounts. Now,there’sa bill Hammond will support.”
“That bill doesn’t go far enough. Ours ensures universal access to high-quality preschool programs for all three- and four-year-olds, including children with disabilities, as well as earmarking funds for teacher training.”
