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Chapter three
Kasey
Theplaceispacked, and naturally, we aren’t starting on time. I glance to my left and spot one of Gus’s buddies who works for the Philly Times, Ralph Thompson. If Gus is a relic of newspaper days gone by, this guy is the ancient artifact sitting right next to him. But God love him, he reminds me of my grandfather, always quick with a smile and a compliment for the ladies.
“Hi there, doll,” he says to me. Oh yeah, he’s also stuck in the nineteen fifties. I can’t be mad about it, though. The man is as nice as can be and means no harm.
“Good morning, Ralph. How’ve you been?”
“Can’t complain, honey. You’re looking lovely as ever.”
What a flirt, this guy.
“Gus has you covering the Hayes kid, huh?”
“Yup. Seems that way. He wants a one-on-one too. Have you had any luck getting in touch with his people?”
“No, but I know they’ve been swamped today with his announcement of running. From what I hear, Hayes isn’t too fond of the spotlight,” he says.
“Well, he certainly picked the wrong profession for that.” I have to shake my head at the idea of a politician not enjoying being center stage. That’s a huge part of the job, and most thrive there.
“That he did, sweetheart,” Ralph replies.
Donovan is certain to be in the spotlight after this presser. What’s better than the story of a man who takes over his family’s political dynasty after the sudden retirement of his father following a heart attack? He’s sure to be the press’ golden boy after today. Too bad I have no interest in covering it. Everyone will want this guy to win. I can tell by looking around at all the eager faces of the other reporters here. They’re going to take it easy on him because they all loved his father, Gerald, when he was in office. He may make a prominent senator, but he’s too squeaky clean for my tastes for a story.
Ralph and I exchange a few more pleasantries. He gives me an update on the wife, kids, and grandkids. When is this damn thing going to start? I can only show interest in small talk for a certain amount of time, and I need another caffeine fix. I adore Ralph, but I’m feeling very impatient today. I see Susan and Gerald Hayes walk on the stage, followed by Jackson Hayes. Gerald steps up to the small podium they have set up and smiles at the crowd.
“Good morning, everyone. Seems the weather is still holding up, so we’ll get right to it. It has been a several decades long honor for myself and my family to represent and serve the people of Pennsylvania. We are now looking forward to that same honor being given to our oldest son. Allow me to introduce the next senator of the great state of Pennsylvania, Donovan Hayes.”
The crowd of seasoned reporters claps. I hope for Donovan’s sake that Gerald goes on the campaign trail with his son. People have always been drawn to Gerald Hayes. There’s something about him that screams at you to trust him. That he’s a man of the people, even with his millions in the bank.
Enter the candidate himself, Donovan Hayes. Confidence and charisma roll off him in waves as he crosses the stage and shakes his father’s hand, leaning in to speak to him. I’ve never seen him in person, and I have to say I’m impressed. He walks across the stage like he owns it, giving off an energy of self-assuredness and composure.
“Thank you, Dad, and thank you to everyone who came out today. I have always loved Pennsylvania, and I am a Philly boy, born and raised. It is an honor to be here today to announce my official run for Senator of Pennsylvania. This state needs powerful leaders the people can count on to hear them. We want job security, not just the rich guys at the top, but for all Pennsylvanians to know that industry is welcome here, and I will do everything in my power to bring those companies here to create more jobs in our state. We want safe neighborhoods for our kids and we want our children to go to schools that are rated higher than any in the country. With the education initiatives I plan to bring forward, we can accomplish this and so much more. We are the state of virtue, liberty, and independence. That is our motto that I live by, and the qualities I will take to Washington with me. I have seen firsthand, as the son of a congressman, the dedication and focus it takes to be successful and serve the people of Pennsylvania. This is a calling I take to heart and I promise that it’s the interests of the people, not the interests of the Washington elite, that have always been, and always will be, my focus as your senator. Thank you all. We have time for some questions.”
Wow, this guy is good. Short, sweet, and to the point. He speaks with a conviction and passion I didn’t think was possible coming from him. Admittedly, I don’t know too much about Donovan Hayes or the Hayes family, in general. The research I did this morning certainly didn’t cover the sex on a stick vibe this guy gives off. I have to remember that I’m a reporter here covering his press conference because damn! Abigail is right. This guy is eye candy for us all. So much for the boring trust fund kid I thought he was. His tailored navy suit sets off his dark blue eyes surrounded by thick lashes, and he has a beard that’s not quite a five o’clock shadow but not full-on mountain man either.
I am feeling all kinds of unprofessional things right now. What is it with men and beards? I can’t help but think of how that beard would feel under my lips and in other places. Or of how dark those blue eyes would get as he watched me slowly take off his suit jacket and loosen his tie… Whoa, Kasey, get ahold of yourself, for God’s sake. You’re here to do a job, not fantasize about the subject of your next story.
All right, head in the game. I raise my hand high to ask a question.
Donovan calls on me next. “Yes, in the back, please.”
“Thank you. Kasey Albright with the Philadelphia Sun. Mr. Hayes, you talk about education initiatives. Will one initiative you bring to the floor be a school choice initiative?”
He smiles and just looks at me for a beat. I could be imagining it or it could be wishful thinking, but there’s something in his gaze that makes me flush down to my toes. Probably just my imagination. Blue eyes and beards are my kryptonite after all.
“Miss Albright, my hope for our schools is there won’t need to be a school choice. I hope we can properly fund them all so they have the resources they need to be successful in educating our children, using the latest technology and the many resources available to all educators. That way you and your husband don’t have to make a choice to send your children to a school out of your area.”
“I’m not married and no kids,” I blurt. Good Lord, girl, he was not asking if you’re married or if you have kids. Why would I say that? He was just answering the question. This is turning out to be embarrassing and in front of all my colleagues, no less. Not like me at all.
“Thank you,” I reply quickly. This was a blip. No one noticed. Maybe if I keep telling myself that it will come true. God, I can’t believe I just said that. This is a face palm moment if there ever was one.
He takes a couple more questions, then the press conference wraps up. I would say it went well for his first presser and was only mildly embarrassing for me. While Donovan is shaking hands and not kissing babies—this really isn’t a bring your kid to work kind of thing—I look for Sean Sealy, the head of Donovan’s PR team. I see him off to the side of the stage, chatting with another reporter.
“Hi, Sean, I’m Kasey Albright with the Philadelphia Sun. I’d like to set up a meeting with Mr. Hayes this week before he hits the campaign trail if it’s possible.”
“Yes. Hi, Miss Albright, who is unmarried with no kids,” he replies.
My face instantly flames. So, not just a slight blip that no one caught then, I think to myself as I laugh to diffuse my embarrassment.
“Yeah, that would be me.” I smile, trying to make light of the situation. Gah, what a way to make a first impression. Why on earth would this guy let his candidate interview with me? He must think I’m a complete novice or some ridiculous fan girl.
“I know Mr. Hayes has some free time tomorrow evening before he leaves town the next morning. Say five o’clock?”
I’m shocked. Okay, so maybe he is willing to give me a shot, thank God. If Gus found out about my slip-up today and I didn’t get an interview scheduled, he would never consider me a serious reporter.
“Thank you, Sean. I’ll be in touch to confirm the time and place tomorrow.”
“Sounds good, Miss Albright. Have a good rest of your day.” He turns around to speak to another reporter, and I am apparently dismissed.
On my way back to the office, I’m feeling slightly better about my little snafu during the press conference and pretty damn pleased with myself that I could score an interview with Hayes. Maybe a little celebrating with my sister is in order for tonight. Hopefully, by tomorrow I can figure out a way to not act like a schoolgirl when she talks to her crush in the halls. There is something about him that has my mind wandering to all the places that are totally inappropriate considering he’s a senatorial hopeful and I’m writing a story about him and his campaign. Damn, but he is a beautiful man. Yes, a drink is definitely in order for this evening.
Donovan
