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This was exactly what Bennett and his team had been trained to do. It was making sense as to why he had come here. Now as to why he was still doing it, that was what was puzzling to me. “It is amazing that Tabiq is as...free now after what you told me. I would think that it would take centuries to overcome,” I said.
Reesa nodded. “It will take generations to fully heal. But you’re correct. We have made great progress. My fear is if the wrong person is elected to office, everything could be lost. I am not in office for any other reason than to save my country and my people. I would give my life for them,” she said firmly.
I looked at Bennett and knew he’d do the same.
“Reesa, I know we just met, but I make it my business to be able to read a person and their character. I would say that you are the right person to have in that seat. I’m sure my brother agrees.” Bennett nodded. “What makes you think any of your opponents have a chance against you?” I asked, still trying to process everything she said, knowing damn well there was a lot she didn’t say.
“I can’t speak for any of the others seeking to be president, but I do know that intimidation, in order to win, is not unheard of in Tabiq,” she stated.
“And you believe that is taking place now?” I asked.
“Your brother has informed me of a couple of...people who arenothappy with the direction Tabiq is going.”
Not exactly a confirmation, but I understood what she was trying to get at. “You mean thriving?” I asked.
“That is one aspect of it. But I’m a woman. I’m in charge. Some of them will never accept that,” Reesa stated, sounding disgusted. “But I want the next generation of women to know that they are equals and as valued as any man. That what a person can or can’t be is not based on gender.”
Ah. Equal rights. A battle that is never-ending. Even in the US, we have struggles that still need to be addressed, and too many people pretend as though everything is okay. But what Reesa was fighting was different from what we were doing back home. “You being president now has shown them just that. And from what you said, it sounds as though Tabiq needs to be reminded of exactly that,” I said.
She gasped. “You want me to bring up the painful past?” I nodded. “It’s what we are all trying to overcome. Don’t we want them to think about the bright future ahead of them?”
“Yes. But I stand by my statement. Even though it will be difficult, I think you should run your campaign reminding people of what was then and what is now. Let them see how far Tabiq has come. Remind them of everything you have personally done to help get them here. Once you have accomplished that, then you can talk about what you foresee for the future. For the generations to come. A stronger, more stable Tabiq.”
Reesa looked at Bennett and said, “He’s good.”
“He is good at his job, but he is not a campaign manager. I wouldn’t take all his advice, even though he has some good ideas. I suggest that you still seek out someone who does it professionally,” Bennett stated.
I cocked a brow. “Thanks, brother. I appreciate that. But as I mentioned, marketing is all about sales. Reesa needs to sell her ability to the people. She needs to build her trademark. I’m sure everyone in the country knows her name, but do they really know her? Do they know the passion that drives her? Because that’s what she needs to show them. As she said, she would give her life for this country. Let them know that. Let them feel that. They need to believe that.”
Selling was my business, and now I’m selling my own skills.
“How long are you in Tabiq?” she asked.
“Three weeks, well a little closer to two. I forgot to count the last three days because I haven’t been allowed to do much other than wait for my checkup at the hospital.” Time was going by too fast, and if I weren’t diligent, I would be leaving Tabiq without the answers I’d come seeking. That would be really disappointing. Not just for me, but for all of my family back home. I’d made some progress in this meeting, but there was a lot yet to learn. “Why?” I already knew what she was about to say.
She folded her hands on her desk and leaned towards me. “Because I really think you could help me prepare for some of the meetings I have scheduled.”So do I.“It is different this time around. Before they were comparing me to the old ways. But now they are going to be looking at me, at my track record, and I need to give them a lot more. Would you be willing to spend some of your remaining vacation giving me some guidance? I will compensate you for your time.”
You are and you don’t even know it. Helping you is helping me. “I’d be happy too. No need to pay me. It’s not like there is much more I can do while I’m recovering,” I said.
She had a huge smile that looked to be a sign of relief. I understood why. Reesa was right. To be reelected was different. The people who liked you would probably vote for you again, but it was the ones who weren’t sure or hadn’t given much thought about it that could be easily swayed to vote for her opponent. This was a critical time for her with only a few months left before the election. You can have a great product, but never got it off the ground because no one knows about it.
“I can’t thank you enough,” she said. “I can’t wait till I tell my husband Finn the good news. He’s been telling me that I needed to have someone who could look at this with a fresh set of eyes. And that’s exactly what you’re bringing,” she sighed, appearing to be more relaxed than she was when I first arrived.
“I heard he’s traveling right now.”
“Yes. His mother needed open heart surgery and he traveled back to Ireland to be with her. I’m hoping that he returns before you leave for the States. I’d like him to meet you,” she stated. “He’d love to show you the hospital.”
“I’ve seen it. Or should I say, some of it?” I pointed to the stitches on my head. “I need to stop in there after our meeting. Nurse Meri warned me that if I didn’t come to her, she’d come chasing after me.”
Reesa nodded. “Nurse Meri wasn’t joking. She really takes care of her patients seriously. I have a great idea. Why don’t I have her come by here, and you and I can continue our discussion while waiting for her?” she suggested. “This will give us time to get to know each other better.”
Seeing Meri again appealed to me, but I’d much rather she come to my suite. Bennett told me that she was hands-off, but he’d said that about many women I’d dated, and I never listened. It wasn’t like anything was going to happen between us. But hell, she was easy on the eyes, and I wouldn’t mind enjoying her company.
I didn’t even need to look at Bennett to know he wasn’t a fan of Reesa’s suggestion. He obviously didn’t want me alone with Reesa. Funny, because he was the one who had mentioned Reesa needing my help. Did he think she wasn’t going to want it?Sorry brother, but I know my shit and she has figured that out too.
“I can bring him to the hospital if she needs to examine Ryker again,” Bennett stated.
“There is no need. I’m sure Nurse Meri can give him a ride back to the resort once we are through,” Reesa stated. “It will also give me a chance to touch base with her and see if she is encountering any problems that I need to be aware of.”
