The Hot Guy at the GOP Debate (6 page)

“
Ok
Mac,” she said meekly. So, it's back to the convention center,
she thought, the last place she wanted to go just now – back to
the scene of the crime! Mac had been so kind and patient with her
when she had begged him not to run a story on Alex. He was a tough
boss, but deep down, she knew he was a softie, and he knew the
heartache she had been through. When she had broken down and told him
what had happened that night with Alex, he agreed to kill the story.
She was grateful that he did not fire her, and she did not ever want
to let him down again!

Jacey
put herself together, then went to the mirror to do her makeup. She
gasped when she saw her reflection. How had she had aged so much in
the past several weeks, she wondered. She resisted the temptation to
over-rouge in an effort to hide her sadness. “The tears (and
cheeks) of a clown...” she sang in homage to the old Smokey
Robinson classic. Well, at least I'm singing again, that's a good
sign, she assured herself.

She
decided to take a cab downtown rather than drive. It would be less
taxing, and she could always get some quick shuteye on they way.

Ray
was waiting for her near the entrance. “Hey girl, so nice to
see you! It's been a while since we've been on assignment together,”
he said greeting her with a big hug.

“
Ray,
you have no idea how happy I am to see your friendly face,” she
said with genuine affection.

“
Let's
get some photos inside first, we're supposed to meet with the general
manager at noon, he said looking at his watch. We've got exactly one
minute. Let's get crackin',” he said grabbing her arm and
walking her briskly inside and down the hall to the main office.

Of
course, we have to start with the office, she thought – the
place I never wanted to see again!

“
Here
we go,” Ray said as he opened the door for her.

Jacey
took a deep breath and walk full steam ahead into the office. She
stopped suddenly, gasping in fear and confusion!

“
Hi
Jacey, it's nice to see you again,” Elizabeth said.

“
Wh--what
are you doing here,” Jacey stammered.

“
I
was sorry that you ran away the other night before you could speak
with my husband. Alex told me all about you. How you shared an
evening here, and that the two of you had a special connection.”

Jacey
froze in horror. “I'm so sorry, I didn't know, I swear I didn't
know he was married!” she stammered. She looked to Ray for
support, but he stood there silently avoiding her eyes.

“
It's
okay, that sort of thing happens all the time. I really should be
used to it by now,” Elizabeth said calmly.

“
What?
He does this all the time? I'm sorry, but your husband is a creep!
Why do you put up with that behavior? You're obviously a beautiful,
intelligent woman, you could easily find someone who will treat you
better than that!” Jacey began to hyperventilate.

There
was a sudden knock on the door, and an older man poked his head in,
“Elizabeth, I think it's time to introduce me,” he said.

“
I
think you're right,” she said turning to Jacey. “I'd like
you to meet my husband, Eduardo.” she said with a smile.

“
This
is your husband? But I thought Alex, I mean I thought ….”

“
Yes
we know what you thought, Jacey...” Alex said with a laugh, as
he suddenly appeared from behind the door. You saw us posing for
pictures and you just assumed...

“
Wait
a minute,” Jacey said shaking her head. “So...this was
all a set up?”

“
I'd
prefer to call it a fun little prank... and a well-deserved one at
that – not telling me you were a reporter!”

“
So
you're not still mad at me?” She asked nervously.

“
No.
After my sister, Elizabeth, found your 'apology flowers' I called
your boss and he confirmed to me that you refused to run the story.
Then together we concocted this little scheme.”

“
Mac
was in on this?” She was astonished. “But what about the
historical story?” She turned to Ray who had a sheepish
expression on his face. “You knew about this!” she
exclaimed.

“
Sorry
Jacey,” he said with an apologetic shrug.

“
So
Jacey,” Alex said, touching her shoulders, and looking deeply
into her eyes. “There is something I would like to ask you...”

“
Here
you go,” Elizabeth said, handing him a bouquet of red rosebuds,
which he held out to Jacey, as Ray's camera clicked away, capturing
the moment.

“
Jacey
Smith, do you want to make me the happiest man in the convention
hall, by agreeing to start all over and let this budding romance
blossom?”

Jacey
smiled so brightly that all her sadness melted away. Tears of joy
streamed down her face, as Alex took her in his arms, kissing her
deeply and passionately. She felt her body go weak in his embrace.
I'm swooning again, she thought helplessly, as she whispered
breathlessly in his ear, “I do!”

*
* * *