Kitty Bell had predicted this back in February at the Democratic debate in Madison. Stone was widely considered the more traditional and, thereby, safe choice, while Lopez was seen as more exciting, but riskier.
Governor Cal Ashby of California had flamed out in April, failing to win enough delegates to keep going. His fundraising dried up, and so did his ideas. He’d finally thrown in the towel and announced he’d be pursuing a career in acting.
“That sounds like an excellent decision,” Lopez had said at the time. “I wish him well.” She knew how to needle her opponents.
After Virginia, only New York was left on the primary schedule.
“All right, time to put your cards on the table,” Fletcher said to Dot. “Who do you want to win?”
“I’m torn. I think both have strengths. Stone’s got experience and credibility. But Lopez has passion and energy.”
“If only we could meld them into one candidate, it’d be a lock.”
“All I’m worried about is who can beat the Republicans. The country will be in huge trouble if we don’t win this time,” Dot said, echoing what most Democrats were saying across the country. Then, turning to her own concerns, she added, “Not to mention whatI’mgoing to do after the election. I still have no plans.”
“You worry too much,” Fletch said.
“Story of my life.” Dot knew it was true. She just didn’t know how to turn off the worry spigot.
“I don’t think you need to worry,” Fletch said, scanning his phone for the latest polling numbers. “We can win. People are tired of the current administration. They want something new.”
Dot wasn’t so sure Fletcher was correct. She read the polls, too, and yes, a majority people said they were ready to turn the page. But when it came down to the electoral college, did enough ofthosepeople live in the states where they needed the votes? What she and Fletcher agreed on, however, was that the key to an electoral win—and Kitty Bell’s half-a-million dollar win bonus—was Wisconsin.
“Things would be easier for us here if the Democrats on the coasts weren’t having total meltdowns,” she said. “What consultant told them it was a good idea to ban cows because they’re bad for the environment? Policy ideas like that makes us look unserious and out of touch.”
“I know what you mean. And our senior leadership is still, well... senior. They won’t retire.”
“Oh, I know. Half our senators are over seventy-five.” Dot shook her head.
“Yeah. Explains why AARP is more powerful than the oil and gas lobby now.”
Fletcher had a way of making her laugh. The workday flew by when they were side by side. Sometimes when she looked at him, the image of him running away from the bee in Milwaukee came into her mind and she’d try to erase it. While she’d settled on not being into him romantically, she was two thumbs up on working with him. They made a good team and he kept things light around the office with his quick wit and cheerful moods.
Her phone buzzed and she glanced down at a text from Danny Dawson. They’d been going back and forth with flirty but harmless texts for a few weeks. She knew he liked her but seemed skittish.
“Give me a call?” he said.
“Be right back,” Dot said to Fletcher, pointing to her phone then gesturing she needed to go outside.
“Hi, it’s Dot. Everything okay?”
“Hi. Yes, sorry. Everything’s fine. I just don’t like to text that much. Phone calls are easier.”
“For sure. What’s up?” she asked, curious what was on his mind.
“Remember that idea you had for fixing up Reader Falls?”
“Yes. I think it would help the store so much. It’s a little rusty.”
“Well, I couldn’t sleep the other night and came up with some plans for a surprise for Ted and Jeanie when they go out of town in for the polka competition. You’re still up for watching the store that weekend, right?”
“I am. What do you have in mind?”
“I’d love to show you. Can you meet me at the Sin Bin tomorrow for lunch? If you’re not too busy saving American democracy, that is.”
She vibed with his light tone. Suddenly, she didn’t care what was happening election-wise.
“I think the republic will stand while we have lunch. Let me check my calendar, hold on.” She pretended to look at her schedule. “I think I can move some things around. What time?”