Fuming
with anger, Eden Warner waited in the dark wings of the school’s auditorium.
Instead of being in class, her third grade class stood on stage preparing to play
backdrop for mayoral candidate Chase Mathews. One of four men vying for the office,
his candidacy announcement was received with a great deal of excitement. However,
as time ticked by and her students remained out of the classroom, missing subject
after subject, Eden’s patience wore thin. School children belonged in the
classroom, and anyone who valued education would not support pulling them out
of class for the purpose of being props to a political campaign.
She looked out into the growing audience and noticed the large
campaign poster taped to the back wall. The man was a hottie. No doubt it was
the reason for the large number of women sitting out in the audience. The men
on the other hand were there to see and be near one of the city’s power
players. Well bred and educated, Chase Mathews had a reputation for solving problems
and making money. He was actually exactly what the city of Hilton needed. A neighbor
to Atlanta, Hilton possessed many of the same problems as the sprawling city.
The current mayor was a nice man, but unfortunately, had made some really poor
decisions on behalf of his constituents. Feeling the heat and some recent health
problems, he had decided to withdraw from the office, hence the need for a special
election. The citizens were hopeful for a brighter future with the announcement
of Chase’s candidacy. To be honest, she too was hopeful. His announcement
speech was well thought out and refreshingly informative. He spelled out his desire
for the city clearly, and avoided using the tried and true cliché, and
for those reasons, she didn’t understand the need for this press conference
at the school. It rang with insincerity.
The noise in the auditorium rose several decibels. She peeked
from behind the heavy curtain as the throng of print and television reporters
crowded around. They were like ants, scurrying for the best location to see and
be seen. Today they would be the candidate’s best friend, but by the end
of the campaign season, they would be picking the flesh from his bones for a better
story. Her students didn’t need to be a part of such an event. They belonged
in class preparing for their futures. But what did these people care? Most were
far removed from the life that her students led.
“This really ticks me off,” Eden complained to
fellow teacher and friend, Angie Thompson who stood to her right. She continued
to watch the well dressed audience, oozing prosperity.
“What does?”
“How candidates magically appear with the press in tow,
at the nearest public school when it’s time for election speeches and photographs
to be taken. Where was this guy when the library’s computers were stolen
and we were literally begging the public for replacements? And look at his supporters.
How many do you think attended a public school?”
“I don’t know, but that doesn’t mean people
don’t care.”
“I know that, Angie. But it’s disgusting how our
children are used as political props during the campaign season, yet ignored the
rest of the year.”
“Wait a minute. I thought you liked this guy?”
“I do…I did. This staged press conference leaves
a bad taste in my mouth,” Eden explained. “I don’t like politicians
pulling our children out of class for the sole purpose of promoting their agendas.
It seems phony. Like going around kissing babies.”
“I believe Mathews is genuine. He really wants to revamp
the city’s school system,” the voluptuous blond replied.
“They’re all genuine about their promises during
the campaign season, but once that final ballot is counted, their promises go
right out the window.”
“You’re being a little cynical aren’t you?”
“I’m being honest. Mathews doesn’t care about
our children. How can he when he hasn’t stepped one foot inside the classroom.
Before you can make an agenda, you have to know what the issues are, and he doesn’t.”
“You don’t know that.” Angie folded her arms
over her ample chest.
Eden gave her a get real look. “You know like
I do that he hasn’t visited any school. If he had, it would have been captured
in black and white by the parade of reporters following him. They simply sit down
and scribble the usual buzz words across a pad and think people are gullible enough
to believe their every word.”
“Honey,
give the man a chance. He hasn’t even stepped on stage yet.”
“Okay, I’ll give him a chance, but he sure better
have something worth listening to.”
“And what would that be?” Angie asked annoyed.
She was there to get a glimpse of the handsome mayoral candidate. The fact that
he was a bachelor made his appearance there all the more exciting.
Eden picked up on the irritation, but chose to ignore it. “For
starters, a sincere candidate would announce that he’s actually going to
spend some time in the classroom, learning and observing before attempting to
develop a plan.”
“You aren’t serious?” Angie glared at her.
“Do you actually expect a candidate to do that?”
“Most definitely. If he’s interested in improving
the state of education, he should first educate himself, either by speaking to
a committee of educators, or by getting inside the classroom.” She looked
over at her friend. “You know as well as I do that education is so much
more than the books now days. There are real issues to be dealt with before we
ever get down to teaching. These guys need to know that, if they’re going
to make improvements,” Eden responded passionately. She folded her arms
with annoyance.
Angie nodded. “You’re right, but it doesn’t
work like that.”
“Well, maybe it should.” Eden glanced back out
into the growing crowd of reporters and supporters. “If we could drum up
just half this enthusiasm for our schools on a daily basis, we could really improve
things.”
“Keep dreaming.”
“Yeah, well, you keep dreaming that Chase Matthews is
going to sweep you off your feet.”
Angie scowled at her friend. “Go ahead and burst my bubble,
Eden Warner. I’ll have you know that a lady has to utilize every opportunity
to search for her true love.”
Eden chuckled. “And you believe Chase Mathews is yours?”
“A girl can hope.”
“Get real. That man isn’t married by choice. He’s
either a playboy or gay.”
“You think?” Angie asked, alarmed.
Eden laughed. “No. I was just running off at the mouth.”
“But you’re probably right about his being a playboy.
However, it doesn’t hurt to hope.”
“You keep hoping that he notices you, and I’ll
keep hoping that he says something worth listening to.” Eden waved to her
students who were growing more restless by the minute. “This guy had better
show before the natives revolt.”
“We wouldn’t want that now would we?” a male
voice spoke from behind them.
Eden turned quickly, searching through the darkness of the
backstage area to make out an emerging figure. As it came forward, she recognized
mayoral candidate, Chase Mathews. Her stomach dropped.
Chase greeted the two women with his trademark charismatic
smile, while sizing them up. He couldn’t miss the fact that they both looked
guilty. The blond quickly scurried away, making an excuse, while the African American
woman held her ground. Head up, shoulders back, and spine stiff. He liked a woman
with a backbone and couldn’t help but to admire her.
He also liked a woman who knew how to dress. This woman definitely
had an eye for fine clothing as the knit two-piece classic gray suit indicated.
The skirt stopped fashionably above her knees, showcasing incredible legs that
ran for miles. The black suede boots that she wore were sexy and prompted all
types of scandalous thoughts.
“Chase Mathews.” He stuck out his hand to her.
Eden tried to determine whether or not he had been listening
to their conversation as she accepted the offered handshake. “Eden Warner…Ah,
it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Their eyes met and held a beat too long,
before Chase thought to withdraw his hand and glance away. Eden followed suit,
worried that the man had heard their conversation.
“Is it?” Chase asked, as an afterthought.
“Is it what?” Eden couldn’t think past the
man’s good looks. His handsome face possessed a strong commanding jaw line.
“Is it a pleasure to meet me?”
Eden met his gaze, and for some foolish reason, believed that
her response was important to him. “Of course it’s a pleasure to me
you, Mr. Mathews. You’re the talk of the town.”
“That’s Chase, and it’s a pleasure meeting
you as well.” He stood a moment simply looking at her. “I didn’t
realize the press conference would cause such a disruption,” he stated sincerely.”
I thought it would be an in and out operation.”
“Afraid not, but I’m interested to hear what you
have to say.” His earnestness didn’t go unnoticed. It caused her to
feel better about him. Her eyes wandered over his handsome face. Standing this
close to the man, she realized that he was far more handsome in person than on
television. He was downright gorgeous. Now she understood why the majority of
his campaign supporters were women. Tall, thick dark hair, with stunning blue
eyes and a wide kissable mouth, crafted by the devil himself, the man was hot.
Chase admired the woman before him. He liked a woman with height.
“You might be surprised by what I have to say, Mrs. Warner.”
“It’s
Miss,” Eden readily supplied. She felt surprisingly feminine standing
with him. At six feet tall, it was rare for her to feel dainty in a man’s
presence, but Chase Mathews had to be at least six-three or four. “I might,”
she responded politely.
“Do I detect a hint of cynicism?” His eyes looked
deeply into hers. The chocolate brown color of them was warm and vibrant with
intelligence.
“More like boredom,” Eden replied, arching her
left brow. The movement drew attention to the intriguing little black mole next
to her eye. “You political types tend to say the same old thing. It would
be refreshing to hear something new.”
Chase laughed with gusto. The richness of the sound was filled
with a warmth that drew one closer. “I can assure you, Miss Warner,
that you’ll never be bored by me.” His eyes locked with hers as the
words hung in the air between them.
Eden’s brows rose in response. She suddenly had the distinct
impression that the man was talking about something other than his speech. Liking
the sound of his voice, she slowly joined him in laughter. But, uncertain of what
she read in his eyes, she glanced away before being pulled in to whatever game
Chase Mathews was playing. Her eyes landed on her students as she suddenly remembered
that she and Chase weren’t alone in the universe. But it sure had felt that
way when he looked at her.
“It’s been a pleasure, but I see my spokesperson
waving at me,” Chase said, drawing her attention back to him. He secured
the button to his blue jacket. “I’m sure you’ll have plenty
to say after my speech, so I’ll see you later.” He turned and walked
away. Then as an afterthought, he turned back around. “Miss Warner.”
“Yes?”
“I’m definitely not gay.” Chase winked at
her before heading back toward the stage and signaling his spokesperson that he
was ready to begin.
