More Than Rivals Read Online Free PDF Page A

interrupted.  
    “Well, that’s sort of obvious, right?” she asked, looking down at the row of men next to her.
    The silent crowd roared with laughter. Pleased with the result, she waited for the room to quiet before she continued, “Of course, I think a woman’s perspective is important, especially since women make up the majority of the district’s population.   But I don’t think I’m a better choice simply for my gender. I’m also Mexican-American, but that’s not a reason to vote for me. People should support me because in addition to hands on legislative experience in the district as a county supervisor, I also have real life experience to bring to more national issues. I still work as a nurse because I think it grounds me to be more than a politician. I’m also part of the American healthcare system. I understand the issues around both patient care and administration.”
    Her smile faded, and her voice lowered in seriousness. “And, I also know something of the American military. I’ve never served, but as the former wife of a serviceman, I know many of the issues facing our troops and their families. I’ve seen how we send young men and women in harm’s way, yet we don’t pay them enough and they qualify for food stamps. I see how we underfund their medical care once they return as veterans. I can speak to these things in a way my colleagues can’t.”
    Her expression warmed again and she brought it all home. “Finally, I’m a single parent, though I’d say my son and I are a complete family. Regardless, I know the challenging parenting life of so many Americans. I guess to sum it up I’m a real person who can bring a dose of reality to Washington.”
    As the crowd gave her stronger applause than they had any other candidate, she glanced to her side as something caught her eye. Jack had done what she’d been too self-conscious to try. He leaned forward in his seat to look around the three men between them. His expression was warm and approving as he stared at her. She gave him a small smile, but quickly looked away.  
    When the event ended, there was an hour of mingling and glad-handing. Lily pushed the upcoming conversation with Jack to the back of her mind as she worked the room. Both Jordan and Martha had also fanned out in the crowd, buttonholing new supporters.   As the morning wore on and the place emptied, Lily found herself discussing a local homeless shelter with a pair of clergy members. A tap on her elbow made her look to her side.  
    Jack smile at the two priests, “Excuse me, Reverends, but I need a word with Supervisor Robles.”
    “Uh…yes,” she fumbled a moment before extending her hand to the clergy. “Father Larkin. Father Selby. It was very nice meeting you. I’ll send my staffer Jordan over to follow up with you.”
    As they shook her hand and wished her well, she made eye contact with Jordan. With a nod, she told him to tend to the nice members of the cloth. He shook his head “yes,” though he also raised his eyebrows at the sight of Jack. Her frozen smile said nothing of the butterflies afloat in her stomach.
    When she turned to Jack, he silently ushered her over to an empty part of the auditorium. His path required her to walk past her mother who was in deep conversation with another older woman. Lily tried to ignore her, but Martha’s suspicious stare burned through her. She turned to see her mom’s furrowed brow in full investigation of what was going on with her daughter and the handsome candidate. With no better answer or reaction, Lily shrugged and followed Jack to a side table.  
    Half-sitting on the table, he extended his long legs out and offered her the edge next to him. She joined him, but gripped a chair to brace herself. His smile did little to soothe her nervousness.
    “So…,” he said, meeting her gaze. “I’ve been replaying how we met the other night. I’m pretty sure you were the first to omit the truth.”
    “What?” She chuckled.