In the high-stakes world of political campaigns, Troi has always been the steadfast force behind Jack Schlossberg's run for office. But when forces threaten to derail everything they've built, Troi and Jack must confront not only political chess gam...
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The energy in the room is suffocating. I sit in the middle of the room, arms crossed tightly over my chest, trying to keep my leg from bouncing too much. The debate is minutes away, and every second feels like an eternity. The air is thick with tension—an invisible force weighing on all of us, especially on Jack.
We've spent months preparing for this night. Every ad, every speech, every campaign stop has led to this moment. It's no longer just about policies or platforms. This is about survival. It's Jack versus Scott Gaetz—Democrat versus Republican—hope versus fear. And the nation is watching.
Regardless of the outcome, I'm so proud of Jack, the team, and even myself for pushing through every hurdle.
We're back in Dallas, the air of our hometown carrying memories of a time when everything seemed simpler—before politics, before the campaign, before everything. The debate is taking place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, one of the largest convention centers in the nation. It's our home turf, and though Jack has the upper hand in this situation, Gaetz is truly a formidable opponent. Nevertheless, when we arrived two days ago; it was a moment of peace because we were finally back home.
I glance around the room, taking in the faces of the team. Liv is pacing near the window, her phone clutched in her hand as she checks the latest polling numbers. Grant sits across from me at the table, furiously typing on his laptop, occasionally pausing to mutter something under his breath. Vanessa is perched on the edge of the couch, her eyes wide, clearly nervous. Even she knows how high the stakes are. I haven't seen her since we left for our campaign tour. But, I have been keeping up with her throughout the campaign and she really has become an unexpected friend.
No one is saying much, but the tension is thick. It's like we're all holding our breath, waiting for the hammer to fall.
Vanessa moves to sit next to me, leaning her body towards me. "Hey. How are you doing?"
"A little nervous," I admit. "But, a normal amount of nerves. Although... I did shit like three times already."
She laughs, her nose crinkling in the process. "Oh me too. Well– you don't look nervous. You look so sexy and professional."
This time I laugh, rolling my eyes. "Thank you."
I look to the seat to my left, seeing Jack's face a perfect mask of calm. He's been like this all day—silent, focused, his energy drawn inward. But I know him too well. Beneath that exterior, he's a storm of nerves. I can feel the tension rolling off him, despite how composed he seems. His arms are crossed, his body leaned back against the chair like he doesn't have a care in the world. But I can see the way his fingers drum restlessly against his arm, the tightness in his jaw when he thinks no one's looking.
I reach for some popcorn on the table, but the thought of eating anything makes my stomach churn. There's a bottle of whiskey on the table, a few glasses scattered around it, but even alcohol feels like too much right now. I'm trying to enjoy myself and let loose, but it feels like the weight of the country is on my shoulders. On everyone's shoulders. Still, Liv pours herself a drink, knocking it back like she's trying to drown her anxiety. I'm impressed by her drinking, and frankly, I don't blame her. Vanessa joins in too, and they start to laugh together, their energy infectious as the rest of the team joins in.
