Campaign Wife

Chapter 3

"Is that a crowd?" Liv questioned, peeking out the window of the jet as it taxied to the airport.

"It is," Jack said with a grin. "The press wanted to cover us landing in New York."

"I can't believe it," Liv laughed. She rushed to the back of the plane and stripped off the pajamas she had put on for the short flight, and replaced them with a sleeveless, coral Oscar De La Renta dress, nude heels, and her signature pearls. She didn't care what David said- pearls were always appropriate.

Liv had done her hair before they left, fluffed up and shiny. Her makeup was minimal, enough to make her look fresh and awake. A knock on the bedroom door by a campaign aide told her it was time to disembark the plane.

Liv met Jack by the front of the door, and he motioned for her to go first. She took a deep breath and put her best white, shining smile on her face before starting her descent down the stairs. Cameras flashed, and she was aware of a few news cameras rolling. When the couple reached the bottom of the plane steps, questions flew.

"Senator Callahan, what are you plans for the economy?"

"What about the rising issues in North Korea?"

Jack shook his head, "I'll be taking questions at the press conference scheduled for this afternoon."

Liv smiled once again before ducking into the waiting car, followed by Jack.

"Where are we off to first?" Liv asked as the car sped away from the crowd.

"Well, we are going to a speaking event in Central Park, then visiting a ladies club, and I have booked you for an appearance at the Museum of Art."

Liv shook her head. "No- no, your dad said I am too into things like that. I shouldn't."

"Jim and I were talking, and we agree that you need to be yourself. I think people will love you."

Liv pursed her lips. "Tell your dad that when we get back and he wants my head for it."

Jack laughed and began looking through stacks of papers from his briefcase. Liv resorted to gazing out the window, seeing New York City rising in the distance. Maybe there people would accept her for who she was.

---

"Thank you so much for having me," Liv said, shaking the hand of the head curator at the Museum of Art.

"It's our pleasure," the man- probably around 50, with horn-rimed glasses and a wool suit- answered. "Please follow me."

Liv followed the man through the high-ceilinged halls, gazing at the works of art that hung from the walls. She had studied French art during her time in Paris, and had a strong appreciation for any form of art. Liv thought it was important to be introspective and educated- but according to David it wasn't important to the majority of American voters.

While a few reporters cameras flashed away as the senator's wife toured the halls of the Museum of Art, she could only hope that David wouldn't kill her when she returned home.

---

"Mrs. Callahan, you are heavily involved in your daughter's school, isn't that right?" Matt Lauer asked, leaning in a bit in his chair.

Liv nodded. "Yes, I think education is just so important, and I want my daughter to reach her full potential."

"If you were First Lady, what would you focus on?" the seasoned journalist asked.

It was the question she had been waiting for. Liv refrained from glancing at Jack, who sat next to her on the couch. She wanted to seem strong.

"Well, I haven't thought much about it," she said, letting out a nervous laugh. There was some giggling on the set, encouraging Liv. "But I think that America as a whole has strayed away from being the best it can be. There are so many improvements that could be made- but I think that the root of the problem is that we don't look past our differences in order to help one another. We are all human, and I think that I would like to help Americans see that, see our common bond, to help fix minor issues that could make us a better nation."

Matt Lauer smiled brightly. "I couldn't agree more. I truly do hope that you get the chance." Matt turned to the camera and grinned. "Senator and Mrs. Callahan will be continuing their campaign in New York today, before heading back to D.C. I hope local viewers can get a chance to meet them, what a great team. Now a look at the weather."

A red light off stage was switched off, signaling that they were off air. Liv let out a breath, but kept her perfect posture. "I mean it when I say that I would like to have you as our First Lady," Matt insisted. "A young, motivated woman like yourself is refreshing. Senator Callahan has my vote."

Liv smiled shyly. "Thank you so much." Jack had left the set, conferring with an aide over some papers. Her mind kept replaying Matt calling them a team. Nothing was more rewarding.

---

Liv browsed the racks of Chanel, in search of a new dress for a benefit dinner she and Jack would be attending in a week. The sales women were extremely helpful, pulling all sorts of dresses from the racks and stocking up a dressing room.

It didn't take long for Liv to decide on a beautiful black number. She used a card to pay, and carried the Chanel bag out the door.

"Mrs. Callahan!" a voice called, followed by another.

Liv was shocked for a moment before she gained her composure. Paparazzi had followed her to the store. It was a first for Liv, and she wasn't sure how to act. Her secret service agent was waiting at the door of the store, and moved quickly to her side.

"Step back please, let her get to her car."

Liv was escorted past the handful of flashing cameras without saying a word. Luckily, large, dark sunglasses covered most of her face to conceal the deer in headlights look that surely appeared.

Liv ducked inside of the waiting car and glanced out the window, her image shielded by the tinted windows. "That was new," she commented with a breathy laugh to the driver.

"The Callahan appeal is spreading," he said with a broad grin. "Jack has you to thank for that."