Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 12

"Winning with write-ins is unusual, but not without precedent. Winning in such a commanding fashion is not at all common. The fact that she claims no party affiliation will force some interesting decisions by the leaders of both parties. Many political pundits feel that Gwen Anderson, along with her boyfriend, Steve Hammer, has more political clout than many senators and most members of the House. Senator Chatham recently had Steve Hammer appointed as her attaché. Critics were quick to claim that she was trying to capitalize on his popularity.

"We will be broadcasting a live interview with Gwen Anderson in the next half hour. Stay tuned for what promises to be a candid and interesting discussion," finished Amber as the station went to commercial

"I'd like to propose a toast!" stated an extremely proud Ted as he stood and raised his wine glass. "To the most beautiful, most talented, smartest, and most qualified congresswoman this great country has ever seen!"

Everyone stood at Ted's announcement and clinked their glasses together. Surprisingly, Billy Marsh decided to give a short speech. "Please remain standing. I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I'd like to propose a toast to the rise of the queen, and I don't mean the movie we made. Our royal couple is on a collision course with destiny! Gwen and Steve are becoming more famous, more influential, and more powerful every day. It's a lot like the movie. We have the warrior and the queen. It won't be long and they'll be building an empire. Actually, I think that they are already!"

Once again, everyone touched glasses and drank to the toast. As they took their seats Charlotte spoke. "Billy, that was really insightful. Now that I think about it, you've nailed it. The election today is another step closer to the 'throne' for our queen. I have trouble believing that we're part of it all. I think that Gwen and Steve are building their empire every day, as they continue to increase their power and influence. Asgard will become the home of the gods."

"I think you're getting a little carried away with all of this," observed Gwen modestly. "There are a lot of people in congress and I'll just be one of them. It isn't that big of a deal."

"Actually, it is," insisted William Patterson as he joined the conversation. "You won on write-ins, with no campaigning. You, Steve, and Jordan have built a billion dollar company. You've traveled the world making friends and helping people. There's never been anything like Lady in Red Productions, or your group, before this. You're the closest thing this country has to a queen. And you've earned it and not inherited it, or married into it, like most queens do."

"Never mind embarrassing the poor girl," interjected Steve's grandmother. "I want to make sure that Gwen knows that she and Steve are always welcome to stay with us when they're in Washington. I already told Steve. He made certain that I understood that if you visited with us that you and Steve would be sharing a bed. After everything that happened with his mother, I understand why he felt the need to firmly state his position on the matter. I wouldn't have it any other way. We have a second master suite in our house and you're always welcome to use it. Please keep it in mind."

"Thank you, so much, Grandmother Patterson! Our company's rented an entire floor in a hotel for our group for the next year, but we'd be delighted to visit you on a weekend or holiday when we don't have to be at any government functions. I appreciate that you're so understanding about the sleeping arrangements. For some reason, Steve likes to keep me close whenever he can," teased Gwen as she ran her hand lightly over Steve's cheek.

"I'm well aware of that fact, My Dear," smiled Beatrice Patterson. "Remember that we accompanied you on your trip to Russia and experienced those thin walls first hand. That trip was an eye-opener for me."

At that point, a well dressed man entered the dining room and approached the table. Ashley jumped up from her seat to greet the man. "Gwen, this is Matthew Barnwell. He's interested in assisting you when you're sworn into the House of Representatives. He's been an aide to several influential Congressmen over the past ten years. He contacted me a week ago to set up an appointment. I told him then that if you won, I'd see that he met with you right away. I hope this isn't too soon."

"It isn't too soon, but it is too late," responded Gwen. "I've already selected my top assistant, aide, or whatever they're called. Thank you for coming, Mr. Barnwell, but I won't be requiring your services."

The man thanked Gwen for her time and quickly left the room. "I'm sorry, Gwen. I didn't know that you'd already found someone. I was just trying to stay on top of everything for you," reasoned Ashley. "You're going to need some very good assistants after you take office. I hope you found someone extremely capable."

"That's exactly what I did, Ashley. Maybe I shouldn't have assumed that the person would accept the job, but I'm hoping that they will," added Gwen with a grin. "I need someone that I can trust totally. I discussed it with Steve and we agreed that you're at the top of a very short list. I realize I may be taking advantage of our friendship, but I really need you. Your salary will be increased accordingly and you can hire all the assistants you feel are necessary, but you have to be in charge. You're the one I want. Will you do it?"

"Me? Do you realize how little I know about politics? I'd be learning on the job. You can find some very good people with a great deal more experience," reasoned Ashley.

"Ashley, can you honestly tell me that you think Gwen could find someone that would work harder, or be more loyal than you?" asked Steve.

"Honestly? No, but she could find people that know a lot more than I. I'm a novice. I'll make mistakes. I don't know what I'd do if I did something stupid that hurt Gwen politically, or in any other way."

"That's why you've been asked," replied Steve. "We've known you for quite a while. You're smart, beautiful, well spoken, honest, and extremely loyal. Gwen can live with honest mistakes. What she can't risk is distrust, envy, and greed. We both believe that you're the best choice, and really, the only choice for the job."

"Then I'll gladly accept! I promise I'll do the best I possibly can," declared Ashley as she hurried over to Gwen and hugged her tightly. "I'll always have your best interest at heart."

Ashley then moved to Steve and embraced him tightly. "You and Gwen have been so good to me and my family. I'm so lucky to know you both. If I screw up, don't be afraid to let me know. If you have to fire me, I'll understand, but promise we'll always be friends."

"You've seen how Gwen and I are with our friends, and you're one of our best," assured Steve. "You won't be fired and you'll always be very dear to us."

Ashley pulled Steve down and kissed him hard as everyone else smiled knowingly at the obvious affection Ashley had for Steve. When she released Steve, she ran her hands over her eyes as she wiped away her tears. Then she buried her face in Steve's chest and sobbed loudly. Steve simply held her and waited for her to calm down.

"I'm sorry about that, everyone, but I just felt so overwhelmed. My life has improved so much since I met Gwen and Steve. I wonder what I've done to have such amazing friends. You guys are the best!" managed Ashley as she finally gained control of her emotions.

"Ashley, you'll have your pick of any room on the fifteenth floor of our hotel, except for the suites Kate, Naomi, and Steve and I will be using," added Gwen. "They're long term, with kitchenettes and great views of the city. I'll be flying back and forth from California, but you'll be staying there, setting up my office, hiring your assistants, and buying whatever we need. Med school keeps me very busy, so I'll rely on you to handle everything in Washington. Mom's agreed to set up an office in Sparta for me and to staff it.

"Steve will be in D.C., so he might be able to answer some of the questions you might have, but he's almost worthless about things like colors and designs. Just email me with anything Steve can't handle and I'll respond when I get the chance. He'll be living on the same floor, so you can catch him in the evenings."

"Steve will be living on the same floor?" repeated Ashley as she glanced at Steve. "That'll make it easier to contact him with questions, and I'll feel safer with him nearby."

"Yeah, but will Steve be safe with you on the same floor?" teased Becky. "I think I'll be visiting my sister quite often."

"You'll have your choice of available rooms when you're there, so you don't have to bunk with Ashley," stated Gwen. "You girls can keep his motor running, but he'll have to wait for me to come east to relieve his pent up tension. You probably heard that Naomi's an attaché with Senator Mason. She's staying on the same floor and will keeping an eye on things for me. Now that the public has determined that her ass is bigger than mine, she's very humble, and quite helpful."

"That poll wasn't scientific and Gwen only won by two per cent, which is within the margin of error in any poll," explained Naomi. "I should point out that I also won the bigger breasts poll by three per cent, so I'm proportional. Wouldn't you agree, Billy?"

"After seeing you at the pool this summer, I sure wouldn't disagree!" responded Billy. "You and Gwen could be identical twins, except for a few minor differences."

"That's so sweet!" replied Gwen and Naomi in unison, before Gwen added. "I'll take that as a huge compliment. Naomi has an incredible figure.

"I've got another announcement about our company," added Gwen. "Everyone knows that Lisa has been featured in advertisements for the new Lady in Red line for pregnant women. It's been doing extremely well, but that's no surprise considering how beautiful Lisa is, and how she positively glows.

"What you don't know is that after New Years, Jason will be heading up a new division for our company. He'll be discharged from the Army by the end of the year. In the past our company has attempted to help people that were victims of natural disasters, but it's been hit or miss for the most part.

"Jason will be utilizing his experience and his engineering background to set up a Lady in Red Productions national response to disasters, or any other event where large numbers of our citizens need help. He'll be setting up a network of vendors, as well as various professionals, that will stand ready to wear our logo, and rush to disaster areas with the appropriate response. This is going to require a great deal of planning and preparation. We feel confident that Jason can handle it."

"I'm sure that he can," agreed Paula. "He's extremely detailed oriented, but I guess most engineers are. He'll do very well."

"Let's get over to LiR CPA," insisted Ashley. "The TV cameraman is waiting. People are already pouring in to celebrate your victory. We'll touch up your make-up and do that interview with Amber. This is so exciting!"

"You have all of this planned?" asked a surprised Gwen. "We're having a victory celebration? Steve, you stay close to me all night, okay? I want everyone to know that I rely on you and that we're a package deal. Let's get over there and greet all of our friends and supporters!"

Gwen was greeted with a huge ovation when she entered the Lady in Red Center for the Performing Arts. Balloons and confetti dropped from the ceiling and the huge jumbotrons broadcast Gwen's every step and every expression on her beautiful face. Everyone was relatively quiet as she gave a long distance interview to Amber Stahl. Then Steve escorted her to the stage so she could speak to the crowd.

"Thank you! I appreciate your confidence and trust. It means everything to me. I don't have a speech written. I don't have much to say, really. I just want everyone to know that I'll do my best. I will remember why you elected me. If I should forget, Steve will remind me. If he doesn't, call, email, text, write, or use social media to get my attention. Hold my feet to the fire. I represent you.

"My belief is that I should always try to do what I feel is best for the country, and that in turn, will be good for Sparta. I will not be adding pork to bills to help individuals or groups, be they in this district or not. I will support legitimate issues that have merit, and do my best to make this country an even better place to live.

"I will lean on my family and friends for guidance, especially Steve, but I'll always be making the final decision. Blame me if I screw up and no one else. But most of all, I want all of you to feel that I really do care, and that you can contact me with your concerns. Have patience, but hold me to a high standard. I'd have it no other way."

Gwen and Steve spent the rest of the evening meeting and greeting people as they lined up to have a word with their next congresswoman. Gwen was gracious and attentive to all. Steve was always at her side, smiling and speaking quietly to anyone that spoke to him. William Patterson mentioned it to Ted and Paula as they watched the couple interact with the public.

"I've seen a lot of politicians in my day, but I've never seen anything like your daughter and my grandson. Look how calm and controlled they are. Watch how people smile in appreciation when they take the time to listen to them. I'm telling you right now that there's no limit for that couple. It's up to us to see that they have all the tools they need to achieve whatever destiny has planned for them. You both should be extremely proud!"

"Charlotte and I have an early flight in the morning," reminded Gwen as she led Steve back to her family and friends as the greeting line finally petered out. "We need to spend some quality time with our guys, so we'll say goodnight to everyone and go to bed, won't we, Steve?"

"Yes! We will," laughed Steve. "How dumb would I have to be to argue about that? See you all tomorrow. I'll be in our room, explaining parliamentary procedure to our next congresswoman, if anyone needs me."

"Let me know if you need me to establish a quorum," joked Becky. "You could wind up deadlocked with just the two of you there, but with me in the mix, it's less likely."

"Deadlocked for awhile sounds pretty good to me," smiled Gwen. "I do appreciate your concern, as well as your generous offer. However, we'll reach a unanimous decision, but only after a great deal of deliberation. I truly believe that I can coax Steve into seeing things my way."

Gwen and Charlotte returned to Stanford the next day, while Steve flew back to Washington. The Monday evening before Veterans Day, Gwen and Charlotte landed in Harrisburg, Pa. They were met by Steve, Jordan, Charlie, Jared, Naomi, Kate, Chip, and Billy. Plans had been made for the group to travel to Washington the next morning. They were scheduled to perform at three Tuesday afternoon and wanted to arrive in D.C. at noon or a little later. Early Tuesday Morning, the girls posted tweets, and to other social media while they worked on their breakfast. It was an unseasonably warm fall day with temperatures predicted to be in the mid sixties.

"Are you sure you're going to be able to ride the entire way?" asked a worried Kate for the third time. "You're not completely healed yet."

"We've been over it a dozen times," answered Chip. "I feel good. My shoulder is at ninety per cent and my leg is getting a lot better. I wouldn't be able to walk that far, but I can ride this bike from here to Hell and back. Just climb on and look beautiful, would you?"

As planned, the group pointed their bikes south at exactly eight AM. By the time they had traveled five miles, two dozen more bikes had pulled in behind them. Where the roads were wider and traffic was regulated by state and local police, the group rode four and five abreast. Ashley had printed out a map with directions for the group to follow so they could avoid interstates most of the way. The route had also been posted on FaceBook as well as the company web page.

When Steve, Gwen and friends entered Washington city limits shortly after noon, it was estimated that six to eight thousand bikers, mostly veterans and active service men and women, were riding behind them. Many of the riders had small flags attached to their bikes showing the branch of the service they had so proudly served. Thousands of people lined the streets and waved and cheered as the seemingly endless stream of bikes poured past them. Gwen, Jordan, Kate, Charlotte, and Naomi waved back to the cheering crowds as the formation made its way to the National Mall. A side street not too far from the mall had been closed and designated for parking for the bikes.

Once they turned off the engines. Steve and Gwen, along with their friends, led the other bikers to the National Mall to join thousands of others that had come to Washington to celebrate Veterans Day and to see the concert.

The group was welcomed by fans with every step they took. Jordan, Charlie, Steve and Gwen posed for pictures, signed all sorts of flyers and pamphlets, and shook hundreds of hands as they worked their way forward. They were met by a grinning Larry Carson as they approached the stage.

"They've been having small turnouts the last few years? Take a look in any direction. There has to be over a quarter million people here today, if there's one! All of a sudden, politicians are begging to be allowed to speak, but we're sticking to our guns. We have a general and an admiral speaking, and then you guys will be asked to say something."

By three that afternoon, the National Mall was packed with people as were all nearby streets and parking lots. Lady in Red Productions had spent the previous few days installing numerous jumbotrons to allow more people to enjoy the show. As the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs was introduced, a park service official standing near Gwen told a reporter that the crowd was estimated at a just less than three quarters of a million people!

The huge crowd was polite as the General Dent gave a pretty much standard speech. He received some applause when he wrapped up his oratory efforts. Then Rear Admiral John Kane was introduced amid a less than raucous welcome. To his credit, the Admiral realized that hundreds of thousands of people had not come to hear him speak. He delivered a shorten version of his intended half hour discourse.

"Now, we're going to hear from Jordan Quick Burns!" announced the emcee as a huge roar went up from the crowd.

Jordan had to wait over a minute for the crowd to settle down. Her beautiful smiling face lit up the jumbotrons that had been placed around the Mall. "Thank you! I've heard news reports that all of you came here today to see us. They have that backwards. We're here today to see you!"

Once again hundreds of thousands of people whistled and yelled their approval. "I always thought that I understood our veterans and what they went through to keep us safe. A couple of months ago, that all changed. I went with some very trusted and dear friends to Iraq to do what we could for a couple of guys that we love, and that needed some help. You may have heard about it on the news?

"I saw acts of courage and sacrifice beyond anything I ever imagined. My husband, Charlie, is a veteran. I never realized what that meant until the day we had to fight our way out of a really bad situation. Charlie came within an inch of dying while protecting me and others. I saw death, pain, and despair that day. But what I really remember the most is the strength and the character shown by the men and women that traveled with us. I now have a small idea of what all of you brave men and women risked with your service to this great country. I'm humbled to be here today. I'm also incredibly honored to be able share this event with you. Thank you so much for your service, and for allowing me to be a small part of this glorious day. I'm in your debt!"