With the pleasantries aside, they got down to business, beginning with who they suspected would be Trent’s biggest rivals for Senator Harrison’s seat. Then they proceeded to list each of their weaknesses and how they could best capitalize on them. This discussion continued until Sara arrived. Dressed in a navy blue skirt with a matching blazer, she looked every inch the sleek professional he remembered from when she worked on Senator Healy’s campaign, with one exception—she looked happier than he ever saw her before.
“It’s so good to see you.” Sara didn’t hesitate to hug him when he stood.
“You, too. I appreciate your help.” On autopilot, he pulled out a chair for his cousin. Proper manners and etiquette had been drilled into all the Sherbrooke children at a young age.
“What did I miss?” Sara pulled out her computer tablet and prepared to work.
In no time, Marty recapped what they’d covered so far. “One of my biggest concerns is Trent’s reputation,” Marty said, turning the conversation toward a new topic. “People in this state are sick and tired of the privileged, womanizing politicians doing whatever they please. Last year’s scandal involving the mayor and that model is still fresh in everyone’s mind, as is the case involving Congressman Kohl and the undercover cop in January.”
Trent saw one major difference between both of those men and him: they were married; he wasn’t, at least not yet. Someday he’d marry. After all, there were not many successful, single politicians out there, but it wouldn’t be a love match. Not that he doubted love existed. His father had certainly loved his mother, not to mention there were plenty of other examples of it in his own family. Rather, he didn’t see it ever happening to him. In fact, he wasn’t even sure he wanted it happening to him anyway. His father had been crushed when his first wife died. And although he seemed happy and content with Abigail, his third wife, his second marriage to Jane had been hell from start to finish.
“If you had a stellar political background, the public might be willing to ignore the tabloid headlines, but with the exception of your family name, you’re a political unknown.” Marty remained expressionless as he presented his argument. “In order to win this election you’ll need to win over the female voters. You’ll never do that by showing up on the cover of magazines with half-naked models on your arm.”
Marty’s last comment stung. He couldn’t control what his dates wore, and he’d hardly call any of them half-naked.
“What are your thoughts, Sara?” his father asked.
“I agree with Marty. People are tired of political scandal. They want politicians they’re not embarrassed to say they voted for. Reforming Trent’s reputation as a playboy would go a long way. Like Marty said, if Trent had a strong history in politics we could push that into the forefront, use it to overshadow the negative buzz from his competition, but it’s just not there.”
At least she didn’t mention half-naked women.
“We want people to relate to Trent,” Sara continued. “Coming across more like the ‘boy next door’ rather than the ‘sleazy playboy’ is one way to do that.”
Wow, in less than fifteen minutes he’d been insulted by both his campaign advisor and his cousin. “What do you suggest?” he asked. If it meant winning, he’d take the experts’ advice.
“First, ditch those lingerie models and empty-headed socialites you escort around,” Marty answered with no hesitation.
“You want me to become a monk then? Is that what you are saying?” He’d realized even before now that he’d have to make some sacrifices in order to win, but living life in solitude didn’t suit him.
Marty tapped his pen against the table. “No. Besides, everyone here knows that you’d never pull that off, and even if you did, the media wouldn’t buy it.” Marty twirled his pen between his fingers. “You need a way to relate to people. Make them fall in love with you. Respect you the way they respect your uncle. I suggest you find yourself a woman from a respected family and marry her. Someone well educated with connections, not one of those empty-headed models you love to date. If you marry someone the people respect, they’ll respect you, too.”
Sara glanced at him and then across at Marty. “You think marriage will turn around his reputation the way it did Jake’s?” Sara asked in an accusing tone.
Marty gave them a curt nod. “More or less.”
Sara sighed loud enough for him to hear. “I hate to admit it, but Marty’s right. If you marry someone respectable it would help win over the public.” She played with the giant diamond engagement ring on her left hand as she spoke.