My campaign to get Shirley elected mayor seems to have gotten off to a rather dubious start. Most of my current effort has been spent trying to recruit more people to help us in the campaign, especially those I know well and have worked with in city offices, mostly those involved in social work. I’m trying to free up some personal time by offloading some of my responsibilities to them and others, but it’s not easy.
Haven’t heard from Bernie in a while. Cassie says he’s heading out West but neither of us knew why, probably research for a writing assignment. He’s a big shot these days, working for The Atlantic.
I decide to call him.
“Heard you made a trip out west. Hope it was successful.”
“Actually,” he says, hesitating. “I haven’t gone yet.”
“Why not?”
He pauses. “Too much going on here. I decided to take care of a few things here before going.”
I nod, which of course doesn’t render on the phone.
“Bernie, I’ve been thinking about our dinner. I enjoyed it tremendously and wondered if you might be interested in doing it again.”
Silence.
“Sure.”
“Great! I would like to talk to you about my management of Shirley’s campaign and maybe pick your brain a little for some advice … or, you know, recruit you?”
He agrees. Well, okay then.