Read Online Rumor Has It by Cheris Hodges - Free Book Online Page A

client.”
    Liza sighed and then explained her problem with him. “I couldn’t create this fairy tale for him when he didn’t really want to be with that woman.”
    â€œI can’t believe you’d even considered it.”
    â€œI couldn’t have him getting a reputation as the guy who told his woman to get an abortion. How would the child feel when he or she does a Google search and finds that out?”
    Chante sighed. “At least your heart was in the right place. There’ll be other clients, maybe ones who aren’t slimy bastards.”
    Liza nodded toward Robert. “I think he needs you.”
    â€œHe needs us,” Chante said as she linked arms with her sorority sister and started in his direction.
    The event turned out to be a success for Robert and led all of the evening newscasts. A few of the local blogs had written glowing stories about Robert, and when the Raleigh News and Observer ’s political columnist called Robert while the trio was at Hometown Delights having drinks, Liza knew the tide was turning in her candidate’s favor.
    â€œThis is awesome,” Liza said. “And I know you don’t want to talk about it, but you have to show people your personality and your history.”
    Chante glanced at him. “She’s right.”
    Robert rolled his eyes. “I don’t know why you two think I have to tell a sad-sack story to gain voters.”
    â€œRobert,” Liza began, “people need to connect with you. They’re connecting with Jackson.”
    At the sound of his opponent’s name, Robert huffed. “He doesn’t know a thing about politics and I’m getting sick and tired of you comparing me to him.”
    â€œGuys,” Chante said. “Let’s not do this. If Robert wants to leave the past in the past, then that’s fine. Let’s focus on who you are now.”
    Liza rolled her eyes and took a sip of her wine. Then a lightbulb went off in her head. Why wouldn’t they focus on the person Robert is? People were just as attracted to confidence as they were to heroes.
    â€œRobert, you’re right,” Liza said with a smile. “You should show people who you really are. Successful, in love, ready to seve.”
    He gave Liza a high five. “Now you’re getting it.”
    â€œGuys,” Chante said. “Can we table politics and talk about my engagement?”
    Robert leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Of course, babe.”
    â€œThat’s my cue to give you two some alone time,” Liza said as she drained her wineglass. “I have to go check Google alerts anyway.”
    â€œWhy don’t you take a break,” Chante said. “You don’t have to be the twenty-four-hour woman.”
    â€œShe needs a man,” Robert said, then poked his tongue out at Liza.
    â€œWhatever, Bob! I’m doing just fine without one.” She winked at him and Chante. “Besides, all the good ones are taken.” Liza waved to her friends as she headed for the exit.
    Â 
    Â 
    After leaving the restaurant, Liza headed for Amelie’s, her unofficial satellite office. She loved the nighttime crowd at the bakery and she loved the silence. Taking a seat across from the community bulletin board, she was about to pull out her iPad when a sign caught her eye. The Jackson Franklin campaign was seeking volunteers. Setting her tablet on the table, Liza crossed over to the board and grabbed the flyer. Reading over it, she shook her head. “Stealing Obama’s thunder much?” she mumbled as she read the words “yes, we can.”
    Though she didn’t want to admit it, the flyer would appeal to the people who hung out at Amelie’s. Jackson seemed to know his audience, leading her to wonder who was on his team. There was no way this soldier was doing this alone. She tucked the flyer in her pocket and returned to her work. She needed to talk to Nic about this