𝕱𝖎𝖛𝖊

                                    

                                          
Practice by Drake
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Ruby and I found ourselves once again in a familiar situation, riding in a long motorcade on our way to the airport. We were heading to New York with President Harris, which filled me with excitement. There was a good chance I'd get to see Julia. Kamala was scheduled for an off-camera interview with ABC, which meant we'd be visiting one of their offices—Julia's workplace. The thought had me buzzing with anticipation.
"Hey, Ruby, I've got a question," I said, turning to face her directly.
"I just might have an answer," she said, glancing up from her phone to meet my gaze.
"The news station we're heading to has someone I know—she's basically my ride-or-die. But I haven't seen her in over a year; life's just been too hectic for us to make time-"
"So, you're asking if there's a way, I can help you two meet up?"
"Pretty much." 
"Let me check," Ruby said, her eyes dropping back to her phone as she scrolled through what seemed like a lengthy document. I watched her, scanning line after line, focused on the text.
"Alright," Ruby finally said, breaking the silence as she lifted her head and looked back at me.
"Alright?" 
"I can make it happen," Ruby answered. "After the interview, there's about a fifteen-minute break before we depart, probably to give the airport time to get everything ready. I'll track down your friend's boss and arrange for her to meet you once we're done."
"Ruby, I could kiss you right now."
"Take me to dinner first." 
We both laughed, and I felt relieved that I had touched base with Julia the night before to confirm she'd be at work. I hadn't mentioned I'd be seeing her—it was meant to be a surprise—but I had a hunch she might've guessed.
After a while, we finally arrived at the airport. Ruby and I stepped out of our SUV, along with others from their own vehicles. We were directed to board the plane before Kamala. As I followed Ruby onto the private jet, I took in my surroundings. I'd flown before, but only on commercial airlines like Southwest—nothing like this. I tried to savor the moment, soaking up the feeling of luxury, until Ruby's voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
"I forgot to mention that there's assigned seating in here." 
"Seriously?" I asked, a slight frown of confusion crossing my face.
"Yup, I'll show you where you'll be sitting," Ruby said as she started down the aisle. I followed her to a spot with seats facing each other, separated by a sleek wooden table in between.
"You'll take the seats on the right. It doesn't matter which one, since you'll have the row to yourself. The only person sitting across from you will be President Harris."
"Alright..." I nodded. "Where will you be sitting?"
"I'll be in the back, out of sight," Ruby replied. "I have to sit with the other assistants to go over the schedule. But don't worry—you won't need my help or anything."
I know Ruby thinks I want to sit near her in case I have any questions, but the truth is, I wanted to avoid sitting near Kamala to keep my emotions in check. After yesterday—being so close, almost kissing her—I felt like I was on the verge of losing control. The tension was getting to me.
I nodded and slid into the seats, opting for the one by the wall. That way, if Kamala tried anything, it would be out of sight from the aisle. Maybe, deep down, I was hoping the choice would also send her a subtle signal—that I wanted something to happen without having to say it outright.