Opposing Affair

Chapter 3: A Pledge of Alliance

Julianna

Today is the day of the bipartisan meeting on education reform. This meeting includes all presidential candidates so Tom and Ramello will be there and members of Congress. I arrive early enough to have coffee and read over the topics I want to discuss. I believe in the power of preparation, especially today when the stakes are so high. The large, oak-paneled room hums with the quiet buzz of early morning conversations as politicians, congress members and their assistants shuffle papers and exchange greetings. Education is important to me. I saw how difficult it was for students to pay for college. Tuition was and is still expensive and with inflation and the pandemic causing us a massive economic loss, the Higher Education Act deserves some sort of salvation. The fundamental statute controlling the government participation in higher education has not been comprehensively reauthorized since 2008. Furthermore, the parties disagree fundamentally on policy. My party wants to cancel student debts and wants to reduce the overall scope of the federal loan program.

Cassie pokes her head in my room. “Hey, are you ready?”

“Damn right! I wonder if Tom is gonna talk about my past again since we are on the topic of education.”

She scrolls through her tablet. “Probably not. He’s a p***y. All bark, no bite.” No one mentioned anything else about it. After the press conference, I received an email from Ramello. I was surprised that he was sending his support and to top it off, he helped me get home that night. I guess it is a good thing the subject died down or maybe Tom is waiting for the right opportunity to pull his tricks out.

“They’re ready for you, babe. You got this,” Cassie informs me.

A few minutes later, I walk into the auditorium and sit in my assigned seat. As the room begin to fill, Ramello Rhodes enters. I could not help but notice him; he has a presence that is both subtle and commanding. Ramello is dressed impeccably—a sharply tailored navy-blue suit that compliments his athletic build, with a crisp white shirt and a conservative tie that hints at his personal style without overshadowing his professional appearance. His shoes are polished to a high shine, clicking softly against the wooden floor as he approaches the seat next to me. "Good morning, Ms. Daniels. Mind if I join you?" he asks, his voice a smooth baritone that seemed to resonate just slightly in the quietness of the room.

"Please, Mr. Rhodes. Have a seat, it’s yours anyway," I respond, managing to keep my tone even and polite, though my heart rate picked up just a touch. As he sits down, the light catches his features in a way that highlights his handsomeness. I found myself momentarily caught up in observing him—how the morning light play across his melanin skin, how his attire speaks of a meticulous, organized man who values appearance and presentation. It’s a reflection of his character that he can present such a polished exterior while engaging in the rough-and-tumble of politics. His hair is freshly cut, the lines clean and precise, adding to the overall neatness of his appearance. The sharp lineup along his temples frames his face perfectly, accentuating his strong jawline and the thoughtful expression he often wore. As he moves closer, I feel a surprising flutter of attraction; he is undeniably handsome, and his physical appeal is only heightened by the serious, intent look in his eyes.

Tom walks in next and his eyes immediately locked onto mine, his gaze sharp and challenging. I met his glare squarely, my expression unyielding. The silent confrontation hung in the air, a palpable tension that drew the attention of everyone in the room. Of course it would, I say to myself. His jaw is set, his eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to intimidate me into some type of submission. However, my response is anything but submissive. I keep my posture upright, my eyes cool and steady. It was clear to everyone watching that I am not going to be pressured. After a moment, Tom breaks eye contact to find a seat, his expression still stormy. I keep my eyes on him for a bit longer before I turn my attention back to the matters at hand.

A veteran Congress member, Brian Hogan, with years of educational policy experience, stood to address the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, the proposal on the table suggests that institutions of higher learning should bear more financial responsibility for student loans. This means if a significant percentage of their graduates fail to repay their loans, the institutions themselves would face penalties. It's a way to ensure colleges commit to not only educating their students but also preparing them for successful employment."

As murmurs of agreement and dissent mingles, Ramello clears his throat. Standing, he commands the room with his calm approach. "While I appreciate the intent behind this proposal, we must consider the potential repercussions. Smaller, less financially robust institutions might suffer under this model, possibly leading to their closure. We risk penalizing those who are most in need of support, not the willfully negligent."

I listen intently, my mind already formulating a counterpoint. Rising gracefully, I meet Ramello’s eyes with a spark of challenge in mine. "I understand your concerns, Mr. Rhodes, and they are valid. However, could we not design a system that scales based on the size and financial health of the institution? This way, we can protect smaller colleges while still holding larger, more prosperous institutions accountable."

The room pauses to consider my suggestion, the atmosphere thick with contemplation. Ramello’s eyes soften with amusement, although he quickly masks it.

"Ms. Daniels," he begins, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth as a challenge back at me, "your point is well-taken. Perhaps there is a middle path we haven’t yet considered. Something that ensures accountability without unintended harm." My lips curve into a smile, my tone is light but filled with professional respect and a hint of flirting. Damn, this is risky, but what’s the risk without the reward? "It seems we have found a common ground, Mr. Rhodes. Finding the middle path could be our shared contribution." Our exchange, now tense with a subtle undercurrent of flirtation, did not go unnoticed. I can hear the whispers and I can see Tom’s sly smile. s**t, I need to get myself together.

The room slowly empties as the meeting wraps up, the atmosphere lighter now that the session has concluded. I linger for a moment, gathering my papers, when I notice Ramello approaching. His expression mixes admiration with concern.

"Julianna, may we have a word in private?" he asks, his voice respectful yet earnest.

I nod, slightly surprised but agreeable. We move to a quieter corner of the corridor, away from the remaining clusters of people.

"I wanted to thank you for your insights today," he begins, his voice low. "And... I couldn't help but notice your exchange with Tom. Are you alright?"

I offer him a faint smile, touched by his concern. "Thank you. I’m fine. It's not the first time Tom has tried to unsettle me. But I don’t let it bother me."

Before he can respond, the sound of brisk footsteps approaches. Tom appears, his face set in a frown, clearly not finished with today's confrontations.

"Julianna, I must say, your ideas today were as fanciful as ever. Pushing for such leniency on loans will only encourage more irresponsible behavior," his tone dismissive and slightly confrontational.

I attempt to speak, but Ramello subtly shifts, placing himself beside me, a clear and surprising gesture of support. "Tom, I think you're missing the broader vision Julianna is advocating. It’s not about leniency but about creating a sustainable system where education is a viable investment for everyone."

Tom glances between us, irritation mounting. "And you support this, Ramello? I thought you of all people would understand the dangers of unchecked financial promises."

“What the hell is that supposed to mean, Tom? Are you really that sexist?” I frown angrily.

Tom smirks, which only adds fuel to the fire starting within me. Before I could speak, Ramello meets Tom's challenge with calm. "Understanding is exactly why I support it. We need solutions that bridge our ideals with practical realities. Julianna is right to push for reforms that might seem bold but are necessary."

I watch the exchange, moved by Ramello's defense. "Tom, we’re all here to find the best path forward, not to disparage those who present bold ideas. Maybe it’s time we consider that the old ways aren’t working as well as we hoped."

Tom sizes us up, perhaps realizing for the first time that his usual tactics won’t work here. With a curt nod, more in resignation than agreement, he turns and walks away.

Once Tom is out of earshot, I turn to Ramello, a grateful, but firm smile on my face. "Thank you, but I can take of myself.” I take a deep breath. “But I do appreciate what you did. Not just for defending my ideas, but for believing in them."

Ramello returns my smile, his eyes reflecting a mix of respect and something warmer. "It's easy to believe in something when someone as passionate and intelligent as you present it. If we work together on this bipartisan reform, we might just make a good team, in more ways than one." His tone is teasing and flirty and I do my best to not let it affect me. I guess the jokes on me because i am stirred.

We walk back to join the others, each of us aware of our deepening connection, not just professionally but personally, too. I feel like there’s a new sense of camaraderie between us, and an unspoken promise to explore where this newfound alliance could lead.