“My cousin’s marrying a woman who had to be talked out of an all-black Goth wedding. You are going to make me look amazing, and everyone will love you. But we can talk about that later. I wanted to talk to you about something else.”

I curl my hands around my mug and lean back in my seat.

“I’m ready. What’s the big news?”

“So,” he says. “You know I’ve been working on getting some of the General Assembly folks to see the light on some of the banking legislation our office helped draft last year. I can’t get anyone to introduce anything in session.”

I nod.

“I’ve realized I don’t want to ask people to do something. I want to be in the seat to get it done. I’m going to run.”

I blink twice before I find my voice.

“What do you mean ‘run’?”

“I mean run for office. Get my name on the ballot.”

“Elections were a month ago. You mean for two years from now?”

Adam nods, as if I’ve said something encouraging.

“Exactly. The current assemblyman won his last term by the skin of his teeth. And he’s got a couple of small-time challengers, but no one serious. I talked it over with a few of my dad’s friends, some politicos, and they think that if I make my rounds in the right circles, I can get that seat.”

“Adam,” I say slowly, “this is really big . . . and exciting.”

He begins to outline the next steps for me. He’s already had a call with someone who might help run his campaign. I am stunned by how much has happened since I last saw him, just a week ago.

“It’s wild. I mean, I’ve had this in the back of my mind for a while now, but waiting isn’t going to change anything. I think this is the right time.”

I am at a loss for words, which is strange for me.

Adam talks about signatures. Fundraisers. Brochures. Party nominations. Kingmakers.

A small knot forms in my stomach, no bigger than a pebble. I shift in my seat and try to focus on what he is saying.

“I can be that guy,” Adam insists.

I look at Adam as if for the first time and try to imagine him as a politician. I’m surprised I didn’t see it earlier. He is comfortable in a suit and can certainly work a room with his personality. He’ll meet someone once and remember the person’s name and alma mater and preferred beverage. He makes people feel important for the few minutes they chat with him.

“Of course you can. You’d be great. You will be great. I don’t know why I’m surprised.”