Flash

know how you do it."
    "A lot of caffeine and a great deal of help from my close supporters."
    Olivia smiled. "I can identify with that."
    "Yes, I imagine you can." Eleanor paused as the waiter poured more coffee from a gleaming silver pot. "I have also learned a useful trick. I make myself take time for a quiet breakfast every morning. Not only does it compose me and center my thoughts for the day, but I find that I can do a great deal of business over breakfast."
    "I'll have to try it," Olivia said. She glanced around at the opulent hotel restaurant. She and Eleanor were seated in a velvet-cushioned booth that gave them both privacy and a view of the posh room. "Of course, it helps when you do breakfast in a place like this."
    Eleanor laughed softly. "I eat here every morning. Management has been most accommodating. I'm always given this table."
    Holy cow, Olivia thought. She told herself not to be dazzled, but who wouldn't get a kick out of the situation? Not only was she on a first-name basis with the future governor, possibly the future president, but she was doing a power breakfast with her. The invitation had come in the form of an early morning phone call from Eleanor, herself.
    This kind of thing was bound to be great for business.
    If Todd married Eleanor, there would be more breakfasts in the future, Olivia thought. Some day she might find herself dining at the White House.
    Holy cow.
    Maybe she should go straight home and jot it all down in a journal. She would want to tell this story to her children and grandchildren.
    Of course, she reflected, that scenario could only occur if she actually got around to having some kids. Logan had not had any interest in becoming a father. Unfortunately, he had not thought to mention that fact to her when he proposed marriage.
    But Olivia blamed herself for not having understood right from the start that he was too focused on his art ever to be a parent. There was no room in his heart for anything except his painting and occasional, short-term obsessions. She had been a fool not to see that.
    "I asked you to meet me here this morning," Eleanor said, "because I thought it was time that you and I got to know each other better. I'm sure you're aware that Todd and I have more than just a, shall we say, business relationship?"
    Olivia picked up the thin china cup in front of her. "Todd has mentioned something about it," she said vaguely.
    A knowing look appeared in Eleanor's eyes. "I realize you probably have some qualms. After all, you are his older sister." She smiled wryly. "And I am a politician."
    Olivia was mortified. She put her cup down too quickly. It clanged in its delicate saucer. "I don't have anything against politicians. Really."
    Eleanor chuckled. "It's okay. If I were in your shoes, I'd be a little concerned, too. Politics is an incredibly demanding lifestyle." Her expression turned serious. "You know, you and I have a great deal in common, Olivia."
    "I doubt it. They're talking about you as a future president. I can't envision myself in the White House, but I can see you there."
    "Thank you. That is exactly where I hope to be eventually. I feel that the country needs me."
    "Yes, well…"
    "I know that sounds less than modest." Eleanor held her cup poised between the fingers of both hands. "But believe me, the first thing you have to learn when you get into politics is that modesty is not a virtue."
    "I see."
    "As I said, you and I are alike in many ways. We're both strong women. We've earned our places in the world. We're smart, and in our separate ways, we're both ambitious."
    Olivia shrugged. "That's pretty much where the comparison stops, I'm afraid. I don't have your presence. People look at you and see a leader."
    "You underestimate yourself. From what Todd has told me, your family and the people who work for Glow, Inc., view you as a leader."
    "It's not exactly my company," Olivia mumbled. "I only own half of it." Forty-nine percent, but who, besides Jasper Sloan, is counting, she thought.
    Eleanor eyed her shrewdly. "Nevertheless, I got the impression from your brother that everyone at Glow looks to you to ensure their future."
    "My, uh, new partner and I intend to work together to take care of Glow," Olivia said. A united front, she reminded herself.
    "Todd is a little concerned about Sloan."
    "People always get nervous during a transition. But everything will settle down soon."
    Eleanor nodded with understanding. "That's the way it is in politics,