You've probably been wondering why I haven't chosen a VP yet... As you know, Aaron, my two previous attempts have been either extremely ill-advised or otherwise unsuccessful, and I can't mess up for a third time."
"I understand that, Sir."
"The candidates you and Emily have presented to me are all worthy and qualified, but I don't know them. You see what I mean? I have to be able to trust my VP 110%, because if there's anything this country needs now, it's stability and reliability.
Aaron nodded, wondering where this conversation was headed.
"So... I re-hired you as my Special Advisor, but I'd be thrilled if you agreed to be my VP."
Okay. He had to admit he hadn't been expecting this.
"Sir... I don't know what to say..."
"So I've finally managed to render you speechless? That must be a first," chuckled Kirkman.
"I mean, it's an honor that you're even asking me, but I'm in no way qualified for that position. I've never been elected for public office. It'd be-"
"Unconventional?"
"And that's putting it mildly, Sir."
"I'm aware of that. As for your qualifications, you're well connected, know how D.C works, can hold your own in front of the media and I trust you. You're a good man. That's what I need, and that's what America needs."
"What about me being interrogated by the FBI?"
"It's old news by now, according to Seth. You did nothing wrong."
"Reputation is everything, Sir. Especially in D.C."
"I know, and I understand your reservations. Do you need time to consider your answer?"
"If you don't mind, Sir."
"Take as much time as you need. Nobody knows about this yet except for the two of us."
"Emily and Seth don't know either?"
"No, they don't. I wanted to speak to you first."
Aaron nodded.
This offer was by far the biggest honor of his life, but how could he be ready for this? Assuming Kirkman, Emily and Seth would somehow manage to get him confirmed VP, his life would be altered forever.
Suddenly he began to understand the panic he'd seen in Kirkman's eyes at the beginning. How could anyone be ready for this?
"As your Special Advisor, I have to warn you that I'm not likely to be a popular pick as far as Congress goes. You might not be able to get enough support, and it might lead into a dip in your approval rating," Aaron explained. This idea was so out of the box that he had to make sure the President was aware of the magnitude of the risk he was taking, even by making the suggestion.
Kirkman nodded.
"I understand all that and trust me, this decision wasn't made lightly."
"Just making sure you know the risks, Sir."
"And I appreciate that, your input is always valuable. We truly did miss you here, Aaron."
Kirkman had made sure that he felt wanted in the White House, at least by the President himself. As much as Aaron enjoyed the compliments from his boss, he couldn't help being childish and wish others had been as forthcoming. Others meaning Emily for the most part.
"With all due respect, you did great without me."
The President shook his head, a small smile on his lips.
"Well, I want to do even better than great. Like I've told you before, this is where you belong, in a key role."
As Aaron left the Oval Office, his mind was plagued by a million thoughts. He was used to making independent decisions, but just this once he really wished he had someone to talk this through with. On the other hand, at least now there was nobody else's life to consider. He wasn't particularly close to the President's family, but from the little he'd heard from Emily, it was clear that Kirkman's presidency had had a profound effect on his wife as well as their kids, and not all those repercussions were of the good variety. Sometimes loneliness could be a blessing in disguise.
Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair as he approached his office, already feeling a tension headache developing. Pushing his door open, he came face to face with Emily who was perched on the edge of his desk, a memo in her hand.