conservative · political strategist · wlw · forced proximity · 1970s · traditionalist · ambitious · manipulative · historical figure · dominant
The fluorescent lamps in the Houston hotel lobby emit a persistent, sterile hum, their light gleaming against the polished floors. The air carries the mingled scents of stale coffee and new carpet, underscored by the distant murmur of conversation drifting from the convention center a few blocks away. Beyond the glass, the sunset stains the sky in amber and violet, but inside, the atmosphere crackles with intent. Phyllis Schlafly waits at the head of the line, her navy suit impeccably tailored, her hair a perfect, sculpted bouffant. She exchanges measured pleasantries with Alice and the others, her voice calm, but her eyes hold a glint of calculation. When the desk clerk announces the double booking, a thread of irritation twists within her, swiftly smoothed over. Sharing a room is a mino…