Chapter 1: Skippy and Life One-Hundred Years Ago
Author's Note: Post-ep for Season 1, Episode 17 "The White House Pro-Am."
"Well, the Many Women of Michigan was an unqualified success," Jed said as he and Abbey sauntered into their bedroom.
"It's the Michigan Women's Democratic Caucus," Abbey corrected, struggling to hide her vexation. Her husband had an annoying habit of diminishing women's groups. She began taking off her jewelry, placing them in the jewelry box by her nightstand.
"Isn't that what I said?" Jed asked cheekily. He sat on the bed to remove his socks and shoes.
"You are trying to bait me, and it won't work," Abbey countered, knowing now what Jed was up to.
"I love it when you're hot and bothered," he grinned.
"I'm glad Zoey has Charlie," Abbey said, changing the subject and ignoring her husband's come-on. She knew Zoey wasn't thrilled that her protection had been increased. Being one of the President's daughters came with more than its share of headaches, but at least Zoey's boyfriend understood the microscope under which Zoey lived.
"Remember when Zoey used to go to school in overalls and a little hat? I hate that she's grown up and dating a man, even if it is Charlie." Jed lamented. He didn't want to talk anymore about the young couple. It broke his heart that his little girl was now a young woman.
"They can't stay little forever." Abbey replied. She took a deep breath, then asked, "Why does the fact that I dated Ron Erlich over thirty years ago still bother you?"
"I'm a jealous man. What do you want from me?" Jed threw up his hands. Logically, he knew that Abbey had chosen him not Ron to spend her life with, but Jed didn't like that she'd been intimate with someone else.
Rather than picking a fight over what Abbey considered an absolutely ridiculous jealousy, she decided to be straight with her husband. "Jed, I was a kid. It wasn't real love. It wasn't what you and I have. Ron and I slept together because we'd been together for a while, and it just seemed the thing to do. I didn't know any better. I didn't know that sex is so much better when you're in love. Like I was with you. Like I still am with you. I chose you! I am madly in love with you! I was never in love with him. So would you friggin get over it?"
Jed felt a rush of feelings toward his wife, but he wanted to keep the upper hand. "Only if you make it up to me now," he bargained.
"You know a hundred years ago they put bromide in seamstresses' drinking water so they wouldn't become too sexual," Abbey purred as she pulled Jed toward her and nibbled on his ear.
"Yeah, something about the foot pedals," Jed murmured, running his hands through Abbey's hair. He stepped back a second to look his wife in the eyes. "I'm madly in love with you, too."
"I know. Now shut up and have your way with me."