This story is inspired by the 2016 Blizzard.
"The Blizzard"
Chapter 1
"Yeah, I called the mayor. She's issued a state of emergency for DC. The governors of Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia have followed suit. We expect New Jersey, Delaware, and New York to announce soon," Leo briefed the President.
"Staff all going home? I assume they don't have the mettle to handle real weather," Jed surmised proudly.
"Nah, this is the place to be in a blizzard," Leo grinned his crooked smile.
"So you're all expecting Abbey and me to entertain you?"
"Pretty much."
"Well be prepared for a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit," the President said, rapping his knuckles on the Resolute Desk.
"Dear Jesus." Leo rolled his eyes.
"I saw that."
I know."
"What do you say about gathering around 5:30 for some chili and trivia? Let the staff know."
"Yes, sir," Leo said, excusing himself to his own office.
Jed scampered off the residence to find Abbey.
He found her in the study, reviewing a speech she was going to make on children's health.
"Hey, Sweet Knees," Jed greeted his wife, dropping a kiss on her lips.
"Hey. I'm just hunkered down here working on my speech," Abbey said, pulling Jed down to sit on the couch with her.
"How's it going?" he asked, brushing some hair back from Abbey's face.
"Good. I want you to look it over later, though."
"Sure. Hey, listen. Leo and I were thinking of getting the staff together tonight for some chili and Trivial Pursuit. What do you think?"
"Um, Poindexter, I'm not so sure anyone truly wants to play Trivial Pursuit with you. It's only because you're the President that they feel obligated."
Jed looked dismayed. "You don't think anyone likes my useful knowledge of things both arcane and commonplace? Like how I know that the name "Abigail" comes from the Old Testament and means "the father's joy?"
Abbey sighed loudly, trying to hide her amusement. But Jed saw the little smile creep across Abbey's face.
"No matter how much you pretend to be annoyed by my infinite trivia, you can't resist it."
"I know. Damn that about me." Abbey smiled and tilted forward to kiss Jed. The kiss lasted several seconds.
"Mmm," Jed groaned. "I'm supposed to go back downstairs and get ready for the gathering, and you're turning me on."
"Well you're the one who made these plans without asking me first," Abbey countered, kissing him again.
"But hon, I thought you loved my staff." Jed was puzzled.
"Of course I do. But it's supposed to snow like two and a half feet over the next twenty-four hours. I wanted to have our own little blizzard party. I thought we'd be alone for once."
"What if I kick 'em out by 8:00?"
"Make it 7:30, and you've got a deal."
"I better go start making the chili."
They both stood, and Abbey drew Jed in for one last kiss, grabbing his behind as she did.
"Now I don't even want to have the get-together," Jed griped.
Abbey giggled her soft, melodious laugh. "Get to it, Jethro," she said, escorting him to the door.
"Don't call me that."
"Check with your wife before making plans."
"Touché," Jed replied, closing the study door quietly behind him, giving Abbey a final longing look over his shoulder.