Chapter 10

"Oh, damn it. What the hell is he doing here?"

"Not taking a vacation, that's sure."

"Gosh, I have to make the bed quickly..." she mumbled and turned to go, but Pete stopped her.

"No, there's no time for that. Just lay in bed... and I'll be outside if you would need me."

"Okay," she nodded and did as he said.

It was a good idea, because the President was there within a minute...

"Good afternoon Sir." said Pete, but he didn't answer, just knocked on her door.

"Come in." said Sarah on a sleepy voice. "John?... What are you doing here?"

"You are still in bed?"

"I think it's none of your business."

"No, of course not, just... it was strange, that's all." There was regret in his voice.

"So, what are you doing here? You should be on a meeting, right?"

"I've cancelled it."

"You've cancelled a meeting? It's unbelievable..."

"This is more important now. Look Sarah," he sighed and sat down to the edge of her bed. "I'm so sorry."

"What exactly do you feel sorry for?"

"For everything... In the last few months we are estranged," he sighed deeply and she finally looked into his eyes. "And it was all my fault, I know. This position was everything I've ever dreamed of and when I reached it... it slowly killed our marriage. And I don't want that Sarah..." He was stroking her leg now. "I don't want to lose you. Do you believe me?"

She looked down. "You said horrible things and..."

"I know. I know. I know." He agreed. "But I didn't mean it. I was just so stressed and I would have needed my wife."

"So it was my fault..."

"No. All I want to say... I just need my wife. Not just at work or in bed... in my life. I need you Sarah... and I would do anything for that."

"Do you really think it's that easy? That you say something nice and I will forget everything?"

"Of course not. I just ask for a chance... to start it again."

"..."

"Sarah, please..."

"I don't know what to say."

"You do not have to say anything, just spend this weekend with me."

"You want to stay for the weekend?" She could not believe her ears.

"Yes. From now on, I want to spend time with my wife, as much as I could. Do you give me a chance?" she just looked at him for a few moments, then finally nodded.

"Fine." He smiled and stood up. "Then meet you at dinner?"

"No... I do not really feel hungry, maybe at breakfast."

"Right. I'll be downstairs at the guest room if you would need me."

"Okay," she nodded as he left him.

Outside her suite Tom and Pete was waiting for the President to disappear...

"See? Everything was ok," said Tom, because Pete insisted to stay. "No fight, no loud words..."

"Yes."

"So go and rest a bit."

"Right. I'll be back at eight." He nodded and went downstairs. He was relieved that they did not argue, but silence was not a good sign also. He barely could wait until eight o'clock to finally see how she was...

"You okay?" asked Pete as he was gently stroking her arm.

"Yes, of course. Everything was fine."

"I heard nothing from outside..."

"We didn't argue. He was quite normal..."

"I'm glad to hear that, but what is he doing here?"

"Pete..." she softly stopped his hand. "Would you... would you mind if I would like to be alone a little?"

"No... of course not. I just wanted to check on you."

"Thank you." she smiled faintly as he gave her a kiss. "Then good night, Pete."

"Right... Good night," he whispered the last bit and left her suite, feeling that she became uncertain...

To be continued...