Chapter Twenty-One

Lang was hosting a relatively casual press conference during the first week of June. He announced his intent to continue to expand tax cuts for the middle-class while and giving tax credits to growing businesses. It was nothing exactly news-worthy so he knew the reporters would seize the opportunity to ask the questions he wanted to hear.

"Do you think Congresswoman Reid has a chance at beating you in the election?"

"I think the congresswoman is an excellent candidate for president," he said. "She has all the right credentials. However being a candidate and being president are two different things. I wish her the best of luck and let's let the people decide."

"What do you think of her positions on reducing tax credits for businesses who invest in energy resources that harm the environment?"

"I think Reid needs to see the bigger picture. The environment is an important issue but it can't be the only issue. Businesses depend on these natural resources and sometimes there are no other alternatives."

"Would you say you share common ground in wanting to reform the tax code?"

"The way she wants to reform it would only complicate things for the average American. My plan will simplify for both businesses and the average American."

"She wants to invest more money in education, what are your thoughts?"

"I think we are only just seeing the results of my education initiatives I set up during my first one hundred days. What Reid has yet to understand is that you can't throw money at an issue in order to try to fix it. You need analyze it first and then carefully apply resources where necessary."

"She has also tried three times to push for additional spending for the VA. Why don't you think she has been successful in getting any new funding?"

"Reid is a very intelligent woman but sometimes I don't think she knows how to work with the other side of aisle. She gets too fixated on certain issues such as environmental reform that she can't get other legislation to pass."

"What are your thoughts on her being called 'the master' on Capitol Hill?"

"I think names like that should be left inside the doors of the Capitol. I don't know what they call me in there behind my back."

There was some light laughter.

The press secretary stepped forward. "This concludes our press conference. Have a good day."

"And God speed," Lang added with his brightest smile.

…

Miranda and Fleming finished watching the press conference in silence.

Miranda sighed. "You know I deeply respect the president and consider him a worthy opponent but some days I just want to smack at that cheesy grin off his face."

"But it is his signature smile," Fleming said sarcastically.

"Only he thinks it is charming. And Lang is right. He doesn't want to know what we on Capitol Hill call him."

"Now I'm intrigued."

"The Powers That Be will find a way to kick me out of congress if I reveal their secrets."

"Back on topic: This is the closest the president has come to going on the offence."

"So he knows I'm afraid to attack him. It took him long enough to do something about it."

"Which means we're going to need to start going negative also. Are you ready for that next step?"

Miranda took some notes. "I knew there would be a time and a place for it. Let's get some writers and draft some new rhetoric."

"You sound very calm despite having to go into uncharted waters with regards to campaign tactics."

Miranda looked out the window of her Florida district office. "I'm home. I get to see my kids and husband every day for a few days. I can't complain too much."

"Just don't get used to it. We also need to plan some campaign stops for you to do with your husband and we have the Archer event."

"He has no problem with the Archer event. Every other campaign stop, he is just going to do because he loves me and I love him more for it."

"There are few men in this world like your husband you know that?"

"There none like my husband and I know it and I consider myself extremely lucky."

…

They were swimming in the water off the coast of Marseille when Reid grabbed Miranda and kissed her. She kissed him deeply in return. Their bodies were intertwined in the water. Reid preferred visiting the museums but at that moment everything felt perfect.

Reid pulled back briefly and saw that Miranda had turned into Lila Archer. She pulled him closer and kissed him.

"Stop," he tried to say but she kept kissing him. He found himself kissing her back.

They were back in her pool. She would not stop kissing him as he grew even more uncomfortable.

"Lila please," he said as he pulled away. "I'm a married man!"

But that didn't stop her and he couldn't stop kissing her.

Reid woke up gasping for air.

"Dreaming about Lila Archer Reevis were you?" Miranda said.

They were in a hotel just outside Los Angeles. They were going the event Lila was hosting, today Reid saw looking at clock. It was six a.m.

"Yes," he said sheepishly.

"Were you dreaming about kissing her in the pool?"

"She started it and was I that loud?"

"I'm sleeping less than two inches from you dear," she said. "I liked the part where you shouted you were a married man."

"So you're not mad?"

"More amused than anything," she said sitting up. "Look you admitted she was your first intense kiss. I can't blame you for still dreaming about her especially since we're seeing her soon."

He leaned over and kissed her. "I love you so much," he said.

"I love you too Spencer. I'm glad I'm a sound sleeper. You don't want to know what I would shout out about my exes in my dreams."

He laughed despite tried to kiss her again but she stood up.

"Another time dear. I have a strategy session at eight-thirty followed by a meeting with the local politicians. And you have to study up on your celebrities."

"Yes ma'am," he said with a sigh.

"You can sleep in if you like," she said. "Just try not to have any sexier dreams of Lila Archer Reevis"

"You're not going to let me live this, down, are you?"

"If you keep blushing like that, no" she said with a smile.

…

"So, your dipped five points in the polls after your first speeches attacking the president in Indiana and Missouri," their pollster said. "Nothing to worry about too much at this point in the campaign."

"Not too much?" Miranda said. "A few speeches shouldn't ruin my campaign."

"What the polling shows us is that we need to be more strategic about how we attack the president. He is well-liked and that can't be emphasized enough."

"So, let's draft some more speeches with a more positive angle," Miranda said. "Describe the common ground we share and how my vision for America can be better than his."

The pollster smiled. "That is exactly what you need to do."

"Thank you, Danielle," she said. "We'll start the process tomorrow while in New Mexico."

"Yes, ma'am," they all said and got up to leave.

Geena stayed behind.

"You seemed slightly distracted during this session," she said.

Miranda knew better than to lie to her chief of staff.

"We're visiting my husband's sort-of-ex who happens to be a Hollywood movie star. I didn't think it'd get to me but it does."

"Are you jealous? Worried old feelings might erupt?"

"Not really. Just, I don't know, tired. Lila Reevis-Archer should be the last thing on my mind when I have so much to do."

"It is just one party," Geena said calmly. "Just work the crowd and try to enjoy yourself."

"I will and I am so glad you and Fleming are coming as my wing women."

"It should be fun," Geena said. "I've always wanted to meet James Torrin."

"I'm glad you'll have fun."

"You never know, you might too."

…

Miranda was wearing a green and yellow dress with a halter top. Reid thought she looked stunning but could tell she was exhausted under all the makeup.

"I never should have stacked my schedule the way I did," she said applying some last-minute makeup under her eyes.

"You still look beautiful and think of all the sleepless nights that you had with the kids and managed to work efficiently the next day."

"I was younger then," she said. "Right now, all I want is a nap."

Reid rubbed her shoulder. "You'll be fine."

"You always know what to say," she said.

"That's what I'm here for."

"We're here," the driver announced.

Lila's current home was even larger than he imagined. He'd seen the photos but they didn't do it justice. The driver dropped them off at the front of the house where a butler was waiting.

He opened the door. "Welcome the Reevis residence. The Reevis family will be meeting you in the ballroom. Allow me to show you the way."

"Thank you," Miranda said.

They were guided through a hall covered in artwork that Reid estimated were worth a total of a million dollars. In the ballroom, there were at least fifty guests waiting. They parted and then Reid could see her clearly.

She was wearing simple V-neck pale blue dress that sparkled slightly. Her hair was cut so that it was just off her shoulders. Next to her was Benjamin Reevis with sandy-brown hair and on his other side was sixteen-year-old Elaine Reevis in a purple dress.

Hand in hand Miranda and Reid walked together. Miranda smiled and waved slightly to other people and Reid tried to do the same.

"I feel like a queen," Miranda muttered in his ear.

"You look like one," he said.

This made her smile.

They finally approached Lila and her family.

"Congresswoman Reid," she said formally. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine," Miranda said. "Thank Mrs. Archer-Reevis for inviting us to this stunning party."

"Please, its Lila," she said turned to her family. "This is Ben and Elaine. This is Elaine's first big party. She was desperate to meet you."

"I think you're amazing Congresswoman," Elaine said. "You're so poised and all you've done in Congress is incredible."

"Thank you," Miranda said blushing slightly and turned to Reid. "Lila I believe you've met Spencer."

Lila let out a laugh. "Met him, he saved my life! It is good to see you again Spencer."

Ben extended a hand. "Thank you for saving my wife all those years ago," he said.

"You're welcome," he said awkwardly.

"I think I've take up enough of your time," Lila said. "Let the party begin!"

She clapped her hands and people began to gather around Miranda and Reid.

Miranda shook hands and made small talk while many asked Reid how he saved Lila's life. He kept the story simple and said a stalker who knew Lila was on the verge of stabbing her when he managed to talk her out of doing so. Many were impressed by his bravery but he claimed only to be doing his job. Elaine called him a hero which made him only blush more.

The party continued and dinner was served. Miranda and Reid were separated at that point. Reid was seated with an actor who was going to star in a movie about FBI agents and wanted to pick his brain about the details of his work. He gladly obliged while Miranda appeared to be sitting with a couple who worked as fashion designers who were offering their services to her. She was smiling but he could tell she wasn't enjoying herself.

Later, in the party Lila and Reid found themselves alone in a small nook in her home.

"Well," she said with a smile. "Look at us! I think we both did pretty well in the relationship department."

"I do too," he said. "Elaine is a lovely young woman."

"Thank you. I hear your kids take after you."

"Both of us," he said. "It may not make the headlines but they take after both of us."

"I believe you."

"It never would have worked out between us," he said suddenly. "We're just too different."

"I know," she said. "But we tried and it was worth a try."

"I agree."

"Good luck Spencer, on everything."

"You too, Lila."

He then walked away with the satisfaction of getting the closure he'd wanted years ago.