"Somehow this epic storm seems appropriate, sort of matches all our moods since Mrs. Landingham was taken from us."
"She lived a good life Sam and she touched all those who crossed her path. Oh hell, who am I trying to kid, this sucks."
"Uhuh."
"Poor Charlie, to lose his Mom and then his second mother."
"It's not fair, she enjoyed her first new car for what ten minutes? If anyone deserved a little splurge it was her."
"God works in mysterious ways, his...... timing can really suck."
"Will you two shut up!" Toby hissed which made CJ punch him in the thigh.
When the service was over Mara went up to the front pew to give Jed a hug. He seemed to have aged ten years over night.
"She loved you Jed, don't forget that or she may haunt you." She whispered softly.
"I wouldn't put it past her, thanks Mara."
"See you later."
******************
Mara sat curled up on the couch watching CJ announce Jed. They had all told her that it was scenario B, that Jed wasn't going to seek reelection. She didn't believe them or Jed, for that matter. She knew that grief and self doubt had been the reason he said no. Mara cold certainly understand why Jed might not want to run again, but she'd be bitterly disappointed in him if he actually went with the B answer. She knew if the situations were reversed he'd tell her to get off her ass, dust herself off and get back on the horse again. CJ told her that they arranged for the first question to be a medical one. When Mara heard the reporter ask if he was seeking a second term she flicked the TV off. She didn't have to hear him. She knew he'd say something along the lines of I'm not going to seek a second term, I'm going to win one.
Sam was surprised to find Mara asleep when he arrived home shortly after ten. He was so tired he flopped down on the bed and had no intention of moving. The bounce of the bed woke her up and Mara turned to look at Sam.
"Samuel, you could at least take off your shoes, you dork." She chastised.
"Too tired."
"Your wet, muddy shoes do not belong on my white quilt."
When Sam didn't move Mara sighed, muttered he was a jackass, sat up and pulled them off his feet.
"Ouch"
"I don't care, you should have done it yourself then. Oh yeah, who was right?"
"You." Sam mumbled wishing Mara would just shut up and let him go to sleep.
"Sorry what was that? I didn't hear you."
"You were right, now shut the hell up and let me sleep." He replied loudly.
Mara picked up her pillow and whacked him as hard as she could before settling back down. A few minutes later she heard him curse and get out of bed. She chuckled to herself when she heard the toilet flush.
"Sam, an intelligent person always goes to the bathroom before they flop down."
"Bite me." Sam retorted on his way back to bed ignoring her giggling.
***************
Mara was happy that Sam stayed in the White House during the majority of the campaign trips. The only one he went out on was to Orange County so he could have dinner with his Mom. Sam was relieved that she was back to her old self. He hated to say good bye to her but she promised to visit in the early fall. For four weeks after the announcement, Mara would drop by Sam's office around 7 with a home cooked dinner. He was at work by 6:30 most mornings and home by midnight on a good day. Sam would stop whatever he was doing when she walked into the building and take a full hour off. Mara made him a deal he couldn't refuse. He could work as long as was needed if he stopped to have dinner with her and spent a full day with her on either Saturday or Sunday. He also agreed to go back to normal hours for the duration of Jenna's visit.
Sam was glad Jenna was spending 12 days with them. He was looking forward to her arrival on Wednesday.
Sam had just finished eating a spinach stuffed chicken breast when he saw Doug loitering at his door. He glanced at his watch, twenty five minutes had only passed.
"Mar, lock my door and pull the blinds." Sam requested as he put his phone on do not disturb.
Mara got up, after noticing Doug she smiled, pointed at her watch, pulled the blinds and locked the door.
"He bugs the crap out of me and I swear I've never heard him utter an original thought."
"We call him the slug. He annoys the crap out of me too but Toby hates him. I swear his job seems to be to repeat whatever Bruno or Connie says."
"Bruno has no bedside manner but knows his stuff. I've worked with him before. You just have to
mitigate his win at any cost plans. There comes a point when you have to remind him that there is a line and you will not cross it."
"Yeah, like the issue ads instead of soft money ones."
"Have you told Connie that you are married?"
"No, why?"
"It annoys me how she only seems to want to talk to you. She's trying to flirt with you. She's not very good at it and you are always only half listening to her so you never pick it up. Donna can see it and she hasn't said anything because she thinks it's hilarious how she tries and you don't even notice."
"Well I'm glad I can provide Donna with a little entertainment. You going swimming again?"
"Of course, you know I hate that you have to work so long but I've loved spending two hours in the pool with Abbey every night. She's still so mad that Jed said he'd run after telling her he wasn't. She can vent with me rather than taking it out on Jed."
"You're cheaper than a divorce attorney."
"Funny, do you want dessert or can CJ have it?"
"What is it?"
"Chocolate chip cake bars."
"I'll save half for later and Ceeg can have the rest. Hmm we have half an hour left." Sam commented giving her a sexy grin.
"Really, that's enough time for a short debate. Be it resolved that....."
"Be it resolved that my wife is the world's most amazing woman."
"There is no argument against that." Mara laughed as Sam left his chair and sat on the edge of his desk in front of her.
"Be it resolved that you are wearing a bikini under that little dress."
"Sam, that's not a proper debate question."
"Be it resolved that the little dress and your bikini are going to be on the floor in thirty seconds. that certainly is a statement my dear wife."
"Be it known that I refuse to have sex with you in this office. "
"Mara"
"No Sam, now if you want to meet me in the pool at midnight.... but not in here."
"So you won't do it in my office where no one will see us but you are willing to do it in the Executive pool, where I bet there are security cameras."
"There are no cameras, I checked and confirmed it with Abbey."
"You're no fun."
"Samuel, you know just how fun I am and I'd be very happy to remind you later."
"Before I leave this office for good, I will have you here." Sam said smugly.
"Wanna bet on it Mister?" Mara chuckled.
Sam ignored Mara and changed the topic. "So Jenna is going to be waiting for you in Ottawa on Wednesday?"
"Yeah, Sue and Steve are driving down for the weekend and heading back after dropping us at the airport. Think you can survive without me for three days?"
"I'll be here, sleeping on Toby's couch no doubt. So Sue and Steve will have to amuse her for 4 days in Ottawa."
"No, I bet they will rely on Dani and Cheryl to entertain her. Sue's at the end of her rope."
"You mean she's never had Jenna all summer long?"
"As a baby yes, but I've had Jenna for at least a month since she's been two."
"No wonder she worships you."
"When she was two, after she was finished with her dinner, she'd say you can play with me now."
"Of course you'd go with her."
"She had me very well trained. Almost as well, as I have you trained." Mara said with a grin.
"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that."
"Well I'm off to go swimming. Shall I meet you in the pool at midnight?"
"Yeah."
"See how well trained you are? You yield to my every whim and desire." Mara chuckled.
"I haven't had any in five days Mar, I'm desperate not trained."
"You say potato..." Mara said as she unlocked the door and left the office.
Doug had been sitting at Bonnie's desk and rose as soon as he saw Mara. She looked at her watch and Sam still had fifteen minutes left.
"Don't you have anything better to do Doug? Go irritate someone else because Sam still has twenty minutes and I'm just going to the bathroom."
Mara waited for Doug to amble off before stepping out on to the portico and walking around to the pool. Sam peeked out his door and smiled when he saw no sign of Doug. He beeped Toby to let him know he was going to work out of the mess and then made his way over to CJ's office to give her the chocolate chip bars.
"Hey Spanky, I'm off for a swim, what did you need?"
"How come you get to go swimming?"
"You spend your hour your way, I spend it my way. That for me?"
"Yeah."
"Thanks Spanky. Josh is hiding in the mess, you guys really need to find a more original spot."
"Have any suggestions? At least you can't say we are hard to find. Is it our fault Doug has the brains of a lima bean?"
"Sam, legumes don't have brains."
"I rest my case. You know Mara wants to have pool sex tonight. You might want to have a few words with her."
"Press can't see it, I don't have a problem with it." CJ stated figuring Sam was merely trying to mess with her.
CJ waited until Abbey had joined them in the pool to mention Sam's parting words. Abbey could tell by the way Mara brushed it off that it was true and started chuckling.
"I guess Sam, was shocked by your answer." Abbey replied.
"I don't know, I never bothered to turn around and look at him. I knew he was just trying to mess with me. FYI, you know I'd kill you, just in case the thought ever entered your mind."
"Actually CJ this is probably the most private of all areas. No staff milling around, no one can see a thing from the gates...."
"Abbey don't encourage her! The only sex allowed in this White House is in the Presidential bedroom."
"I hate to burst your bubble there Ceeg but ...."
"Mara!"
"I hate to burst your bubble too CJ..."
"Abbey!"
"Oval, Lincoln, Jed's study, living room?" Mara guessed.
"Private kitchen, Situation room."
"Really? Situation room, that would be one hell of a turn on."
"So confess Mara, I promise I won't tell Jed."
"I can't believe you two, there could be a reporter lurking near by!"
"CJ, this part of the grounds are considered part of the residence so the press can't even get near us. So spill it Mara."
"Our suite, Mural Room and let's just say Sam will never forget which Roosevelt the room is named for again. Oh yeah Air Force One too."
"MARA!"
"Really? Jed and I are rarely on the plane at the same time. I think I need to start making some mile high references."
"So you've forgiving him?"
"I'll forgive him but I'm sure as hell never going to forget it. "
"I don't blame you, have you got any I'm a jackass gifts?"
"No actually. Deal breaker?"
"Oh yeah, I'll send him a little brief from my office tomorrow. I hear Lily resigned."
"I asked her to clear sometime so we could discuss her future, she got the message. By the way, did you two have words?"
"No why?"
"Are you sure, she asked if this was over the Mara thing."
"That was Sam, she told him to control me after you played hooky and took care of me when I was sick. Sam told her he couldn't control me if he tried and not to play the pick me or Mara game cause she'd loose."
"Ah."
"Please, The President knows not to play that game cause he'd loose too." CJ chuckled.
"What do you both think about Donna?"
"As your COS?"
"No as my love slave, of course CJ."
"Abbey against Josh, I'm not so sure you'd win. I think she could do it, I think she'd be great but Josh will fight dirty to keep her and he'd drag Sam into it. He doesn't want to loose her on PEI."
"She really does love PEI Abbey, I don't think she'd want to give it up."
"Arrangements could be made and I think I know how to handle Joshua."
"When is Lily's last day?"
"Two Fridays from now."
"Then I suggest CJ tells Donna her presence is required in the pool when her break is over."
"Actually I'd like CJ to be here. Mara put a towel on and go get her."
"Yes Ma'am."
CJ rolled her eyes watching Mara and her little bikini getting out of the pool. She muttered I hate her to Abbey which earned her a splash in the face. Mara wondered what the next person to come up the hall would think of seeing little puddles all the way up the hall. Toby smirked at her, told her Sam was hiding and that he was about to join him. Mara spotted Donna heading away from her and called out to her.
"Mara? Sam's hiding in the spot with Josh and Toby."
"Yeah, go put your bathing suit on, Abbey is having a pool party."
"Josh will have a fit."
(You don't know the half of it.) "It's an order Donna. Go put your suit on, I'm going to get some ice cream."
Mara stopped by the kitchen and grabbed a large tub of ice cream and four spoons. She was almost home free when Leo called out to her.
"Mara you're dripping all over the floors."
"Yeah that's what happens when I'm forced to go from pool to ice cream run."
"Have you seen CJ?"
"Yeah, Abbey has commandeered her and Donna. The rest of your Senior Staff is hiding from Doug the Slug."
"I really don't understand what Bruno needs that one for. He is very annoying and I've come to the conclusion that his only use is raising Toby's blood pressure."
"Why don't you tell Bruno that Doug is no longer welcomed in the White House."
"I wish I could."
"Leo, you're the big cheese, his presence is counter productive and you and the President will not compromise on this. Bruno can keep him on but he is to have no contact with Senior Staff."
"Easier said than done Mara."
"Then I suggest you spend sometime getting it done."
"Mara go before your ice cream melts too." Leo replied with a grin.
Mara was almost back out the door again when she heard her name being called. She turned around and sighed at Connie.
"What?"
"Have you seen Sam? I need to speak with him."
"Yeah he went home about five minutes ago. Josh and Toby were taking him out for a few drinks."
"Do you know where?"
"No Connie and even if I did there is no way I'd tell you. They have to put up with you people enough as it is. Now if you don't mind, I'm dripping on the floor and the First Lady's ice cream is melting."
"I get the feeling that you don't like me."
"For that to happen, I'd actually have to give you a moments thought, which I don't."
"Oh."
"Connie, I overheard something earlier that I'll share with you because I know what it's like playing with the big boys. The little crushy poo you have on Sam, paints you in a very unprofessional light. Sam is clueless, but the staff has noticed and they have quite some fun chuckling about Connie's Sweet Valley High. Now I really need to go before Abbey sends the her detail to find me."
Mara had just finished telling Abbey and CJ what took her so long and had dropped a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth when Donna came out and gave Mara a death glare.
"You ratted me out to Connie you ...you....big meanie!"
CJ broke out laughing and Mara looked at Donna like she had two heads.
"Capitol Barbie? You mind telling me what evil thing I've done?"
"Connie just asked me if I knew anything about people teasing her for having a crush on Sam."
"Do you really think I'd name you? I told her the staff is having fun, geez Louise."
"Oh sorry. Yum what kind of ice cream?"
"Sorry Donna, only those who don't accuse me get some."
"It's my chocolate fudge ripple ice cream Donna and you may have some. Mara, play nice or I'll ban you from the pool later."
"Hey no biggie for me. I can live without sex, Sam on the other hand admitted to being desperate so you'd be hurting him more than me."
"What does the pool have to do with....Mara!"
"Ah ha, see Donna agrees with me." CJ exclaimed.
"Abbey didn't you want to ask Donna something?" Mara asked ignoring CJ.
Abbey made her pitch to a stunned Donna who asked if she could have the weekend to think about it. The four of them managed to completely finish the ice cream and a little after nine Donna and CJ left to head home leaving just Mara and Abbey.
"So Jenna arrives on Wednesday. I was heading up to the farm house Friday, the two of you could join me and Sam could fly up with Jed, Friday evening. I know Jenna loves riding. I know I love the company."
"I'll ask her when I see her. She simply adores her Aunty Abbey. What did you think of the pictures she sent you?"
"I think she's very talented. She's a natural, you'd never guess she was seven. Daniel was floored when I asked him to have a look. He offered to spend a day with her teaching her more techniques and wanted her to assemble a portfolio."
"I should call her and let her know. It will keep her busy all day tomorrow." Mara swam over to where she'd dropped her things and grabbed her cell phone. The line was picked up after three rings.
"Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood speaking."
"Hello Miss Thing."
"Aunty Mara! Are you here already?"
"No, I'm in the pool with Abbey. She just shared some news with me I thought you'd like to hear."
"Tell me."
"Do you remember Daniel Standish?"
"The White House's official photographer. He sent me some great tips."
"Well, Abbey was so impressed with the pictures you sent her, that she asked Daniel to look at them. He thinks you are a rising talent and wants you to put together a portfolio of your best work. I thought you could select your pictures tomorrow. When I see you we can go buy you a special album. Daniel also offered to spend a day tutoring you."
"Oh wow, this is so cool. I've taken 500 pictures, it's going to be so hard to find my best fifty. This might take me a couple of days. Mom will be happy, I dragged her down to Old Montreal again today. I took some interesting shots of brick meeting cobblestone."
"Neat, did you finish my flower assignment?"
"Yeah, the album is all done. I finished all my assignments, even the book one Sam gave me."
"Book assignment?"
"Yeah Sam challenged me to find twelve books and photograph them in a setting befitting of the book. So of course, I had to read the books first to get a sense of them. Then I had to think about a proper setting and sometimes the pictures didn't express the theme clear enough so I had to go back to the drawing board. The final pictures are a masterpiece."
"A masterpiece? My aren't we proud of ourselves."
"Lydia's mom said she was going to speak to her boss at the gallery about hosting an exhibit for me. She said I was a true artist with remarkable vision. I agree."
"Jenna, I don't know if I have room for you and your ego at the house."
"Ha ha, tres amusant. If you'll excuse me, the genius needs her beauty sleep. See you Sunday night."
"See you Sunday brat."
"Jenna is creating masterpieces?"
"In her own humble opinion she is. I know I have an ego but I've had more than thirty years to develop one. Jenna is going to be worse than ten Josh Lymans."
"God help us all, if she is. So are you going to make Sam sorry he talked to CJ?"
"Oh yeah, even though I think he talked because he was scared we'd be caught. He still isn't getting any tonight."
"Dear, I've told you this countless times but it remains true, you withhold too frivolously."
"I have Sam trained so well, he knows before he opens his mouth what the repercussions will be.
Some days he gets frisky and decides to annoy me anyway. He knows in his heart of hearts he's not getting any tonight."
"You think I have a new COS?"
"I'd keep looking for candidates if I were you. I have a feeling Donna is going to say no."
"Why?"
"I don't know, I just have this feeling and my feelings are usually right. Sam asked me why I was so good at foreign policy and I had to tell him part of it was intangible."
"Like mother's intuition, I can tell when one of my girls is lying to me in less than a minute."
"You are very hard to lie to but I've gotten away with it."
"No Mara, you've assumed because I haven't called you on it, you've snowed me. Trust me, I know. You've just lucked out and not lied to me when I'm in a bad mood."
"Oy vey, now there is a situation I'd never want to find myself in."
"Just remember that Missy. I'm starting to turn into a prune, time for me to get out. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Why don't you come over for a late lunch tomorrow. I'm leaving Sunday for Ottawa."
"I'll see you around two then. Good night and don't be too evil to Samuel."
"Night."
Mara swam a dozen laps before climbing out and drying herself off. She put her watch back on and sighed. She really didn't feel like waiting an hour and a half for Sam to show up. She grabbed her dress, purse and heels and headed straight for the mess. She heard Toby's distinctive chuckle and knew they were still hiding out. She noticed they were playing poker and grinned.
"Hello, don't you people have houses to go home to?"
"Still trying to find the pool Mara?" Toby asked.
"Oh I found it, I was just looking for my husband to tell him it was time to go home."
"Home, I thought we were going for a swim?"
"I'm tired of swimming."
"Heels and a towel, interesting look there Mara." Josh teased.
Mara rolled her eyes, dropped the towel and slid her dress on. "There that better for you Josh?"
"If you loose the dress it would be even better." Josh said with a grin.
"Hey stop lusting after my wife! Some best friend you are."
"Your wife is an evil dragon but damn, is it my fault she has a hot bod?"
"You're such a charmer Joshua." Mara replied managing to sound like a Jewish grandmother.
"Stop channeling my Mom, Mara." Toby ordered.
"Come on Sam, playtime is over. I'm kind of hungry so I thinking McDonald's drive thru before we get home. There is a happy meal out there with my name on it."
"Yeah I could eat some fries. I'll clean up here and meet you in my office."
"Fries? Can I tag along?"
"Yeah I guess we can drop you off Josh. Hurry up. Toby?"
"I can live without fries. I'm going home."
Mara had the limo go through the drive thru and then drop Josh off. By the time the limo reached the mansion Mara was polishing off her last fry. Sam decided to flip through the mail while he finished his large fries and by the time he got upstairs Mara was already in bed, hugging Tedzy.
"We should be in a pool right now."
"Yeah, you should have kept your big mouth shut. You sabotaged yourself idiot, now good night."
"Ah come on Mara, please?"
"Good night Samuel."
"You're mean."
"I try very hard to be."
Sam muttered to himself and climbed into bed. Mara turned into his arms and was out like a light five miutes later.