"Yes they do and use your indoor voice Jenna."
"If the plane could land in New York why the heck didn't it just go to Washington instead?"
"There is a thunder and lightening storm over the Philadelphia, Washington area."
"Which will clear up and make its way here so we'll be grounded even longer."
"Hey if we have to stay overnight, we will. I'm not getting in a tin can during lightening squirt."
"It's a silly fear Aunty Mara."
"Jenna how about we go look for a Jack in the box while we wait?" Mara asked smugly.
"You're evil Mara."
"The fear of Jack in the boxes is really silly Jenna."
"All right point taken. They better have food I'm starving."
Mara flashed her executive platinum Areoplan card and found her way to the least populated section of plush leather couches and chairs. Jenna dropped her carry on bag on a couch and scurried over to find food. Mara fished her cell phone out and dialed Sam's private line.
"Hello."
"Hi guess where I'm calling from?"
"LaGuardia, I had Ginger check on the status of your flight half an hour ago. She was told you were being diverted. I'm sure you've made your way into some lounge."
"Yeah, Jenna is foraging for food. When she gets back I'm foraging for a good stiff drink."
"I'm going to stay at work until I get word you are actually landing. E-mail me from the plane just as they tell you to turn your computer off."
"Sure, get me in trouble."
"Mara you are a breathing dictionary definition of trouble so don't even try to pretend you are a good little girl."
"Sure I'm bad but you love me for it don't you?."
"Today I do."
Mara started laughing.
"What's so funny?"
"My God daughter must have just piled every known piece of cheese and crackers on a plate. I swear it's almost as tall as her and she's trying to bring it over here."
"Geez, think you should go help her?" Sam asked sarcastically.
"No, I want to see if she is going to make a mess or not. What are you working on?"
"Wrapping up PEI commitments for the fall semester so we can get a final number. Donna is trying to figure out a tracking system so we can monitor how it's going during the year. She wants to set up a database so we can communicate with the students and ask for their input. I keep trying to tell her it's too much work but she's ignoring me and keeps saying she'll handle it."
"Sounds like a lot of work to me too. Has she mentioned anything big to you lately?"
"Like turning down the COS position? Yeah, she spilled the news to me on Monday, ironically when Abbey was telling Josh that Donna declined the offer and he better treat her really well."
"Well she made it over to the table, put the plate down and then one of the towers fell over. Hold on a sec."
A minute later Jenna came back on the line.
"Mind if I munch in your ear Unca Sam?"
"No. "
"Can we get pizza tonight?"
"Sure, you've got food on the brain Jenna."
"Of course, I'm starving since I only had an English muffin for breakfast. Aunty Mara had three Beavertails for breakfast. I better get back before Mara eats the fruits of my labour. Is it still raining there?"
"No it stopped about five minutes ago, but it still looks dark outside."
"Great, I'm breaking into Uncle Jed's French Mint bar stash next. I got a surprise for you."
"Really what is it?"
"If I tell you it won't be a surprise anymore, silly." Jenna replied before she started giggling.
"Here is Mara again."
"I hear you are eating the fruits of Jenna's labour."
"Of course, so what did you think of the job offer?"
"I thought Donna should have taken it. I even tried to change her mind but it didn't work. I have to admire her reasoning."
"Yeah, what did her boss say?"
"That he'd make sure she had time to take a creative writing course on line and a full night course. She's going to take a Political Science course. She actually wanted your opinion on the course they are offering on Canada."
"Did you tell her that you might know the Prof.?"
"No, I didn't want her to get her hopes up until you made up your mind. I know I've not weighed in on this but I think you should teach it."
"I hear the Prof. is strongly considering accepting tenure."
"Good, why did a Realtor leave a message confirming an open house on Sunday? She sort of mumbled but I swear I heard Maryland."
"Oh yeah, that....umm."
"We're moving? Don't I get a say in the matter?"
"We can talk about this later. I'm going to go get a drink. Talk to you later."
"You better believe we'll be talking later." San replied sharply and hung up the phone.
"Jenna stay put I'm going to get a drink. What do you want?"
"Dr. Pepper, I know they have it."
Mara opened the fridge and pulled out two cans of Dr. Pepper, a Canada Dry ginger ale and a bottle of cranberry juice. She glanced over to see if there were any reporters in the lounge and poured a generous amount of vodka into a glass. She flipped the tab on the ginger ale and filled the glass half way. As soon as Mara sat down Jenna grabbed the empty glass and poured her drink in it.
"I'm tired of cranberry ginger ale, I wish they had strawberry syrup."
"Yeah, that was a very good combo. Now stop hoarding the cheese."
Jenna reluctantly slid the plate closer to Mara's hand and went back to eating until she was full. After eating about nine cheese and cracker sandwiches Mara was no longer hungry and laughed as Jenna pulled out a plastic baggy that had chips in it earlier. Jenna dumped the rest of the cheese and crackers in the baggy and shoved them in Mara's purse since they wouldn't fit in to her own.
"Can we play a game? I want to play crazy Capitals. I'll start, Ottawa."
"Hey, you're not even giving me a chance to say no."
"You catch on quick for an adult." Jenna quipped, "Ottawa."
"Athens." Mara muttered.
"St. Johns."
"So I take it we are using provincial, state or country capitals?
"Yes, now quit stalling."
"I'm not stalling Jenna, I'm asking for a clarification, Sacramento."
"Oslo."
"Omaha."
"Albany."
"You give me a Y you little imp, Yellowknife."
"Edmonton."
"Hah, game over, what's the capitol of Nebraska, Jenna?"
"Oma....no it's Lincoln. It's not fair you bluffed too early in the game."
"All is fair in love and war my dear. The game was giving me a headache anyway. I'm too tired to think."
"Then you shouldn't have stayed up all night drinking with Cheryl, Mommy, Daddy and Dani."
"We were talking more than drinking. I was in bed by two but I just couldn't sleep."
"Can I play pinball?"
Mara pushed her laptop case over to Jenna. "Knock yourself out. I'm going to attempt a little snooze" Mara said and drained the rest of her drink.
"Stretch out, I'll sit on the floor and lean against the couch. What's our flight number again?"
"412 and no bathroom without waking me."
"I know, I know and I think it's about time you get a private jet, a gulf stream would be lovely."
"Do you really think I'd be in the air in a smaller tin can?"
"I think you need to look at statistics about lightening striking." Jenna muttered.
Mara leaned over and swatted Jenna upside the head then reclined on the couch. She could hear the sounds of the pinball game and Jenna muttering under her breath when the game didn't go her way. She had just dozed off when she felt her arm being tugged.
"I gotta go."
"Of course you do, I just fell asleep."
**************************
"Ginger?"
"Yeah Sam?"
"Is the plane in the air yet?"
"I checked about ten minutes ago and the answer is no. You want me to check again?"
"No. Do you feel like splitting, an eclair with me? Bonnie had one earlier and it looked really good."
"Yeah, give me your mug and I'll get you more coffee when I pass back. Bonnie just brewed a new pot and Toby isn't around."
"Did I ever tell you that after cheese day Mara did in fact get a dozen letters requesting she immediately pull the plugs on plans to include a Tim Horton's in Canada Place?"
"No you didn't, how did she react?"
"In typical Mara fashion, she sent single brew packs of Tim's coffee to each address with a try it you'll like it message."
"Such a diplomatic response." Ginger laughed, "Actually I think that should win the bet for CJ."
"Bet?"
"Yeah, on how long it would take Mara to drop the diplomatic facade and revert back to her true nature. I think CJ went the longest by saying more than six months. Toby gave her three weeks."
"Well you all saved me money I would have gone with four months. How big was the pot?"
"About $600."
"Wow, CJ better buy you dinner at the very least."
"Yeah I think I'll go tell her I won and that Old Ebbitt tonight suits me just fine. Care to join us?"
"Jenna has her little heart set on pizza but maybe we can swing by for an appetizers. Mara calls the crab dip liquid crack."
"Oh it is, I've eaten it as an entire meal."
"That's all Mara will eat there."
"Well I'm going to go fill CJ in. You've got a meeting in the Mural room in five."
"Mara's suppose to e-mail me when they begin the descent so would you look at my subject lines till I get back?"
"Sure, so can I park it in your office?"
"Yeah, I should be back in forty minutes."
Sam headed off to his meeting and Ginger went in search of CJ to take her to dinner. CJ was standing outside her office talking to Carol when she found out that she won the bet. She happily agreed to buy Ginger dinner in exchange for her typing up the proof that CJ had won the pool.
Sam's meeting ran over and by the time he stepped in to the office he had just missed Mara's e-mail. He said goodnight to Ginger, picked up the third of eclair she left him and headed straight for the limo to meet Mara at the airport.
Mara was ready to throttle the airline agent preventing her from clearing the luggage area. She wanted a notarized letter giving Jenna permission to travel with Mara. At Mara's insistence, Jenna had been issued a Canadian diplomat passport so that Jenna could breeze through Customs and Immigration world wide, as swiftly as Mara. There was no need for a letter with a diplomatic passport. Mara calmly explained this four times but the agent didn't seem to care and insisted on a letter.
"Miss, my Aunty Mara is getting madder by the second and while we fully understand the reason behind this request, I have not been kidnapped. My Mother, not only knows where I am but she wished I was here weeks ago. Furthermore, airline grounds crews have no business asking for letters, The check in agent, Customs or Immigration do that. Finally, my Aunt's diplomatic immunity gives her the right to leave you her business card for verification and walk out of here. I've got a diplomatic passport too, so do us all a favour and let us pass because I'm getting cranky right now and I will throw the hissy fit to end all hissy fits."
"Trust me Jane, the only thing worse than being at the center of the international incident I'm about to create, is being the center of one of her hissy fits. Now kindly step aside." Mara demanded.
"Ma'am your threats do not sway me. I'm doing my job and my supervisor will support me."
Jenna started laughing, "Do you really think your boss won't fire your ass..."
"Jenna!" Mara admonished.
"Sorry, won't kick your butt to the curb when the Secretary of Transportation and the President of the United States of America call him in a few minutes and blame this all on him? " Jenna asked snarkily.
(Dear God, she's a mini me) "Jenna no dessert, if we ever get out of here that is. You know swearing puts you on my list."
"It's a very serious list too, I bet you are at the very top of it right now Jane. Let us go."
"Listen kid...." The agent replied clearly ticked off and digging her heels in just to prove a point.
"You asked for it, " Jenna growled before launching into a high pitched screeching cry. "Help, help this mean lady won't let me go. Help, Help, I'm suppose to go see my Uncle Jed and Aunty Abbey and she won't let me go. Security, Security..."
Mara took a step away from Jenna and plugged her ears with her fingers. Wiping the broad grin from her face was one of the hardest thing she ever had to do. Security and a lead agent were by their side in less than a minute. Jenna inhaled deeply and stopped her tears when the Security guard asked her to calm down and explain what was wrong.
"I'm suppose to be having dinner with my Aunty Abbey and Uncle Jed at the White House and my Uncle Jed promised we'd watch a movie first. Then the plane got delayed and now we are late for dinner and this mean woman has held us up for twenty minutes. I'm starving, I just want to eat but this lady will not recognize my diplomatic passport or my Aunty Mara's. Unca Sam is probably going crazy circling the pick up area. I just want out of here." Jenna said sweetly her lip trembling.
"Mara Whitford, Canadian Ambassador to the United States. Here's my passport to prove it. If you would kindly tell Jane she is mistaken, that diplomatic papers super cede notarized letters and let us pass there will be no further need to upset and enrage five people."
Jenna had noticed Sam standing on the other side of the glass door and ran straight to the automatic door. "Unca Sam!" She exclaimed loudly.
She ran straight into his arms and Sam picked her up for a hug and kiss.
"You are here to bring us to the White House." She said quickly just before the Security guard, lead agent and Jane approached them.
Mara had never been happier to see Sam and she pushed the trolley with Jenna's luggage and her overnight bag through the gate that Jane had been blocking and left the baggage area. She chuckled at the 'What the Hell?' look on Sam's face.
The lead agent followed politics closely and recognized Sam as a member of the White House senior staff immediately.
"Sorry to keep you waiting Mr. Seaborn. You are escorting these ladies to the White House?"
Mara mouthed dinner to him. "Yes, they are late to dinner with the President and First Lady and I'm afraid neither one of them likes to be kept waiting. Is there a problem? I could get the President on my cell if need be."
"That won't be necessary Mr. Seaborn, I'm afraid an over zealous employee only read part of her handbook." She replied shooting dangers at Jane. "Ambassador, please accept my sincerest apologies. I regret this delay and I'm very sorry you were upset young lady."
"Why was she giving us such a hard time? We weren't even flying on your airline. I don't think I ever want to fly on your airline now." Jenna sniffled.
Sam couldn't help it, he leaned down so Jenna would hide his face and started chuckling softly.
"You weren't flying American Airlines?"
"No we were flying Air Canada." Mara replied.
"I'm very sorry little girl, what is your name?"
"Jenna."
"Tell you what Jenna, I'm going to send four passes to your Aunt's office this week . They will be good for any where in the world American Airlines flies. You and your parents can give us a try for free and see that we are a good airline and that this was just a horrible mistake. We fly to Orlando."
"What about Europe? I want to go back to Paris."
"We fly to Paris daily. Where do you live?"
"Montreal."
"I'll make sure I send the schedule of our flights from Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto too."
"Well you do seem nice Tessa, so I won't tell my parents I don't want to get on your planes. thank you."
"You're welcome Jenna. Ambassador I'll send a pair of passes for you also. I really am sorry and I assure you, Jane will not be in the position to be inconveniencing anyone, anymore."
"Good, we really must be going now. Thank you for your help." Mara turned and headed out to the limo.
Jenna turned to look behind her and stuck her tongue out when Jane looked at her. Mara caught her out of the corner of her eye and sighed.
"Jenna you just cheapened your win. There is no need to rub it in so obviously. A benign smile would have been more than adequate."
Sam waited until they were all comfortable in the car before he spoke. "For crying out loud, is everything a production with you two?"
"Sam, she held us up for nearly half an hour and she had no right to."
"I finally, had to throw an Oscar worthy hissy fit to get us out of there. Being able to cry on demand comes in handy."
"Jenna!" Sam admonished.
"I want pizza."
"We can have pizza later. CJ and Ginger are waiting for us at the Old Ebbitt. I told them we'd have...."
"Ah, crab dip, sweet manna from heaven. You like crab and cheese Jenna you'll love crab dip."
"Is it like spinach and artichoke dip?"
"Yeah except it's even better and there is crab instead of spinach. It's served with an amazing baguette."
"Kay I'm in."
Sam heard CJ's laugh before he could see her and followed it until he found the table.
"Hi Ginger Ale."
"Hi Jenna bean." Ginger replied.
"Well hello Princess Jenna."
"Hello Princess Claudia." Jenna replied going over to give CJ a hug.
"What took so long?" Ginger asked.
"Trust me, you don't want to know. Ambassador International Incident and Princess Hissy Fit were putting on a stage show."
"I'll tell you about it later, I'm in serious need of crab dip."
"Unca Sam, can we just eat here. I'm hungry and I see something I'll like."
"Mara?"
"Yeah what ever." Mara replied before turning her attention to the waiter. "Hi dinner is on me. I'd like two JD's on the rocks, a sour apple martini, a gin fizz and do you have strawberry syrup?"
"Yes."
"Then make that one JD and two strawberry ginger ales, no ice with lime. Jenna what do you want to start with."
"The farmhouse cheese sampler."
"Jenna haven't you had enough cheese today?" Sam and Mara asked at the same time.
"Okay, I 'll have the clam chowder and I want the day boats scallops in puff pastry as my main.."
"You like saffron?" Ginger asked.
"Yeah, about the only herb I don't like is cumin."
"I'll have the fried calamari and the trout parmesan." Sam added.
"I'll have the exact same thing." Ginger said.
"CJ?" Mara asked.
"Crab and artichoke dip and the grilled calf's liver."
"Oh yuck Ceeg."
"Jenna, it's really good, try one tiny bite then you can say what you want."
"I'll have the crab dip then another one for dinner."
"Ambassador Whitford, we know you love our crab dip, we are even thinking of renaming it the Canadian Ambassador's dip but can't I persuade you to try something else for dinner?
"It's Tony right? Tony, I just love this dip so much that nothing else is appealing to me. In fact I want two orders to go."
"What are we going to do with you?"
"As long as you keep me in dip, I don't care." Mara laughed.
Mara gave up protecting her dip. When Sam wasn't assaulting on the right Jenna was sneaking in on the left. Ginger and CJ had decided to share both of the appetizers and Jenna ate her clam chowder so quickly no one had a chance to ask for a taste. After dinner and dessert everyone headed home .
Half an hour after arriving home Mara padded downstairs. She was surprised to see Sam and Jenna already ensconced on the couch. This fact wouldn't bother her so much if Jenna wasn't sitting in the middle of Mara's desired spot. She was sitting down on her knees right beside Sam who was busy studying the pictures Jenna assembled for the assignment he gave her.
"Comfy Jenna?" Mara inquired in her move it or lose it tone.
"Yes Aunty Mara, my adaptation level is quite satisfactory." Jenna replied matter of factly.
"What the hell have you been reading young lady? You are messing up my adaptive level so move it!"
With a grand sigh Jenna left her position and settled at the other end of the couch. Mara wanted to stretch out and rest her head on Sam's lap but the photo album was making that impossible. She settled for curling up nest to him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Did you see the work Jenna did? These photographs are phenomenal. I think your choice for Great Expectations is inspired Jenna."
"Thanks Unca Sam, I'm glad you like them."
"Yeah, I saw all her work on Sunday. She's far too talented for someone her age." Mara replied smiling proudly at Jenna.
"Can I have some ice cream?"
"Sure Jenna."
Jenna came back with a tub of ice cream and a spoon. Sam started laughing until he realized it was his ice cream she had.
"Jenna, there are like five pints of ice cream in the freezer, you had to pick the only one that is mine? Go get a small bowl."
"Sorry but bubble gum ice cream is really yummy and there really isn't that much left look."
Sam looked into the container and agreed there wasn't too much left. He took the spoon off Jenna, had a few tastes and then let her finish the rest. Jenna washed her spoon and put the ice cream on the list for Anna. Sam knew it wouldn't be long before Mara heated up her crab dip and he wasn't disappointed. She actually surprised him when she popped a dip laden chip into his mouth and didn't so much as bat an eye when he went for seconds. After tucking Jenna into bed
Sam found Mara in bed eating soda crackers. He gently sat down beside her on the bed, grabbed a cracker and smiled hopefully.
"Is there something you'd like to tell me?" He asked gently placing his hand on her taut stomach.
It took a second for what Sam was really asking her to set in. The look on his face was so adorable that she hated having to answer. "No Sweetie, my period was over Sunday and we haven't seen each other since. I'm game for trying if you are. I missed you."
"Me too but are you sure. Your stomach is obviously feeling queasy."
"I'll be fine, I think my body is just demonstrating it's displeasure that all I've had today was Beavertails, cheese, crackers and crab dip."
"Don't forget the pear crisp. We won't wake Jenna?"
"Sam, have you not noticed that she sleeps more soundly than me?"
"Oh, well then let's either make a baby or have a hell of a lot of fun trying."
Mara chuckled to herself until Sam planted a sensuous kiss on her and the only thing on her mind was responding to Sam's ministrations.
*****************
Jenna decided she rather kick around DC than go to the Manchester farm which worked well since Mara really didn't want to cancel the appointment with the Realtor. Sam demanded an answer from her on Thursday and was relived they were not moving. Jenna spent the day with the White House photographer as Mara had meetings all day and Sam was in and out all day long. Mara had just heard from the contractor at Canada Place who told her that they would be ready to open the day after Labour Day. She had Leslie change Jenna's plane ticket to extend her stay a few days and then left Sue a message informing her of the change. Mara was one her way to the last meeting of the day when Sue returned the phone call.
"Who the hell do you think you are, changing my daughter's reservations without so much as consulting with me first.?" Sue asked in mock anger.
"What you think you are her mother or something?" Mara laughed. "Sue I've got to go, I should be home in two hours if you want to continue this."
"Nah, just tell the rugrat I love her."
"Will do bye."
Sam was surprised to see Mara walk past the Roosevelt room a little after six. He was momentarily distracted by her legs until she disappeared from sight. He had to wrap this meeting up.
"Hey Donna, I hear you are interested in taking Canadian Politics in Perspective."
"Oh Good, Sam finally asked you about it. What do you think?"
"Well the Prof. is highly entertaining and brilliant. She's a lot of fun but does actually demand a lot from her students. Generally though I'd say you'll enjoy the course so much you won't really notice how hard you are working. Oh and she doesn't give a rats ass about grade curves. She gives A and A+ marks if they are deserved. So you going to take my class or what? "
"Oh my God, you are teaching it?"
"Yup, just finished meeting with the Chancellor of Georgetown and the head of the history department."
"But it's a politics course."
"It's going to be cross listed. Thirty student maximum and I have the discretion to let five more in. So if you can't get in on your access date don't worry."
"You know Charlie was thinking of taking the course with me. You might want to save him a space too and I bet Zoey wants in on this."
"Now that is so typical of Charlie, wanting to provide you with moral support and a built in study buddy. You want to tell me why Zoe is being so damn stupid?"
"She's young, aren't youth and stupidity suppose to be synonymous? I'm sure even you did something really stupid in College."
"Like getting drunk and having sex against a brick wall of a bar and on the hood of some car?"
"Yeah, that sure is stupid and uncomfortable."
"It only lasted one night at least. "
"No need to remind me of Dr. Freeride, but if it wasn't for him, I never would have driven all the way to Manchester and hired myself as Josh's assistant."
"True, have you seen my husband or Jenna anywhere?"
"Sam is in a meeting and Jenna was in the rose garden last time I saw her. She was driving us all nuts taking pictures. She took a really flattering picture of me fighting with the photocopier."
"I'll have a little talk with her. She's driving me mad too. I'm going to wait in Sam's office."
"Kay, see you later."
Fifteen minutes later Sam walked in with Jenna at his side. Mara hurried them out the door and declared she was going to take a hot bath as soon as they got home. Sam and Jenna went out to pick up a pizza and something sinful for dessert. Mara sank into the tub wondering why after a day that went smoothly was she so tired.