Late May 2020
"I've changed my mind, screw being President! Let's turn this bird around and go back to paradise. We are only an hour away."
Mara chuckled, "Sam, if I wasn't positive you'd regret that decision come November, I would be on my way out of the cockpit waiting for the plane to turn around."
"Having a goal in life sucks Mar."
"I want to ask you something that will probably make Josh and Toby both plan my demise."
"Way to pique my interest, go on."
"I need you to promise me that nothing will be scheduled for the day before the convention. I want to spend our last day of real freedom for the next eight and a half years doing the simple things we take for granted now."
"Last day of...secret service kicks in the moment I accept the nomination."
"Give the man a prize."
"You are right, Josh and Toby will be gunning for you. I'll make you that promise though, it's a good idea. Just you and I?"
"I thought we could spend the first part of the day with Matty and Jenna and then it's just you and I."
"I like the sound of that. I'm going to miss you more than ever tomorrow."
"I have to admit, it felt oh so decadent having you to myself for two entire weeks."
"I've decided that your aversion to sharing is a very good thing Madame Ambassador."
Mara smiled, "Speaking of that, do Josh and Toby know that I refuse to be a First Lady?"
"I decided that it would be easier on me to tell them just before the convention. Otherwise, I'd have to listen to them wail."
"Coward."
"That's me. So we still have a few hours left in our vacation, have any ideas?"
Much to Sam's chagrin, Mara whipped out the pocketbook she was trying to finish and made herself comfortable resting her head in his lap and slinging her legs over the end of the couch.
"This isn't exactly the idea I had in mind." Sam muttered.
Mara bit down on her lower lip to stop herself from laughing. She ignored him and continued reading. A couple hours later Sam leaned down to kiss her awake.
"We'll be on the tarmac in five minutes."
"I'm sorry to be back but I've missed Matty so much. I haven't heard Mommy for two whole weeks."
"You are entirely too attached to our son."
"You are just jealous that he's closer to me than you."
"Ouch."
"So what time are you leaving in the morning?"
"Six."
"Don't wake me up or else."
"You think I don't know the drill by now? So how about Old Eb for dinner?"
"Yum dip, haven't had any in two and a half weeks. It still feels weird ordering something named after me."
"Well it's not that you actually order it, they take one look at you and ask if you want one or two orders."
"Do you know where the kids will be?"
"They should be at home. Call once we get in the car."
Half an hour later the car pulled up to the front of the mansion and the front door opened. Matty took the steps two at a time, unlocked the gate and ran into his mother's outstretched arms.
"I missed you my love."
"I missed you too Mommy. Wow great tan. Hi Dad."
Sam ruffled his son's hair. "Hi Matty, so how was Montreal?"
"Fun, we spent a few days in Halifax and drove the lighthouse route. I actually felt car sick."
"It's the proximity to sea level Matty, I have that problem there too." Mara replied.
"Hey guys, see I didn't kill him."
"I didn't think you'd kill him dear, maim maybe but..."
"Ha very funny. I didn't make anything for dinner. So where are we going?" Jenna asked.
"I take it I'm feeding Jacob too."
"And Sam, she spent the night."
"Is she still a restless sleeper?"
"Oh yeah, I'll show you the bruises on my legs later. So where are we eating?"
"Old Ebbitt."
"Suffering from nasty withdrawals are we?" Jenna replied with a smirk.
"Yes, now go get Jacob and Sam and we are leaving. Matty get your butt in the car."
Sam watched with fascination as the rest of the table ordered. She knew about Mara being addicted to the crab and artichoke dip, after all, it was named after her, but she was amazed that Jacob and Matty had a regular order. Everyone ordered clam chowder as an appetizer except for Mara who went for the dip. She understood Jacob and Matty when they split an order of crab cakes and seafood linguine. They told her this way they got the best of both worlds. After dinner they dropped Sam off at home, Jenna and Jacob off at his place and then Matty, Mara and Sam went home.
Mara flopped down on her bed and sighed, she loved Anguilla but nothing felt better than sleeping in her own bed. Sam laid down beside her and held her hand.
"I'm getting tired of having to leave you."
"You sure you can't run from here?"
"I've looked into it several times and apparently video conferences don't work in presidential campaigns."
"Then you better suck it up, buttercup."
"Mommy!"
"Yes, my love."
Matty came running into the room with a big envelope in his hand.
"Do you want to see my pictures from Halifax?"
"You got them back already?"
"Today in one hour."
Matty gave half of the pictures to his Dad and the other half to his Mom. He told them a few stories about the trip until Mara started yawning. Sam tucked him in and returned to find Mara asleep. He kissed her and joined her in bed.
A few weeks later, Sam was nursing a spring cold and trying his best to not talk in the vain hope that he wouldn't loose his voice. He was gargling with salt water and sipping hot lemon water with honey but all he wanted to do was crawl into bed and sleep for a few days. They were leaving Arizona that evening for San Francisco. All Sam could remember at the moment was that he was speaking at Stanford. He was unaware that Mara and Matty were on their way to San Francisco. When Jenna had informed Mara that Sam was sick and suffering from a bad cold, she decided he was in need of some TLC.
Josh's cell phone rang and he picked it up.
"Lyman."
"Nice greeting, one fry."
"Hey Bu, where are you?"
"On the way to the hotel. We are going to check in, then I thought I'd take Matty for dinner. What's the updated ETA?"
"We should be at the hotel by eight. So you going to do a naughty nurse for Sam?"
Mara laughed, "I'm not here to fulfill your fantasies Joshua! My husband needs a good nights sleep. Jenna knows she's sharing her room with her brother, right?"
"Yes. I think I'm looking forward to staying at a Ritz, more than anyone else. I laughed when Sam gave us his list of hotels, now I think he's a genius. "
"I bet Toby won't be making any more cracks about Sam's kept man fund."
"He stopped the jokes when we upgraded to Hilton's. Where are you going to take Matty for dinner?"
"Not the hotel, Five-Star restaurants don't impress my son. Jenna will be in heaven though. I was thinking of the California Pizza Kitchen in Union Square, I could do a little shopping first."
"If you see anything Donna would like, buy it for me."
"As a birthday gift or just a gift?"
"Depends on what or how much you buy. Just remember I don't have a kept man fund."
"So what is the schedule like tomorrow?"
"I canceled a few afternoon meetings to save Sam's voice. He's got a ten and noon booked, then Thursday is ten, off to Stanford, a two speech, three press and a fund raising dinner at seven."
"Do you want Matty and I at the dinner or..."
"Hell yes! You are the invisible woman, everyone is curious about you but you are never around. The press is going to eat this up, it will be great for our numbers and fund raising. I'll announce it tonight!"
"You can open your big mouth after I surprise Sam."
"If you didn't bring a little cocktail dress with you, I suggest you look for one in Union Square."
"I see the hotel, talk to you later."
Josh tried but couldn't wipe the smile off his face. Mara at an event was a huge boost and a publicity coup. He went off to find Toby to share the good news.
"Will we have any time to explore Mommy? I've never been to San Francisco before."
"I'm afraid all you'll get to see is...actually Uncle Josh should be free after one tomorrow. He can be your tour guide."
"Cool, I better pick up a guide book because Uncle Josh will get us lost."
Mara laughed, "Finish your pizza so we can get out of here."
"Jenna why don't you go get your key and your Dad's. I'll make sure he actually makes it into the hotel." Josh said in the car they shared.
"I'll sleep here." Sam mumbled.
"We are paying a fortune for your room here, so move your ass Samuel."
"I hate you."
"Right back at you. Wake up call will be for 8:30."
"Bite me." Sam croaked before starting to cough.
"You think you scare me?"
"I'll sick Mara on you." he replied as he left the car.
"I'll counter with Donna and CJ."
"I'll tell Mara...what Jenna?"
"I said you are in room 818, good night."
"Night."
"So have they arrived?" Josh asked as they watched Sam enter the elevator.
"Yes, the desk said they got back about twenty minutes ago. That means Matty is eating his way through the mini bar. I better get up there and stop him."
"See you in the morning."
"You want to have dinner with me? If we let Matty order dessert, he'll be quite."
"You paying?"
"Well Mara pays my credit card bill so it would actually be ..."
"I'll join you. Go get the rug rat and meet me down here in ten minutes."
"Oh you are in room 808." Jenna informed him as they stepped into the elevator and she handed over the card keys.
Sam opened the door, dropped his bag and let the door close. He walked over to the bed and flopped down. He heard the toilet flush and was too tired to panic.
"If you are here to kill me, do it quickly." He yelled out.
"Way to protect your life Pretty Boy." Mara replied.
Sam lifted his head and managed a weak smile. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"I heard my Sammy the seal was sick so I decided to take care of you. Matty is probably eating everything in Jenna's mini bar."
"Very sweet of you, but if you want a kiss you'll have to come to me. I don't have the energy to move. "
"My poor baby! I got you a nice take out chicken soup and then you can take some drugs and go to sleep."
Mara sat down on the bed and gave him a tender kiss before taking his tie off and undoing the buttons on his shirt. Sam hadn't moved so she took his shoes off, pulled off his pants and took his shirt off.
"Thank you."
"Kay, you have to sit up long enough to eat. Stand up and get into bed properly so you don't have to move again."
"If I'm getting up, I may as well go to the bathroom. What drugs can you offer me?"
"Don't worry I'll hook you up."
"When will I get to see Matty?" Sam asked from the bathroom.
"Breakfast tomorrow. I've ordered breakfast in bed, for the four of us at 8:30 tomorrow. After your noon meeting tomorrow, we are coming back here so you can get some more rest. I'm sending Matty out to explore with Josh."
"Does Josh know this?"
"Umm no."
"I suggest you tell him tonight rather than in the morning. I won't have to worry about Josh getting lost with Matty to navigate."
Sam climbed back into bed and sat up to eat his soup. He swallowed the pills Mara handed him without question. He didn't care what they were, he trusted that they'd help him feel better. He ate his soup and the crackers and actually found he was still hungry. Mara offered to run across the street to get him a deli sandwich. He was about to tell her not to bother when she flashed him a smile and reached for the door.
"Hey, how did you manage to get in here? How many card keys did it take?"
"Ha, ha smart ass! I got Matty to let me in. I'm not even going to attempt to bring the key with me so listen for my knock."
"This goes above and beyond the call of duty. I love you."
"Love you back, see you in fifteen."
Mara noticed Jenna sitting in the restaurant so she popped her head in. When she saw Josh and Matty she walked over to the table.
"Hey Mom, do you know what a goji berry is? Jenna won't answer me so I don't think she knows. Uncle Josh got it confused with a sugary cereal, frankenberry?"
Mara laughed and squeezed Josh's shoulders. "Sweetie, you have to remember that Josh thinks Cheese Whiz is a real cheese. It tastes like a cross between a cherry and cranberry. It's that rich red colour and it's about the size of a raisin. I've only ever tasted dried goji berries, they are very sweet. What are they serving them with?"
"Foie gras which is gross by the way."
"It's an acquired taste. I'm running across the street to get Sam a sandwich."
"Oh by the way, thanks for volunteering me for squirt duty tomorrow."
"Please, it's more like Uncle Josh duty." Matty replied with an evil grin.
"On that note, I'm out of here. Matty do not finish what you haven't devoured in the mini bar tonight. Jenna get to bed before midnight for a change. See you both in the morning. Josh, you get your butt to bed early too."
"Yes Mommy." The three of them chimed almost in unison.
Ten minutes later Mara was knocking on the hotel door. Sam jumped out of bed and opened the door as fast as he could. He was curious to see what type of sandwich he'd get. He took the bag off her and went over to the bed. Sam's mouth watered when he saw the thick smoked meat sandwich, creamy coleslaw and a pickle.
"Hey how come there is only cheese on one half?"
"That's my half, dairy isn't good when you are coughing. The coleslaw is mine too, you can have the pickle."
"Geez, how generous!" Sam muttered and ate the pickle before it was taken off him.
After he had finished eating Mara tucked him into bed, took Tedzy out of her bag that was sitting in the closet and changed for bed. She took her hair out of it's ponytail so Sam could play with her hair. He handed her Tedzy and was asleep moments after her.
Sam groaned when the alarm went off at 8:30. He turned it off and rolled over, only to hear knocking on the door. Mara came out of the bathroom and told him to sit up and she'd get the door. Jenna and Matty were standing there with a large room service rolling tray. Matty pushed it
over to the bed then flopped down near his Dad's legs. Jenna opened the silver domes, fixed a plate for herself and sat down at the table near the window. Mara fixed a plate for her husband and son before she ate.
"So what are you two going to do during my meetings?" Sam asked.
"I'm forcing Matty to come with me to look for something to wear tomorrow night."
"My condolences, buddy."
"I don't mind, I'm going to get a guide book so I'll read while Mom shops."
"Jenna do you want to join us? I'm sure Josh and Toby could survive without you for the morning."
"Hmm listening to Toby complain that Sam changed a few lines or going shopping...I'm in."
"You mother and I have to get dressed so get out of here."
"We've been told." Matty said with a smirk.
"Let's go and replace all the stuff you ate before the room service people show up."
Sam's meeting was going well, he was picking up more support and a pledge of resources once he was named the Democratic Candidate. Having the support of a major media conglomerate was going to make campaigning much easier in the West and Midwest. Mara on the other hand was having one of the most frustrating shopping trips of her life. She had finally told Jenna to stop after she could no longer carry any more bags and Matty had six of her bags to carry as well. Mara had thrown in the towel and was taking them to lunch when she saw a flash of colour out of the corner of her eye. She stopped, stared into the store window and entered the store. By the time, Matty and Jenna had walked back to figure out where she went, she was leaving the store with one small bag.
"Did you see a great purse?" Jenna asked judging by the size of the bag.
"No, I know what I'm going to wear tomorrow night."
"A dress fits in there? Sam will love it but you do realize that pictures will be taken on the way in and..."
"Jenna, as much as you know about politics and the press, I've got about 30 years of experience more than you."
"Never mind then. Let's go eat, I'm starving."
"What the heck?" Matty asked his sister as they walked down the street.
"I stepped on Mar's toes and she put me in my place, that's all."
"How?"
"It's a girl thing Matty."
"You people need to come with manuals or at the very least multiple warning labels." Matty muttered.
Sam walked into the hotel room and found Matty sitting on the bed eating a $20 can of macadamia nuts from their mini bar. He gave Matty a look that obviously didn't concern his son because he simply popped a few more nuts into his mouth. Sam hung up his jacket and took off his tie.
"Where's your Mother?"
"Next door, I'm here to let her in. How did your meetings go?"
"Pretty good, I gained a lot of support."
"Cool, I guess you can let Mom in. I'm going to go put a fire under Uncle Josh. Don't worry, I won't let him do anything stupid like getting lost or falling into the Bay."
"It's CJ who falls into bodies of water, Josh just gets lost."
"Later gator."
"Later."
A few minutes later there was a knock at the door and Sam smiled. He opened the door and kissed his wife before she could cross the threshold.
"I guess someone is feeling a little better."
"Yeah, so let's go for a walk."
"Sam, you are suppose to be resting."
"What can be more relaxing than walking around Golden Gate Park with the woman I love?"
"Samuel..."
"Mara, our days of being able to take unfettered walks are numbered .Do you really want to waste this opportunity? We'll have an early dinner then I promise straight to bed."
"To sleep Samuel Norman, to sleep."
(A long romantic walk, good food, some wine..I don't think she'll want to sleep when she gets home) "So you ready to go?"
"It's not nice to play the no privacy card with me."
"You are only saying that because I've finally found something that works on you. Do I need a jacket?"
"No, it's really nice out. Lets go before my better judgment kicks in."
Sitting on the grass underneath a large tree Sam and Mara relaxed in silence. Mara had kicked her heels off and was pushing down on the manicured blades of grass with her bare feet. Sam shifted his position so he could wrap his arms around her.
"This reminds me of all our spring breaks at the Tidal Basin." he said softly.
"We always managed to get busted."
"Remember the look on Andi's face that first time she busted us?"
"Umm hmm. Imagine we were talking about our wedding guest list being vetted."
"We were?" Sam asked.
"Yeah we were both having a slow day so we went from colouring in my office to making out beneath the cherry blossoms."
"I remember the making out part. Does that count?"
"What am I going to do with you Seaborn?"
"Kiss me."
"That is your answer to everything!"
"It's a good answer that rarely gets me into trouble."
Mara rolled her eyes. "Did you tell your Mom you would be here?"
"Yes, she is knee deep in work for some charity gala on Saturday so she couldn't make it. So did you find something to wear tomorrow night?"
"Yes."
"Are you going to model it for me once we get back to the room?"
"No. You'll see it tomorrow night."
"You are still mean, after all these years."
"That's me. It's 4:30, which in my books is an early dinner. Your bedtime is eight tonight so I suggest we find a place to eat."
"Eight? Heck Matty hasn't gone to bed that early since he was about 5!"
"Whine all you want but I'm not budging! I sort of feel like Taco Bell, what do you think?"
"If you want Mexican why don't we go to an actual restaurant? I'm sure if you call the hotel the concierge can recommend something."
"Who can call the hotel?" Mara asked giving Sam a pointed look.
"I can." Sam replied before taking his phone out, asking for the phone number and dialing.
Fifteen minutes later, they were in the financial district munching at Los Socios. The restaurant was highly recommended for it's Cal-Mex menu. They were munching on the complimentary chips and salsa while they waited for their order. They both enjoyed their dinner and Sam managed to talk Mara into going to Ghirardelli.Square to have an ice cream sundae at Ghirardelli's Soda Fountain. Mara ended up buying several dark chocolate bars and Sam stocked up for the road. They both thought Matty would enjoy a box of twenty chocolate cable cars to remember his trip.
"I think we need to test the melting temperature of our new chocolate." Sam said with a sexy grin.
"Samuel, by the time we get back to the hotel, up to our room and near the bed, it will be 8:20. It's past your bedtime so you'll have to melt that chocolate in your dreams."
Sam protested and when that got him no where he pouted. Mara ignored him and ushered him up to the room. He grumbled while he changed for bed and when he was done she pushed him on to the bed, covered him up and kissed him good night.
"You aren't going to join me?"
"I'm not tired, now go to sleep!"
"I'm not tired either, I can't fall asleep on demand you know."
"Fine read a book then, I'm going to see if Matty is back."
"How will you get in if I'm asleep?"
"I'll take the card key with me. If Matty isn't back, I'll go to the bar and have a drink or get some dessert."
"Can I borrow Tedzy?"
"Yes you may. You better be asleep, by the time I get back, young man."
"Yes Mother." Sam replied sarcastically.
Sam had just finished getting dressed when he heard the hotel door opening. He stepped back out of sight and watched the door. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Matty.
"Hi buddy, you're up early?"
"I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. Jenna was snoring so that didn't help much."
Sam noticed the McDonald's bag in his son's hand. "Please tell me you didn't go to McDonald's by yourself."
"I went down to the concierge desk to ask if they could send someone for me and Uncle Toby walked by me. I went with him to get "a decent cup of coffee" and then we went to McDonald's. I brought you and Mommy breakfast."
"That is very sweet of you son. Why don't we go to the club room to eat. We won't wake your Mom up and I bet they have juice and coffee and maybe even fresh fruit."
"Mom would be impressed we are having fruit. I'll just put hers in the mini fridge."
"You know, I miss having breakfast with you on a daily basis. How is school going?"
Matty popped a strawberry into his mouth. "Great, next Friday is the last day of school. What are you going to talk about at Stanford?"
"Education, civic duty, the environment and getting out and voting."
"What about education? They know the value of one or they wouldn't be there."
Sam chuckled, "I'll talk about being a life long learner and my plans to expand PEI to include places in Masters programs. I also want to talk about lowering the debt under grad students carry."
"Sound's good to me. I think you should talk about not forgetting to play. We learned so much in kindergarten through playing but the higher the grade the less time there is for play. Why is that?"
"The school curriculum gets more complicated and demanding so there is no more time for play."
"That's a crock Dad. I think it's because most teachers loose the ability to be creative."
"Maybe. Have you decided where you want to go with Mom?"
"I've narrowed it down to England for the Lake District or Venice. Which one do you think Mommy would prefer?"
"She'd love either one. When are you going to the Farm?"
"I don't know, the convention is screwing things, including my birthday around!"
"When's your birthday?"
"Dad!"
"I know the date is the 28th but where does that fall into the convention?"
"It's the Tuesday."
"No worries, I don't make an appearance until the Thursday."
"Mommy thinks I should go to the convention."
"I'd like you to be there, I bet you'll find it interesting."
"Dad, politics bore me to tears."
"You are a freak son."
Matty laughed, "No, you, mom and Jenna are the freaks. In fact, you've surrounded me with freaks all my life and it's a miracle I'm normal."
Sam rolled his eyes. "Eat the rest of your hash brown before I do. So what did you do yesterday?"
Matty handed his father his hash brown. "We went to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 where we had lunch at the Crab House then went over to Alcatraz. I locked Uncle Josh up but he escaped. We rode a street car and went up to Coit Tower. We went down to the waterfront and took a few pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge. I was craving pizza so I took Uncle Josh to the California Pizza Kitchen, Mommy took me to. I had a lot of fun with Uncle Josh and I didn't get us lost once."
"Sounds like lots of fun. Are those crazy sea lions still there?"
"I thought I'd find you here. Sam, we've got to get going."
"I hear you had fun yesterday."
"Yeah, Matty and I had a great time. The little bugger tried to lock me up but I escaped."
"Yes the sea lions are still there." Matty answered.
"Man are they ever loud and apparently there were only about 50 of them. In the winter there can be 900. Now that would be a headache." Josh added.
"Well I'll see you later Matty. Thanks for breakfast."
"You're welcome Dad, I enjoyed having breakfast with you too."
Sam gave his son a hug and left a kiss on the top of his head.
"Do you have your card key?" Josh asked Sam.
"Yes, my name isn't Mara."
Matty giggled and helped himself to some more orange juice and a cherry danish. He had just selected another danish when an attendant entered the room.
"Matthew Seaborn?" he asked.
"Yes?"
"Your mother would like to know if you have the card key to her room still."
"Yes, tell her that we all know she can't be trusted with one."
He chuckled, "I will."
Matty waited a few minutes and then dialed his parents room.
"Hi Mommy."
"I can't be trusted with card keys? You little scamp you!"
Matty started laughing. "I got you a bacon and egg bagel from McDonald's, it's in the mini fridge. Why don't you bring it to the club room. They have a microwave, pulp free orange juice, lots of fruit and danishes."
"Kay, I'll be there in a few minutes."
When Mara entered her son was taking a cherry danish from a pile of them he had on a plate. She noticed three coffee mugs sitting across from him and assumed they were Sam's. She smiled at him, poured herself a glass of orange juice, filled a plate with fruit and put her bagel in the microwave for twenty seconds. She sat down opposite her son.
"You went to McD's with Dad?"
"No with Uncle Toby. I brought back breakfast for us. Dad suggested eating here, so we didn't wake you up and we could get free drinks."
"Your father always remembers where to get free drinks. Thank you for this, it's perfect. So what did you two talk about?"
"My adventure with Uncle Josh, what he's going to talk about today and he promised my birthday wasn't going to go unnoticed."
"I didn't think it would. He doesn't have to speak until Thursday. Since we'll be in Orlando, I was thinking of spending the day at Disney and celebrating your birthday with a private party."
"That would be so cool. Can we plan where the party will be together?"
"Sure, it will be fun. When we get back we can whip out our numerous guide books."
"So how are we getting up to Stanford?"
"With a wave of my magic wand." Mara replied as she swiped a danish. "Damn, these are good."
"I know, I say we bring a bunch with us to snack on. There must be a box lying around here that we can fill up."
Matty got up and started looking through the cupboards until he found a pastry box. He filled the box and quickly brought it back to the room to hide the evidence. When he returned he found his mother on her cell laughing.
"You better believe I'm going to slap you when I see you. How are you going to rectify this situation?"
"You could drive yourself up. Matty can navigate."
"Joshua, do you know how long it's been since I've actually driven a car?"
"I'm guessing awhile."
"Try about fifteen years. I'm not going to try to get the rust out with Matty in the car."
"I'm sure the hotel could arrange for a driver."
"Wait a second, you are still in the city. Come back and pick us up."
"Time wise we have to go straight from the meeting and there is only one seat in the car."
"We could meet you there and Matty can ride up with the driver. I swear Josh, if you can't figure out transportation I think I need to talk Sam into finding a COS with a brain."
"I forgot about upfront, so sue me. You need to be in the lobby of the TransAmerica building at 10:45."
"We'll see you then, one fry."
"They forgot about us?" Matty asked.
"Yes, Josh was so excited about me going to this dumb dinner that he forget I had to get there."
"Sounds like something Uncle Josh would do. How come Jenna didn't catch it?"
"She doesn't look after transportation, that's the job of the advance team. Josh neglected to tell them we were joining Sam. Jenna thought of it ten minutes ago and called the advance team to say she'd drive with us and advance said there was no us."
"Oy!"
"That about sums it up. We have to meet them at 10:45 and I think instead of you, I'll make Josh ride with the driver."
"As long as no navigation is involved, it works for me. So what the heck do I wear?"
"What you have on. Bring another shirt for the dinner."
"What's Dad wearing?"
"I don't know, no one will care. They'll all be looking at me anyway."
"You hate that."
"I know, the things I'll do for your Father..."
"The things you do for all of us. Why do you think we all love you so much."
A tear starting trickling its way own her cheek until she swiped at it. "If I start to cry Mister, you are in..."
Matty shoved a danish in her open mouth and stuck out his tongue. "Darn, you know what this means?"
"We're going to have to share our danishes."
"Exactly!"
"Wow, Dad took my idea! That was cool." Matty said excitedly while they waited for Sam to join them after his speech.
"You better be careful what you say from now on. The writer in Dad likes to steal good material."
"Do I have to hang around during your press conference?"
"Nah, you can go explore with Jenna. We'll call her when you have to head back."
"They should have food around here somewhere."
"Considering this is a college campus, I'd say there are several places to eat."
"There you are, we decided the best way to handle the press is to put you and Sam together." Jenna said as she approached.
"Whatever, you get to go find food to feed your brother's hollow stomach."
"I can't, I'm playing press secretary today."
"I'm hungry Mom!"
"Is Josh necessary?" Mara asked.
Jenna started laughing, "That all depends on who you ask."
Mara realized what she said and started laughing too. They had just stopped laughing when Josh started walking towards them which set them off again. Matty was getting annoyed because he was hungry.
"Uncle Josh, you are taking me to eat during the press conference."
"I should probably stick around to..."
"I'm going to throw the world's biggest fit in five minutes if I'm not on my way to food!"
"Go Josh, you make me nervous when you are that close to the press anyway."
"One secret plan to fight inflation, 19 years ago and it's still haunting me!"
"Yes, now go get some food into my son before he freaks out."
Sam started to wonder if anyone would notice if he left the press conference. In forty minutes, not one question was posed to him. The press was elated to have an audience with the elusive Mara Whitford. He had stopped listening to the questions ten minutes ago. Sam discretely fished out his cell phone and sent Josh and text message. In less than a minute he was texted a response.
PC over?
No
Then why R U asking for food?
I'm hungry
Pay attention!
Not asking me anything!
Pay attention or no food
U R mean
No kidding, bye
Mara had noticed Sam playing with his phone out of the corner of her eye. She knew he wasn't paying any attention and she was tempted to refer the next question to him, just to see him squirm. Mara decided making him look like an idiot wasn't a good idea so she kicked him instead. She was surprised when he kicked her back. She casually dropped her arm from the table, reached down and gave his leg a pinch. He glared at her and she shot him a look.
Jenna was watching their antics from behind and wanted to smack them both upside the head. She knew if she didn't intervene soon their childlike tendencies would rear their ugly heads.
"Two more questions then we have to go."
"Ambassador have you thought about how you might prepare for transitioning from Ambassador to First Lady?"
"First of all, that question is very premature considering Sam hasn't even been named the Democratic candidate. Secondly, I have no intention of leaving a job I love and excel at."
The reporters went crazy, yelling questions and Sam stepped in.
"I never expected Mara to give up her job and while I consider her the First Lady of the Universe, the only country she is truly qualified to represent is Canada. Thank you for coming, good bye."
Toby had heard the commotion and came up behind the couple to usher them away from the press. They returned to the room they had been using as a waiting area.
"Mara, did you have to add the secondly part?" Toby sighed.
"Toby, I answer questions frankly and I certainly didn't want anyone, especially the Prime Minister wondering what my plans were. I'm sorry this inconveniences you but I have my own life to live!"
"Sam, you should have clued me in!"
"Toby, I assumed you were smart enough to realize Mara would never quit and she'd suck as a First Lady."
"Hey!"
"Sorry Mar, but you know it's true."
"So where to next?" She asked.
"On to our host for the evenings house to get ready." Toby answered.
Mara called Josh and told him to meet them back in the room. Josh was already on his way back and was briefed by Jenna as soon as she saw him.
"Damn it! I was hoping this wouldn't come up until after Sam had been elected."
"This won't hurt us, will it?"
"Some conservatives will never vote for us. They don't like the idea of a woman not knowing her place. They will assume that Mara will wield too much power if she isn't wrapped up in ceremonial duties or playing the perfect hostess."
"Grandma Abbey certainly didn't play the role as scripted."
"I know and it cost us."
"I've found yet another reason to be grateful I'm Canadian." Jenna muttered.
"What happened?" Matty asked
"Mom told the press she wasn't going to fill the First Lady role if Dad was elected."
"Of course not, even Mommy can't do two jobs at once. What's the big deal?"
"Some narrow minded people won't vote for Dad because of it."
"It won't matter because he is going to win."
"I like your attitude Matty." Josh stated.
"So how long is this boring dinner?" Matty asked.
"You'll be comatose and I'll be drunk."
"Nice example to set Miss Thing!"
"You are just jealous because you can't handle more than 2 drinks."
"I see your parents, go irritate them instead of me."
After Sam and Mara ate the subs Matty had brought them, they all thanked the Chancellor and headed to the car.
"Uncle Josh, how much will I have to pay you to take me to the movies instead of this dinner?"
"Matty, if I could, I'd treat you. Unfortunately, as the campaign manager I have to be there."
"I'll take you Matty. Your sister can take over for me. She's done it before."
"She intends to get drunk though."
"That's nothing new, we all tend to drink a little too much at these things."
"Mommy?"
"Yes, my love?"
"Uncle Toby and I are going to a movie instead of the boring dinner."
"Cool, can I go with you?"
"NO!" Josh shouted.
"Can I go, since no one will pay any attention to me?" Sam asked with a smirk.
"If I have to go, you have to Mister!"
"Toby, you owe me one." Jenna stated.
"I know, so after we drop all you suckers off, we'll take the car to the movies. We'll be back at eleven."
"I have to play nice for four hours? Enjoy this Josh because it may be the only time I do this."
"Some how I don't think you'll skip Jon's party."
"Shut up."
Mara made them stop at a drug store so she could get some Good and Plenty and so Matty could buy snacks for the movie. A five minute stop turned into half an hour because everyone decided they wanted something. They boys all groaned when Mara and Jenna decided to investigate the sale on all nail polishes. Mara found a pink nail polish that perfectly matched her outfit for the evening. Sam agreed to give her a pedicure in exchange for modeling her outfit.
Sam was pleasantly surprised when they were introduced to their hosts. They chatted for ten minutes and then showed them to a guest room with an ensuite bathroom so they could relax until 7:30. Sam made Mara change and watched the flurry of activity below as final touches were added to the open air tent.
"Well?" Mara asked.
Sam turned around and whistled his approval. "Yowza, come over here and kiss me sexy."
"I knew you'd approve."
The item that had attracted Mara's attention in the store window was a deep pink taffeta skirt that shimmered without shinning. As soon as she saw the skirt that fell two inches above her knee she knew she could pair it with the pink halter top she had bought just in case the temperature rose. The halter left her back completely exposed which pleased Sam greatly.
"I'll kiss you after you do my toes."
They were both watching people arrive out the window when Jenna knocked on the door to let them know their hosts were waiting to announce them. Sam gave his wife a long lingering kiss.
"Thank you for doing this."
"You're welcome."
"Ladies and gentleman, it is my pleasure to introduce our guests of honour, Senator Sam Seaborn and his beautiful wife Ambassador Mara Whitford."