2 (One month earlier)
"Jed, would you please hurry? Tonight, is the Congressional Christmas Party and we can't be late. All of your favorite people will be there." For once, Abbey was sitting, waiting on her husband. He had been caught in a late meeting in the Oval and had just gotten out of the shower five minutes ago.
"Abbey, you know damn well my favorite people are NOT these people. The Republicans block every initiative we send over there and most of the Democrats hate us as well. Unless we approve some pork for their district or state, I can't seem to get their vote for any legislation."
"Jed, when you were in Congress it was the same way."
"No, it wasn't. Sure, there was some items I traded my vote for but…"
"See! What did I just say? It goes on all the time. You don't like it now because you're on this side of the fence."
"But now I have to go downstairs, once a year, and play kissee face with them and wish them a Merry Christmas when what I really want to do is twist their ever-loving neck."
Abbey walked over to her half-dressed husband and gave him a very deep kiss. "What if I promise you that, if you behave tonight, we can play kissee face afterward?"
"Promise?"
Abbey smiled that vixen smile of hers that always weakened her husband's knees. "Promise."
"Well then, let's go."
"I think you need some pants first, don't you?"
"Yeah."
These holiday parties always lasted until the wee hours of the morning. This one was no exception. Finally, about two am, the First Couple made their excuses and made their way back to the Residence. Over the past few months Abbey had noticed a significant decrease in her energy levels, but blamed it on her heavy travel schedule. In the past three months, she had made four overseas trips, either with Jed or just as First Lady, that lasted ten days or more. Then, when one added in the heavy holiday and speech schedule, she had been more active than almost any other time in Jed's Presidency.
She was looking forward to the quiet time at Camp David over the Christmas break. For the first time, in quite a while, it was going to be just her and Jed for Christmas. Each of the children had alternate plans. Liz and Doug were going to his parents. Ellie had been assigned on call time during that period. Abbey remembered that during her Residency quite well. She had had very few holidays off herself. And Zoey had come to them with the request to go skiing in Colorado over the Christmas break with some of her friends from Georgetown. Once Ron had signed off on the security arrangements, she and Jed didn't have the heart to turn her down. Even Leo was going out of town to spend his precious time with some old friends from Chicago.
Peeling out of her designer gown, Abbey slipped into some flannel pajamas. Jed came out of the bathroom in a Notre Dame t-shirt and boxers and instantly got the message. "Abbey, are you feeling okay?"
"I'm sorry, babe. I'm just exhausted. All these parties back-to-back are really wearing me out." She pulled the covers down and got in bed. "I know I promised. I'll make it up to you."
"I'm okay. But I'm worried about you." He slid in next to her and put his hand on her face. "Is that all? Exhaustion?"
"Yeah. You know how busy I've been. I can't wait until Camp David. I promise I'll only bring my special garments, okay?"
Jed grinned. He loved her special garments. And he loved taking them off her as well. "Okay. No problem. I love you."
"I love you too. Good night." After exchanging brief kisses, it didn't take long for either one of them to drop off to sleep.