Chapter 7
Jed and Leo never spoke all the way to the Residence. They ran into Charlie returning to the West Wing, but barely acknowledged him as he passed.
Closing the door to the study, both men made themselves comfortable before anyone said a word.
Leo finally spoke first. "Jed, I guess you have yet to speak to Abbey since she left."
"You know that's right, Leo."
"Where is she today?"
"I think she is supposed to be finishing a two day visit to Johannesburg. Then she leaves tonight for an overnight flight to Australia."
"Well, I think it's time to call her. Do you want me to call her, or do you want to do the honors?"
"I don't want either one of us call her. If she wants to talk, she can call me herself."
"That's not an option."
"Yes, it is. She's the one who started all this and by God, I'm not going to be the first one to break the damn ice."
"The HELL it's not an option. You two are not children who go around pouting until the other one gives in. The Speaker wouldn't tell me what they talked about so the only way you will know what the hell is going on is to ask to her. You know, talk to each other like adults."
"Leo, this is none of your business. Neither is it's the staff's business. What happens between me and my wife is private. It's not a matter for office gossip. Just because I'm President doesn't mean a domestic dispute becomes fodder for public discussion."
"Normally, I would agree. However…"
"HOWEVER, NOTHING. IT IS MY BUSINESS AND NO ONE ELSES." He stood up and went to the cabinet that held the liquor bottles.
Leo wondered if Jed would start drinking at ten-thirty in the morning. He waited to see what his friend would do before he said anything
After a minute or so of contemplation, the President turned and sat back down.
"You made a smart choice there, Jed."
He looked at Leo, realizing then what he was about to do so early in the day. "Yeah."
"You really should just call Abbey and ask her what's wrong. That's a hell of a lot easier than taking a drink this early in the day."
"I doubt she'll take my call."
"Have you even tried?"
Leo heard some mumbling but no distinct answer. "Jed, I didn't hear your answer."
"I said, no."
Leo sighed. "Okay." He picked up his phone and punched in some numbers.
"Leo, are you calling her?" Jed wanted to reach across and knock the phone out of his hand, but he realized that he really did to talk with his wife. He missed her and needed to hear her voice, even though she was on the other side of the world and in so doing, he would be taking the first step.
"Hell, yes. She'll pick up for me."
Leo paused as the call went through. "Abbey? Hi, Leo. Yes, he's fine. We're in the Residence. Yes, he wants to talk with you. Yes, call back on his phone. That'll be fine. Good to hear your voice. Bye."
Leo hung up. "She'll be calling you back momentarily."
Leo stood up. "I'll be right outside. Jed, settle this. I mean it. Whatever is wrong, settle it. You two love each other and this has gone on too long."
The study door closed as the President's phone rang.
Jed looked at it, hesitating for a moment.