Story: The Nobel Laureate
Chapter 17
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Previously: Jed considered Congressman Floyd's offer that he run for the U.S. House of Representatives, but decided he couldn't do it unless Abbey and the girls were willing to move to Washington if he won; without telling Abbey about the proposition, Jed realized she was making plans for them to stay in New Hampshire
Summary: At the embassy reception, the Swedish Ambassador has some news for Jed and Abbey; Jed is reminded he needs a pair of patent leather shoes for Sweden
Author's Note: In case anyone's interested, the job offer that Jed turned down in London is the subject of the storyline in an earlier story in this series called The London Years. Chapters 10-18 of The London Years pertain to the research position, though Yosh Takahashi isn't mentioned since the show introduced him long after TLY had been written
Jed and Abbey approached the large glass building. This building, the House of Sweden as it was called around D.C., was better known to everyone as the Swedish Embassy. The four-story structure sat on the banks of the Potomac and inside, a casual reception had just begun to honor the four American Nobel laureates.
Abbey turned a concerned eye to her husband when Jed slowed his stride in front of the door. "What's the matter?"
"Nothing. I just need a minute to get ready."
"Who are you kidding? You've been preparing for this since the day you were invited. You're just going over everyone's picture in your head because you're afraid of forgetting their names."
"You know me too well." He grinned. "I don't always like that."
"You love it." Abbey opened the top button of his coat so she could straighten his tie. "Eventually, you're going to have to tell me what's on your mind."
"What do you mean?"
"You're preoccupied with something besides the reception. Something else happened during your meeting at the Capitol this morning."
His smile faded just a little. "I'm that obvious?"
"Only to someone who knows you as well as I do. After fifteen years, you are a tad predictable."
"Just a tad?"
"I was trying to be nice."
How foolish he was to think he could hide his feelings for very long. He could disguise some things, mask his worry or his happiness on certain occasions. But somehow, Abbey always knew when he was burdened with something this big. And she was right. Deep down, he loved that about her.
Jed toyed with the idea of spilling his guts. After all, telling her that he wanted to run for Congress wouldn't be met with criticism or ridicule. Of that he was sure. He knew she'd be ecstatic, bragging about his accomplishments and encouraging him to launch himself all the way to the top. That was just who she was. It was who she always had been before. But in this case, he feared things might work out a little differently in the end because this time, his aspirations were on the verge of derailing hers in a collision that would force one of them to concede to the other.
It would be life-altering, the decision they were facing at the end of a long and complicated discussion. So for that reason, he decided to conceal his thoughts and postpone the inevitable until they were alone. "Not now, okay?"
"Later then."
"Later." Jed took a step back when she finished his tie. "Do I look all right?"
Abbey shook her head. "Better than all right. Much better."
"Here we go." He took another deep breath as he opened the door and followed her inside.
Still framed in the doorway, they were greeted by one of the assistants who took their coats, then ushered them through a crowd of national media for a formal introduction with the Ambassador. Jed was nudged and stopped numerous times along the way and he finally clasped Abbey's hand before they were separated by all the prominent guests seeking a moment with the economics professor. When they momentarily found themselves wedged behind an overzealous laureate, Jed chuckled, mildly amused that the scientist seemed to be frustrating the television reporter interviewing him.
"The lay person will understand the importance of reagents in organic synthesis. Phosphorus-containing compounds are..."
"I'm sorry, Dr. Lawrence," the reporter interrupted. "But I'm going to be taking more of a human interest angle on this story. I'm looking for something that tells our viewers a little about you. Or even something that puts your discovery in terms that our viewers can understand and possibly relate to."
"Again, my dear child, people will understand if you'll allow them to hear me explain it. Don't edit me and all shall be understood. Besides, to understand me is to understand my devotion to chemistry. Where were we? Oh yes! Back in Houston, some skeptics believe that Herbert Brown's work with organoboranes, which led to his prize three years ago..."
"Okay, cut!" The reporter signaled her cameraman to turn off his camera.
"If I start talking like that, smack me, will you?" Jed whispered to Abbey as they maneuvered their way across the room.
"Count on it!" Abbey smiled back at him.
Finally, the assistant led them to a more intimate corner. "Mr. Ambassador," she called out as the Ambassador turned to face them. "Dr. Bartlet and his wife have arrived."
"Mr. Ambassador, it's a pleasure to meet you." Jed extended his hand.
The Ambassador shook his hand first, then took Abbey's. "I assure you, the pleasure is all mine. If you'll follow me please."
The Ambassador directed them through yet another foyer and down a narrow hallway to an empty conference room. Jed and Abbey trailed just behind him, confused about why they were being isolated from the other guests.
"This is a nice room."
"It's a little cramped, but it'll do," the Ambassador replied. "Please sit down."
Jed held out Abbey's chair before taking a seat himself. "Is something the matter?"
"I needed a moment alone with you because it recently came to my attention that you may not be aware that you're not the only economics scholar being recognized this year. The Prize Committee was supposed to have told you that the morning they called you."
Jed wasn't entirely surprised. He had heard the rumor from a local reporter a few weeks ago, though he thought nothing of it at the time. Abbey, on the other hand, was shocked. Another winner certainly didn't take away from Jed's accomplishment, but sharing the limelight after so many weeks of believing he was the sole recipient would definitely be an adjustment. She slipped her hand onto her husband's thigh, watching his face closely as she did. It seemed to relax him.
"You know, the morning they called, we had a bad connection. It was a Dr. Royen. Perhaps he mentioned it, but there was too much static on the line. Someone else called me a little later, but I guess he forgot."
"It was an oversight, one that has been rectified from an administrative standpoint. On behalf of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, I deeply apologize for the misunderstanding."
"Well thank you, but there's really no need," Jed said graciously. "There are so many economists out there devoted to making progress in worldwide economic stability. I'm just honored to be one of the ones being recognized."
"I'm thrilled to hear you say that! Some of our past laureates have been rather disappointed when told they'd have to split the prize with someone else, especially since it isn't for shared work."
There was a little part of Jed that could understand that disappointment. He felt it too, the harsh sting that came from the news. But he refused to let it show. "Who is the other winner?"
"I'm glad you asked. The other winner also happens to be a graduate of the London School of Economics."
"Really?"
"He's a Japanese economist, a Dr. Yosh Takahashi."
Abbey gave her husband's thigh a little squeeze as his rosy red cheeks paled slightly. "Dr. Takahashi," she repeated while looking at Jed. "Well, how about that?"
"So you know him?" the Ambassador asked.
"Actually, he and Jed were at LSE together."
"Old grad school friends. And here I thought this was going to be awkward."
Jed nodded stoically, unwilling to show his bitterness. The Ambassador didn't need to know the colorful history that plagued this tumultuous relationship. The details of the antagonistic rivalry that was born the moment Yosh took the research position Jed turned down at the end of their third year at LSE were hidden under a veneer of forged cheerfulness. But no matter how well he disguised his emotions, he couldn't stop himself from remembering the past.
When they got married, Jed vowed that after he earned his doctorate, they would move back to the U.S. so Abbey could begin medical school. But oh, how he wanted that job. His ambition manipulated his logic and, for a while, he wondered if Abbey might just support his decision to stay in London an extra two years. But she didn't. So, in order to keep the promise he made to his wife, Jed declined the job and Yosh was chosen instead.
The eager student boasted about the coveted position, frequently disclaiming the rumors that he was second-choice, a substitute for a more intelligent, more qualified, more likable Jed. Yosh's bruised ego prevented him from ever getting to know the real Jed Bartlet. Instead, his focus was on stepping out of Jed's shadow to cast a more flattering light on himself and, in the process, he ignited a fiery relationship that fueled Jed's resentment.
Twelve years later, that fire still burned strong in Jed's heart. It was obvious in the way he clenched his jaw before asking the Ambassador, "I assume we won't see Dr. Takahashi until we get to Stockholm?"
"That's correct."
"Well then. I can hardly wait."
Abbey returned her husband's gaze just as he leaned back in his chair. Her stare then met the Ambassador's eyes and in one quick second, she realized he had detected Jed's discomfort. She had to change the subject before he persisted. "So when is the press conference?"
"They should be assembling shortly. I'll take you back out to the reception." The Ambassador stood to lead his guests out of the room. "By the way, did you have any trouble finding black patent leather shoes?"
"Black patent leather shoes?" Abbey curiously glanced at Jed.
"Yes, Ma'am," the Ambassador answered. "They are traditional attire for the formal ceremonies during your week in Stockholm."
Jed had been told about the shoes, but he had forgotten to buy a pair. An intentional oversight, he admitted to himself. "I haven't had a chance to really shop yet."
"Oh dear." The Ambassador looked concerned.
"I'll get a pair before we leave for Sweden."
"Be sure that you do. It is imperative that you have shiny black patent leather shoes." And with that request, the Ambassador walked away from the couple.
Jed nodded agreeably until he was out of sight, then turned to Abbey. "Did you know that in Ohio, women are prohibited from wearing patent leather shoes in public?" Abbey stared at him blankly. "Seriously, it's one of the laws on the books in the Buckeye State."
"Jed?"
"The law was passed because legislators felt that if a woman does wear patent leather shoes, a man might see the reflection of something he shouldn't. What a bunch of tight-asses!"
"You can fool the Ambassador, but you can't fool me."
"What makes you think I want to fool either one of you? And what are you talking about anyway?"
"I'm talking about Yosh Takahashi. Are you really going to stand there and tell me you're going to be happy to see him again?"
"I don't have to see him for another week, Abbey, so today, I want to focus on this press conference. Afterwards, I want to focus on the White House tour and after that, I want to enjoy the evening with my wife and my three daughters. The last thing in the world I want to think about - or talk about - is Yosh Takahashi."
"You're really okay with this."
"For now. Ask me in Stockholm and you might get a different answer, but today, I'm okay."
"Wow."
"You expected me to be snarky about it, didn't you?"
"Well, yeah. The way you two feel about each other...yes, I expected you to be a bit snarky. I admit it. But you know what?"
"What?"
"I'm impressed that you're not."
"All these years and I still have the power to impress you. I think that says a little something about us."
"You mean you think it says a little something about you."
"Semantics, Babe. What I really mean is I take comfort in knowing that after fifteen years, I've still got some surprises left in me. At least enough to impress you at times."
She knew what he was really trying to say. "All right, you win. I take it back. You're not completely predictable. Better?"
"That'll do for now. And just to prove to you how unpredictable I really can be, I want to suggest that tomorrow, we get you a pair of patent leather shoes."
"Not a chance!"
"I want to see the reflection of things I'm not supposed to see," he whispered as he closed the space between them.
"This is you being unpredictable?" She arched her brow, laughing.
"And if we want to get really wild, we'll strap you and your patent leather shoes into the car and drive to Toledo."
"Don't you have a press conference or something?"
"I'm here. I'm waiting. As soon as they call for me, I'll put on my serious face, but in the meantime..." He pulled her close to steal a kiss.
The second their lips touched, a barrage of flashing lights blinded them both. A couple of reporters flanked Jed as he reluctantly broke the embrace and Abbey stood silent, a proud smile on her face while watching her husband handle the press with confidence and poise. Unlike some of the other scholars, Jed wasn't just answering questions. He was communicating like a world-class orator. And for a few moments that afternoon, he unknowingly commanded the attention of everyone in the room.
The Nobel Prize was next on the agenda, but it was clear to Abbey that someday, there would be something even bigger on the horizon.
TBC