"May I just say…we miss you." CJ said hesitantly to Abbey, trying to find some way to comfort her friend in public without wrapping her arms around her and holding her close.

"That's very kind." Abbey replied, looking her in the eye. "Please don't be offended if I say I don't miss you." She meant the administration, of course, but the hurt look that flashed through CJ's eyes before she looked away made her want to take back her words.

Awkwardness settled over the conversation until the interview ended a few minutes later, and the conversation with it, which had CJ had somehow turned to Jed. She was worried about the status of the First Marriage, knowing Abbey had requested his absence.

Abbey wrapped her arms around Zoey. "You did a brilliant job, sweetie." She murmured, tears in her eyes.

"It was fine, Mom." Zoey pulled herself away a little and brushed the tears from Abbey's face with her thumb. Abbey chuckled.

"Will you stay for dinner, Claudia?" she asked, turning to CJ.

"I'd love to stay." CJ smiled warmly. She loved Manchester. "But only on the condition I get some of your wonderful cider."

"I think we can arrange that." Abbey smiled back. "Come on." She wrapped an arm around each of them and the threesome headed for the kitchen, leaving the t.v. crew to clean up the living room.

Half an hour later, CJ was standing in the kitchen helping to chop vegetables for a stew. She popped a piece of carrot into her mouth, enjoying the way it crunched. She paused as she saw Abbey watching her. "Sorry" she blushed, and went to return to chopping the carrots.

"No, no." Abbey smiled. "I was just enjoying watching you. You're much more relaxed when not in the White House."

"Funny that." CJ quipped.

Zoey sniffed loudly. "These onions are making me cry. I'll be right back." She disappeared from the room momentarily.

"I didn't mean you." Abbey murmured quietly once her daughter was out of the room. CJ looked confused. Abbey moved around to put a hand on hers. "I do miss you, Claudia. I just can't be there right now."

CJ smiled, understanding. "I know, Abbey." She leaned forward and kissed the other woman's cheek. They went back to chopping their veggies. Zoey returned a few minutes later, still sniffing.

"CJ, can I switch with you?" she requested. "The onions aren't agreeing with me."

"Sure." CJ moved around the counter.

After a dinner of stew and freshly baked bread, they sat on the porch to watch the stars come out.

"I've missed this." CJ announced in the darkness, looking up at the dark sky. Abbey laid her head gently on CJ's shoulder, her arm around Zoey on her other side.

"I know." Zoey agreed. "You can't see them in Washington, it's too bright."

"Speaking of Washington, I should head out soon if I'm going to make my flight." CJ pointed out.

"You could stay over." Abbey offered.

"I would, but there's too much going on, as you know." CJ replied sadly.

"I know." Abbey murmured. They climbed slowly to their feet.

"You did great today, Zoey" CJ hugged the girl tightly before turning to Abbey. "Come and visit us soon, okay?" she murmured as she hugged the First Lady. Abbey nodded.

"I'll think about it." She said wryly.

"Bye CJ!" Zoey waved as CJ made her way to the car that waited to take her to the airport.

"Bye." CJ waved back.

The two stood and watched as the car drove away, Abbey feeling more than a little sad.

She was cheered that night when she went to her room to find a note on her pillow.

"When all that's wrong is coming true,

Remember I am here for you."

Sorry, it was the best I could do at short notice.

Feel free to call if you need a friend.

Yours,

Claudia

Abbey smiled at the corny line. Knowing she had a friend she could call, and who wanted her to, made the whole world seem a little brighter.