Chapter 17: Quiet
The hustle and bustle of New York City was always something to be admired in the grand scheme of the American life. Millions of people, rushing to work, rushing to school, rushing in general. 8.37 million people living together in 307 square footage meant that somewhere someone was in a hurry.
For the first time in forever, the Neutron penthouse was not a part of the chaos. Jimmy and Cindy sat together on their couch, his head in her lap. Both were concentrating on their reading materials, but weren't so out of tune with their environment that they weren't aware of each other. Her fingers were running lightly through his hair and every once in a while he would tear his eyes from his page to glance up at his wife.
It was a rare moment for the both of them. No cases to try. No inventions to patent. It was a rare afternoon where neither had anything more to do but enjoy each other's company. It was the price that they paid for being the two most powerful people in the country.
Jimmy suddenly yawned and casually tossed his latest copy of American Scientist onto the coffee table. Tearing himself away from the comfort of his wife, he sat up and stretched. Cindy merely watched him over the top of her own magazine as he wandered into the kitchen and came back with two steaming mugs of coffee, one of which he offered to her. Taking a slip, he settled himself back onto the couch, his head back in her lap as he once again reached for his magazine, starting the previous cycle all over again.
It was peaceful. It was quiet. It was wonderful.