4:00 am.

When her alarm went off the next morning, Emily was not ready to start the day. Sleep had eluded her the night before, and she could not get him out of her mind. She put on her favorite dress and heels and started the coffee.

Another day. Another mask.

5:01 am.

She wanted to get into work early. There were a lot of fires lately, and she liked to have viable solutions as she presented them to the president. He had a lot to worry about. He didn't need more, and he certainly did not need to be worrying about her.

She also wanted to get in early to avoid the early morning chatter.

5:37 am.

She made great time on her commute this morning, which could only mean it would be a great day. She poured herself another cup of coffee and started going through her emails.

7:00 am.

Emily printed out the schedule for the day and started making her way to the Oval Office. She didn't know why she bothered. It looked like it was going to be one of those days where everything that was planned would have to be rescheduled for another day.

"Morning, Emily," Aaron greeted her in the hallway. Her heart started beating a little bit faster, but she stood up straighter and protruded confidence.

"Good Morning, Aaron." She smirked. There was way too much going on for Emily to think about anything else. She knew this, and it put her in an excellent mood. She was in her element. She always did well in stressful situations.

They walked into the Oval Office together, just like the old days.

"Mr. President, we've exhausted our diplomacy channels with North Korea, and military options are on the table." Aaron's voice was strained.

"Maybe not." Emily raised an eyebrow. "I know it's not typical procedure, but out of due diligence, Mr. President, I think you should try to reach out personally before we take any military action."

Tom nodded, "It's a good idea, Emily. I want to avoid any military action if possible. This is nuclear war we are talking about."

Emily could feel Aaron's gaze on her. She was hoping it was out of admiration, and he wasn't just pissed she had overstepped her bounds.

"The situation in Charlottesville?" the president asked.

"Governor Vogel has yet to take any action or respond to any communication from Aaron or myself. Riots are continuing. Death toll is up to 16. All minorities."

"I need this taken care of," Tom said curtly. I want you both to go down there and try to reason with Vogel before we have to send in the damn National Guard. I've already asked Steve to arrange your accommodations."

9:14 am.

Emily was too distracted about the awful situation in Virginia to realize what exactly her situation was. She was getting into a car with Aaron for two hours.

9:33 am.

"Are you sure this is the fastest way? We're not moving." She could feel his gaze on her again, but Emily kept her focus forward.

"Yes, we'll get there by noon at the latest. I spoke to Vogel's chief of staff, so we are expected."

"That doesn't mean she'll see us." His voice was quiet.

"I know. I also know she's scheduled to have dinner at the Old Mill Room at 7." Emily could feel herself smirk. She might be new to working in the White House, but she wasn't new to politics, and she prided herself on being able to read people.

"So we also have a reservation?" Aaron asked. Emily still kept her eyes focused on the car in front of them, but she could feel Aaron looking at her and smiling.

"Of course."