Chapter 732: Congressional Office Building
Tuesday, March 21st. Afternoon
The US Capitol is usually thought to be one giant building but is, in reality, a complex of interconnected buildings. There were several office buildings just for the house alone, where space was based on who controlled the house and the member's seniority. So, as a freshman member of the house, the occupant of this space looked around their modest office.
Izzy leaned back in her desk chair and crossed her hands behind her head, intertwining her fingers. She looked at Skye Gregory, her close confidant, one of her closest friends, and her personal assistant. Izzy sighed and sat up, lowering her hands.
"So, what do we have on the agenda?" Izzy asked.
Skye picked up her tablet and scrolled through it. "Some of the usual committees and meetings, there are a few up-and-coming debates and votes," Skye said.
"Do I have anywhere I need to speak or have any questions?" Izzy asked.
Skye shook her head, "No, and none of the votes you need to negotiate for any of your bills," she said.
"So, has leadership sent their suggestions on how to vote?" Izzy asked.
"Not yet," Skye said.
Izzy nodded and turned to look out her lone window. Skye studied her friend as Izzy looked out among the buildings of DC. Finally, Izzy turned back to face Skye. Finally, Izzy nodded and sighed.
"You've been distracted," Skye said.
"I am, a little, hoping for an easy week here," Izzy said.
"Is that because Keith will be back?" Skye asked.
"Yes, most of it," Izzy said.
"Why did you stop at Leighton yesterday?" Skye asked.
"To see how the house was coming along, considering it's been closed for a year," Izzy said.
"That's true, but how are you going to transition?" Skye asked.
"When I am in town, we'll all live at Leighton, and during the week, the kids will be at Beaulieu until the end of the school year," Izzy said.
"Why's that?" Skye asked.
Izzy sighed, "When Keith was told he was being deployed and I was running for election, we met with a therapist to devise a plan for us, the kids, and the family," she said.
Skye nodded, "Do the kids know he's back?" she asked.
"No, and I know he's back but not released yet," Izzy said.
"How, I don't know, how are you feeling?" Skye asked.
"Excited," Izzy said.
"Not what I mean, how do you feel?" Skye asked.
Izzy looked at Skye and tilted her head for a moment. Then her eyes lit up. Oh, I see what you're getting at. "Oh, I see, that's a whole other story," Izzy said.
"So, is it going to be naughty or nice?" Skye asked.
"I'm not sure. I'm kind of going to see how Keith feels, and I've not really thought about it much," Izzy said.
"What, you've been separated from your man for over a year, and you've not considered the reunion?" Skye asked.
"Not in any detail," Izzy said.
"Oh my god! We'll have to get a specialist involved here," Skye said.
"What are you talking about?" Izzy said.
"You should be giving Keith the rightful and glorious hero's homecoming he deserves," Keith said.
"You're crazy," Izzy said.
"You're crazy if you don't," Skye said.
"I just want my family back together, safe and sound," Izzy said.
"Well, the first night back is part of that," Skye said.
"Yeah, whatever, Skye, can we return to work?" Izzy asked.
"Do you want me to get Kari involved, and she could speak her piece?" Skye asked.
"You're going to bring Kari in on this? Do you both sit around and talk about Keith and me?" Izzy asked.
"What can I say? Kizzy is my soap opera," Skye said.
"Really, Skye?" Izzy asked.
"Well, you know," Skye said.
Izzy sighed, "Can we table this until we're home?" she asked.
"Yeah, but I'm bringing Kari in as well," Skye said.
"Kari? What does she have to do with this?" Izzy asked.
"Her experience," Skye said.
Izzy sighed, "Yeah, fine, as long as we get back to work," she said.
"Okay, on a related subject, the governor's office called about Saturday," Skye said.
"What does the governor want?" Izzy asked.
"It was a formal invite to the ceremony, and they wanted to know if you wanted to speak," Skye said.
"They do?" Izzy asked and nodded.
"Yes, my position is they know Keith is a brigade member, and they figured you'll be there anyway. Plus, having you there officially might get more eyes on the ceremony," Skye said.
"Do I have to give you an answer right now?" Izzy asked.
"No, not today, but by tomorrow would be nice," Skye said.
"Okay," Izzy said.
"What are you thinking, Izzy?" Skye asked.
"I'm keeping my own council on this one," Izzy said.
"Alright, but tomorrow, Izzy," Skye said.
"Tomorrow," Izzy said and nodded.
"So, moving on?" Skye asked.
"Yes, let's," Izzy said.
"There is a request for a speaking engagement," Skye said.
Izzy nodded and listened to the details. Her mind was half drifting away to Saturday.