Chapter 167: Wilmington International Airport
Friday, January 13th, Morning
This time the limo picked them up; there were three of them. For some reason, Kari wanted to get out of the District this weekend. Izzy had to say the DC Office Staff couldn't agree more. Today instead of the Beaulieu Manor Limo sent to pick them up, this limo came from the Tree Hill Office. Once the three ladies were carefully settled into the rear seat of the limo, and they were underway, the driver closed the divider between the front seat and the back seat.
"So, you wanted to get out of the District?" Skye asked.
"Yeah," Kari said, "I could use some Beaulieu Therapy," Kari said.
"It's close to freezing, so I don't think there will be any laying out by the pool," Skye said.
"There are a hot tub and a sauna," Kari said, "If I'm not mistaken, your Mom did open a day spa in the North Range."
"I believe you're right," Izzy said, looking out the window.
"Maybe, I can arrange something," Kari said.
"So, are you going to the game tonight, Izzy?" Skye asked.
Izzy nodded, "Yes, I have to, My Mom is heading to New York, so I'm responsible for getting the kids home," she said.
Skye nodded, "So, extra time with the kiddos," she said.
"Yeah, what are you doing tonight, Skye?" Izzy asked.
"I'm going to see Connie tonight," Skye said.
"The elusive middle sister," Kari said and laughed.
"Yeah, she always kept to herself, she's pregnant, and I don't get to see her often," Skye said.
"Why do your eyes light up every time you mention Connie, but not Jackie?" Izzy asked.
"' Cause I spend a lot of time with Jackie, but not with Connie. What time I spend with Connie is special," Skye said.
"Why's that, you're closer in age to Connie?" Kari asked.
"Growing up, we all worked in the restaurant. Jackie and I tended to work upfront, Connie always gravitated to the back of the house," Skye said.
"I've been served by Connie before," Izzy said.
"I didn't say she didn't work upfront, just that she always saw herself in the kitchen," Skye said.
"Who were you closer to growing up?" Kari asked.
"Neither really, Jackie and Connie had each other, and there's a gap between Connie and me," Skye said.
"Like Trin and me," Izzy said.
"Yeah, like that," Skye said.
"I feel left out," Kari said.
"Why?" Skye asked.
"I'm an only child," Kari said, which the other two women knew, "I had none of those memories or the simple fact of sharing moments with someone that close."
"It's not all fun," Skye said.
"But, I'll never those experience to share," Kari said.
Izzy looked out the window, "Siblings are a blessing, but they can also be a curse," she said.
"How so, Izzy?" Kari asked.
"I had to save my sister several times, from her daemons. Also, I had to bring another home when she ran away. I was the one who opened my brother up to the family, and to people in general," Izzy said, "That's the curse."
"What's the blessing?" Kari asked.
"All the stuff you hear. The late nights, hanging out talking about nothing or everything. The look on their face when they hold their niece or nephew for the first time. The look on your face when you do the same. Having that person that listens to all your bullshit, compassionately, and then calls you out on it right after," Izzy said.
"Did you and Chase share any guys?" Kari asked.
"Oh, hell no," Izzy said, "Been watching teen dramas again? Just look at our husbands; we have slightly different types."
"That was something I always wonder if it was true," Kari said.
"Not for Chase and I," Izzy said, "Not to say guys went after me because they couldn't get with Chase. We had an unspoken rule against sharing guys."
"Connie and Jackie are close, but they traveled in different social circles at school," Skye said.
"So, what's the story with you joining us this weekend?" Izzy asked.
"Needed a break, and a few people were getting too close," Kari said.
"Alright," Izzy said.
The limo pulled into the Scott Building's parking lot. At the curb, and the driver got out and opened the rear door. The three women got out and slipped on their Scott Building ID. They headed towards the building.
"Greetings Representative Scott," Caden, the security guard behind the desk, said.
"Hello, Caden, you're looking well," Izzy said.
"Thank you, the Missus got me eating healthy, again," Caden said.
"I bet you still stash twinkies under the desk," Izzy said.
"No, I don't, I'm being good and sticking to my diet," Caden said while nodding his head yes.
Izzy laughed, "Don't change, Caden," she said, "We're heading up to my office."
"No problem, Ma'am," Caden said.
Izzy, Skye, and Kari scanned through the security gate and headed to the elevator. They rode it up to the second floor. The badge only allowed Skye and Kari access to one door; Izzy had a family pass.
Through the hallway, they came to the door that said Office of Representative Isabella Scott. They opened the door and stepped in. The few people waiting in the waiting room froze when they saw Izzy. Some, which Izzy was used to, murmured, "I thought she was taller." That was normal for her now.
They walked through the lobby and into the inner office. The Tree Hill Staff hardly paid attention as they headed to Izzy's Office. Once in the office, Izzy took a seat behind her desk, that she rarely sat.
Kari and Skye took seats in the chairs in front of the desk. Izzy noted that they took the same spots they would always take. It's the cute thing they did; it was a sense of normalcy in the ever-changing life she had.
There was a knock on the door. Izzy looked up to see Winter standing in the doorway.
"Ma'am, can I come in?" Winter asked.
"Yes, you may," Izzy said.
Winter walked into the office and placed a few file folders on the desk. She looked at Izzy.
"Those are all the appointments for the weekend, and the draft for Monday's speech is in one of them for your review," Winter said.
"Thank you, Winter, is anyone going to be accompanying me to these appointments?" Izzy asked.
"Yes, each day, a different person from this office will go with you, as well as an appropriate local supporter," Winter said.
"Appropriate local supporters?" Skye asked.
"Have they been vetted so they won't embarrass me?" Izzy asked.
"No, nothing like that will happen, Ma'am," Winter said, "for example, Mister Antwon Taylor will be with you Monday."
Izzy laughed and nodded, "A local sports hero, that I'm not related to, nice touch, Winter," she said.
"That's my job, Ma'am," Winter said.
Izzy nodded, "Winter, how did you come to my attention?" she asked.
"Senator McMichael, Ma'am," Winter said.
Izzy nodded, "John comes through again," she said.
"We also went to high school together, Ma'am," Winter said.
"Funny, I don't remember you, specifically," Izzy said.
"I would be hard to remember, I looked different then," Winter said, "And we traveled in separate social groups."
"It was a big place," Izzy said.
"Yes, it was," Winter said.
"I heard they're doing a big thing for the girl's first championship," Izzy said.
Winter nodded, "Yes, they are, and the school board has invited you," she said.
"Do I have to give a speech?" Izzy asked.
"Not entirely sure, but if you do, it would be just a few appropriate words," Winter said.
"Like Lincoln at Gettysburg," Izzy said.
"Excuse me, Ma'am, please don't curse," Winter said.
"Sorry, I forgot which office I was in," Izzy said.
"Would you like to confirm your attendance?" Winter asked.
"Yes, please," Izzy said, "My father-in-law coached the team, etc."
"I'll call the school board, Ma'am," Winter said.
"Are you excited about it, Winter?" Izzy asked.
"No, Ma'am," Winter said, "I'm not fond of my high school memories."
"Okay," Izzy said, accepting what Winter said.
"Is that all, Ma'am?" Winter asked.
Winter nodded and left the office. Izzy shrugged and started to look through the folders.