Ok I think im cool with this...

Chapter 23

July 2

In-flight to California

Jade gazed out of the window of Air Force One as clouds rolled beneath them, her mind drifted aimlessly. As the plane banked decisively toward Los Angeles Airspace.The DNC was on the horizon, its weight pressing against her chest as she hoped to have clenched the primary, and Yes she was the front runner. But what if everyone changed their mind. What if the Delegates refused to give her her votes. It didn't matter that she had been there before. It didn't matter that The Delegation Roll call was mostly a symbolic thing. She wanted a sincere and clear win. And Troy Robinson was a really close second. As each primary victory edges her closer to re-election, she relaxed, but still this stayed in the back of her mind.

She needed to try to focus on California. It had been months since she'd had any real time off, and the thought of a few days in Malibu with her kids, some friends, and maybe a quiet Fourth of July barbecue filled her with a longing that made her heart ache a little. And then there was Tori. who was only a video call away, but that never felt like it was enough.

As Air Force One touched down in Los Angeles, Jade was whisked through the airport, flanked by her Secret Service Detail, but she could already feel her spirits lift. It was almost surreal to be back at home, and she could practically feel the ocean breeze from her Malibu retreat as she headed out toward the motorcade.

The Malibu property was a hive of activity as Jade's staff prepared the grounds for the upcoming Fourth of July festivities. She had purchased the house after winning the last election. Knowing that she would need somewhere to live once her presidency was over. She was not exactly counting on not being married when she came back. Or the fact that she would probably not be as well off when she finished all of this. She didn't know how much the President had to pay for with their own earnings. They don't really talk about that. Her expenses were brutal, because in her upper middle class income, it certainly did not afford her the money it took to have a Driver at the ready at all times. She truly couldn't afford the house and this was probably the last time she would stay here.

The house wasn't extravagant. It was one of the smaller houses that afforded her the security she needed as the president. Her Job had priced her right out of her state. She, as a single woman now, was looking into purchasing a home in DC Maybe. Or maybe Atlanta. But she loved this house so much. It had been her dream to live in Malibu. And it was nice to stay there when she could go back home.

She looked out of the window at the sea beyond. Secret Service agents blending into the shadows, while assistants and kitchen staff buzzed around, setting up decorations for the upcoming festivities. Despite the busyness, there was a quiet joy that Jade hadn't felt in a long time. For the first time in months, she wasn't in a suit or in a press room; she was home, at least for a little while.

Finally, she found a quiet moment in her bedroom, where she settled onto her bed, exhausted but happy, and dialed Tori. The familiar hum of the ringing filled her with anticipation, and when Tori's face lit up on the screen, Jade's heart skipped a beat.

"Long day?" Tori asked, eyes warm and knowing as she took in the sight of Jade lounging in her casual clothes.

Jade sighed, letting her shoulders relax. Long flight. But what else is new— You however," her voice softened, her fingers tracing Tori's image on the screen, "are a sight for sore eyes."

Tori chuckled, a fond smile on her lips. "So… I'm your vacation now?" she teases, but there's a softness in her eyes that betrays just how much she's missed Jade, too.

Jade smirks, leaning closer to the phone, voice a low murmur. "Maybe… Wish you were here for real."

"I miss you so much," Tori murmured, her voice husky. "I wish I could touch you right now."

Jade shivered at the implication. "me too," she breathed. Slowly, deliberately, she began unbuttoning her blouse, revealing the creamy swells of her breasts.

Tori let out a soft groan. "Oh, Jade..."

Emboldened, Jade slipped off her blouse entirely, bare before the camera in nothing but a lacy bra. "I really should be more careful about doing this with you," she purred, reaching behind to unclasp it. The garment fell away and she arched her back, presenting herself to Tori's hungry gaze.

"God, you're so gorgeous," Tori praised, drinking in the sight of Jade's bared breasts. " I can't wait to be in the same room with you again."

Jade flushed with arousal, her nipples pebbling under Tori's admiration. She cupped the soft mounds, thumbs teasing the sensitive peaks. "Touch yourself, Tori. Tell me how much you want me."

Tori moaned and placed her device down, "Oh god… okay." Tori said, voice rough with need. "I just want to watch."

Lost in Tori's words, Jade tugged down her skirt and kicked it away. She settled back on the bed in just her panties, unabashedly spreading her thighs. "Show me... I need to see you too."

Tori hastily shrugged off her shirt and unhooked her bra, revealing her own perfect breasts. She squeezed and massaged the generous mounds, circling her nipples until they were stiff. "Mmm, that's it. I'm so turned on, Jade."

Jade slid her hand into her panties, groaning as she found herself slick and swollen. She stroked her folds, circling her clit, lost to the sensations. "Oh god, I'm so wet for you. I'm imagining it's you. You feel so good."

"Yes, just like that," Tori gasped, shoving down her own underwear. She pumped two fingers inside her sex, Trying to stay in step with Jade. "Let me hear you… please." she whispered.

Jade let out a soft moan, concentrating on Tori's breathing.

They touched themselves in tandem, panting and moaning into the night. The video long forgotten, as neither could risk being this compromised on camera. The sound of Tori stroking her slick channel was almost too much. Jade's thighs began to tremble as she raced toward climax. "I'm close, I'm almost there," she whimpered, grinding against her fingers. "Come with me, Tori. I want to hear you."

Tori's eyes fluttered shut, hips rocking frantically. "I'm coming!" she cried out, voice ragged. Her inner walls clenched around her fingers as she shuddered through her release.

Jade followed a second later, back arching as ecstasy crashed over her. "Oh god!" she wailed, juices gushing around her fingers. She rode out the waves until she collapsed back against the bed, spent and sated.

They recovered in the afterglow, trading soft smiles and tender words. But as the endorphins faded, the ache of their separation returned.

Tori sighed wistfully, " I wish I was there to hold you."

"I know," Jade replied, voice thick with emotion. "I wish we didn't have to do this at all. I just want you in my arms."

They met in the middle of the screen, hands pressed to the camera as if they could feel each other. Trapped between heartache and bliss, yearning and acceptance. The miles between them seemed to stretch even wider in that moment of intimacy and longing.

"I love you," Tori said fiercely.

"I love you too," Jade choked out.

They held each other's gazes, Tori's smile faltered just a little, and she nodded, looking down. "Just a few more days, right? And you will be by my side." She looks back up, her voice barely a whisper. "I miss you so much, Jade."

Jade's voice caught, and she nodded, brushing away a tear that caught her off guard. "I know, babe. I miss you, too. I'll be in Yerba, and you won't be able to get rid of me while I am there."

They both laughed, the sound filled the room like a balm, soothing the ache of distance between them. The conversation shifted as they started talking about the Yerbanian certification ceremony, Jade's mind already spinning with the details—dignitaries from around the world, democratic leaders standing together for Tori's nation. They begin dreaming up ways they'll spend their time once Jade is finally in Yerba outside of the spotlight if only for a little while.

Eventually, Tori's voice grew quieter, softer, a balm as she coaxed Jade to relax, to let herself drift. "Close your eyes, Jade. I'll stay right here."

Jade's eyelids grew heavy, and she let herself relax, sinking back into the pillow as Tori's voice became her lullaby. Soon enough, Jade drifted off, the phone still clutched in her hand.

July 3

Malibu, CA

The sun rose the next day, just as it always did. Jade's lonely night abated, but still… no matter how powerful she was, she was still the same lonely girl she was after Tori left. Except this time. Tori was coming back. And she could feel hear heart beat for her again.

Jade, dressed in a comfortable tank top and shorts, moves through the chaos of preparations with ease. on the phone with Tori for most of the morning, her laughter ringing out above the hum of activity. Jade Laughed unabashedly as she sat on her lounge chair by the pool in her yard. It was a girlish type of happiness. Giddy and hopeful, strange for a woman of her age.

"I really should stop, my house staff is looking at me as if I lost my mind." Jade said as she pulled her knees in. "I had to come out to the pool, because it was so busy inside, and my giggling like a schoolgirl is making them give me weird looks."

"So what?" Tori laughed from the other end of the line, her voice playful. "You could use a little more controversy in your presidential life."

Jade glances around at her staff, who exchange knowing smiles as they overhear her banter. For once, she's not the President, not the Commander-in-Chief with decisions weighing heavily on her shoulders. Instead, she's just a woman in love, reveling in the joy of connection and laughter."I probably should go prep my meat. "I've learned to burn a bit since I last saw you."

"Literally or figuratively?" Tori laughs, and Jade can picture her girlfriend's eyes sparkling with amusement. "Because I remember that one time…"

Jade laughed with reckless abandon. "Oh no… stop." they are both in a fit of giggles. "I can't wait to cook for you."

Their conversation flowed easily, moving from party plans to playful teasing, and Jade lost track of time as she supervised the setup. When she finally got to the kitchen, she set the phone down. "We can watch the fireworks together tomorrow. You can see them over the cliff here," Jade says, glancing at the sky, which will soon be lit with bursts of color. "I have just the spot for just you and me.."

Tori's laughter is soft, almost shy. It will be nice to see everyone too.," she replies, and Jade can hear the warmth in her words.

July 4

Malibu, CA

The early morning sun shone on Jade's face, as she had fallen asleep texting on the phone with Tori. The phone laying comically on her face as a soft snore left her. She was laying on the couch. It wasn't particularly comfortable, but it was not super uncomfortable.

She was awakened by the sound of laughter and excited chatter filling the air as Jade's children and ex-husband Beck arrived. Sitting up as the large front door swung open, and in an instant, Jade's heart lifted as Luke, Ivy, and Hazel burst into the house.

"Mom! We're here!" Luke, is the first to run into her arms, his little legs carrying him as fast as they can go. Jade kneeled down, scooping him up with a grin. Her heart was swelling almost painfully. His tiny arms wrapped around her neck, and for a moment, everything felt just right.

"I missed you so much, buddy," Jade murmured, holding him tight, wondering why she spent so much time away maybe losing this election would be okay.

But then…

Ivy entered right behind him, her long legs carrying her quickly into the room. "Mom, look!" she says, holding up a small shopping bag she must have picked up during the flight. "Dad and Eliza got something for the barbecue." Her voice is sweet, but there's a touch of teenage rebellion in her eyes as she hands her mom a few of her favorite snacks.

"MMM… My god, I'm gonna be a whale by the time this election is over.," Jade laughs, taking the candy, and giving her daughter a big hug hello. This was why she fought… this girl, and her sister. "They never let me have these anymore. Eliza is always sneaking them in."

Hazel entered next, a little more composed but no less excited. "It feels like forever since we've been here." She walks over and hugs Jade tightly, as if trying to absorb the time they've spent apart. "I'm gonna go kiss my bed."

"Yeah, well summer camp will do that." Jade said, having sent her daughters to sleep away camps so that they could just be children at least for the summer. Hazel's maturity has always been one of her defining qualities, but it's moments like this—when she's wrapped up in her mom's embrace—that Jade is reminded of how much her children still need her.

"You guys are growing up too fast," Jade whispered into Hazel's hair, kissing her forehead. "I'm so happy you're here."

The door opened again, as Beck entered, smiling with his usual easygoing charm. Despite the recent divorce, Jade can't help but feel a sense of peace seeing him. There's been no lingering tension between them—just a shared understanding that their family comes first. Behind him is his new girlfriend, Eliza, her communication's tsar.

"Hey, Jade," Beck said, leaning in and kissing her cheek in his usual friendly way. "Thanks for letting us crash here. The kids are excited." He smiles warmly, but there's something in his eyes that says he, too, was just happy to see their family together for the holiday.

Jade smiled back, giving him a soft but knowing look. "Of course. It wouldn't be a family celebration without all of you."

Eliza smiled shyly. Her brown hair was neatly styled, and she was wearing a casual but polished outfit perfect for the barbecue. "Hey, Ma'am," she said, her voice calm and friendly. "I hope I'm not intruding."

"Jade, Please…" Jade said shaking her head and wrapping her in a friendly hug. "Not at all. You're part of the crew now." She turned toward Beck and Eliza. "The guest room's ready for you guys.Beck you know where it is. Everything's set up for the Fourth. You're both welcome to relax and grab a bite."

Eliza's smile brightened. "Thanks… Jade. I appreciate it. This is all so beautiful."

"Well better enjoy it while I have it… I can't afford it without Beck," Jade says with a wink, gesturing toward the guest room.

"You're selling?" He asked looking back at her. "But it's your dream."

"I don't get paid enough to keep a secure house in the most expensive state." Jade stated with a shrug. "I'll find somewhere. Maybe after, when I only have to live in one place, I'll get another."

As Beck and Eliza headed toward the guest room to drop off their bags, Jade returned her attention to her children. Luke was already running through the living room, excitedly tossing a small football up in the air, while Ivy and Hazel headed toward the family wing and their own individual rooms. The house is full of life, just the way Jade loved it. The chaos, the noise, the laughter—this is what she's missed.

It hadn't been an easy year for Jade, juggling the pressures of the presidency with the personal trials she was facing, but seeing her children and the people she loves surrounding her makes everything feel worth it. For a moment, she allowed herself to simply be in the moment, taking in the love of her family and feeling the peace of being at home.

Jade walked over to the living room, where Luke has now commandeered a toy truck and is driving it in circles. "You're keeping busy today, huh?" she teases, kneeling down beside him.

Luke grinned up at her. "I'm just making sure the party's ready, Mom," he said seriously, and Jade burst out laughing.

"Looks like you've got it all covered, little man," Jade said, brushing a kiss on his cheek. "Go on, let me finish setting up the grill, and we'll make this a day to remember."

Jade heads out and gets a text from tori that makes her smile she texts her back and heads off to make everything ready.

As noon approached, the atmosphere in Jade's backyard came alive with laughter, clinking glasses, and the hum of conversation. The party is in full swing, with her staff quietly working in the background while the familiar faces of old friends fill the space. Andre, Cat, and Robbie all step through the front gate, their presence like a living, breathing reminder of the past. Each of them, in their own way, brought a sense of nostalgia—a connection to the days when they were all starting their careers after Hollywood Arts, when the weight of the world hadn't yet settled on their shoulders.

Cat was the first to make her way over to Jade, her energy infectious. "Hey, let's call Tori!" she said, her phone already in hand, waving it as if she had just come up with the world's greatest idea.

Jade laughed softly, moving toward a quiet corner of the yard where the Secret Service agents stood respectfully at a distance. She dialed Tori's number, the screen lighting up with her familiar face. When Tori answered, the warmth in her expression made Jade's heart skip a beat.

"Tori!" Cat and Andre chorus from behind Jade, pulling her into the group virtually.

Tori's face lights up, a soft smile curling on her lips. "You guys. It's like I'm back in high school with you all," she jokes, glancing at Jade, her eyes twinkling with fondness.

"Yeah, just missing the rest of us here, Tori," Andre adds, his voice rich with nostalgia. He raised his glass to the screen, a playful smirk on his face. "We're all here, but you're the one that's missing."

Jade could hear the edge of longing in Andre's voice. He and Tori had history—Sirrah, their daughter, is a constant reminder of their shared past. And though there's an unspoken understanding between them, they all acknowledge the weight of Tori's absence.

Robbie, Jade's Vice President, chuckled as he took a sip from his own drink. "It's an honor to finally meet the legendary Chancellor," he says with a grin, his voice sincere but lighthearted.

Tori laughs warmly, her gaze shifting to Robbie. "Likewise, Mr. Vice President. Shapiro, right?"

"Yeah, but it's just Robbie here," he replies, a twinkle in his eye.

"Then you must call me Tori." She answered warmly

The group fell into an easy rhythm, trading jokes and stories. For a few moments, they're all just people—friends—sitting around a fire of shared history. There's no talk of politics or power, just the banter of old friends reconnecting.

Tori's voice broke the lighthearted chatter. "Alright, alright," she says, adjusting the angle of her phone as if preparing for something. "Let me just go grab Sirrah."

The screen wobbled slightly as Tori gets up, walking over to where Sirrah is sitting, watching the party with a thoughtful expression. Sirrah looks up at her mom with a soft smile, and Tori pulls her into the frame, her daughter's face coming into view. Sirrah is a striking combination of both her parents, but there's an undeniable softness to her—an ease that balances the weight of her lineage.

"Hey, everyone," Sirrah says shyly, her voice carrying a quiet confidence. She gives a small wave to the group. "It's good to see all of you, even if it's just on the screen."

"Hey baby girl." Andre said to his daughter.

She smiled brother. "Hi, Daddy. Are you coming next week too?"

"To your mom's retirement party? With bells on." Andre stated "Your mamma's been trying to get out of dodge since your grandpa died."

"Has she really?" Robbie said, eyes widening.

Hazel, standing nearby and overhearing, quickly walked over to stand behind her mother. Her heart raced slightly, though she tried to play it cool. She just thought Sirrah was so cool, though she she didn't think it was a crush like her mother said.. She gives her best impression of calm, smiling shyly. "Hey, Sirrah," she says, her voice soft. "How's everything in Yerba?" Hazel shifts awkwardly, her hand brushing her hair as she tries not to sound too eager.

Sirrah's lips curl into a friendly smile, but there's something in her eyes—a recognition, a curiosity. "It's good," she says, her tone warm and inviting. "Busy. But you know... it's nice to get hang out with my mom a while."

Jade watches, her heart aching with a bittersweet feeling. Her children are growing up, finding their own paths, and there's something undeniably special about seeing Hazel crushing on Sirrah. Her daughter, though reserved, clearly has feelings that have yet to be explored, and Jade can't help but wonder what will happen when she figures out there's no future.

"Maybe I can come to Yerba next week with my mom," Hazel adds, her voice more confident now, though there's still a nervousness she's doing her best to hide.

"That would be cool," Sirrah says, her voice a little lighter, almost teasing. "It'll be fun."

As the conversation continues, Jade takes a step back, watching her friends, her family, her life. It's a chaotic, beautiful mess, but she wouldn't have it any other way.

Beck, standing off to the side with his girlfriend Eliza, watched the interaction with a smile, catching Jade's eye. There's a quiet understanding between them now—an acknowledgment that their little girl is growing up.

As the conversation winds down, and the virtual presence of Tori and Sirrah remains a comforting backdrop, Jade takes a breath, "The fireworks are about to go off. Lets go closer to the edge to watch them."

"Great idea." Beck said, Luke wiggling off his lap and going to his mother. Jade picked him up as she held the phone in her hand. Luke peered at the screen. At Tori looking at the two of them, he smiled remembering her from the night he'd walked in on his mom changing her clothes.

"Look Mommy, that's your girlfriend." He said.

Jade looked at him then at Tori and smiled. "Yeah."

"Why didn't she come?" He asked.

"She is very far away." Jade answered.

"Daddy has a girlfriend." He said looking at his dad and Eliza standing over by the twins. "She came. How can your girlfriend give you hugs if she's far away."

Jade and Tori giggled softly. "Elise give daddy lots of hugs?" Jade asked, sitting in the spot she had picked for viewing.

Luke nodded. "They fall asleep hugging."

"I just can't come to you yet. But I will be there soon." Tori said, noticing a changed quality in Jade's face. A discomfort, not exactly jealousy. She could imagine what it was due to, but she didn't want to sour her mood. And then the backyard sparkles with the glow of distant fireworks up and down the coast. The guests gather in small clusters, sharing stories and watching the sky light up. Jade slips away to a secluded corner of the yard, her phone in hand. She dials Tori, and within seconds, Tori's face fills the screen, her eyes bright as she takes in the fireworks display behind Jade.

"They're beautiful," Tori whispers, her voice soft with awe.

"Not as beautiful as you," Jade replies, her voice barely above a whisper, and the world seems to fade around them.

They stay that way, Tori in Yerba, Jade in Malibu, miles apart but connected through the glow of their screens.