“I don’t believe this.”
“And, so here we are,” Jameson said. She opened the carrier and retrieved a small black kitten with bright green eyes. “Jinx, meet Pearl. Pearl, this is Jinx.”
Pearl flopped into a chair in disbelief. “Candy let you get her a cat?”
“No, she let me get you a cat,” Jameson said with a grin.
Pearl shook her head. “Jameson, I never thought I’d say this, but I think Candy has finally met her match.” She took the kitten from Jameson’s hands and looked at it in amusement.
“Jinx will give her a run for her money,” Jameson agreed.
Pearl stood up with the kitten in her hands and laughed. “I wasn’t referring to the cat.”
Chapter Seven: Wishing You Were Here
Candace played with the glasses that sat on the bridge of her nose. She was making every attempt to concentrate on the papers in front of her. It had been a long and tedious day that lingered in the middle of what had already become an arduous week. She pulled off her glasses and rubbed her tired eyes. Only one more week before the holiday break. She was looking forward to a slight reprieve. She was not at all sure that four days at Marianne’s home would provide any tangible refreshment.
“Senator?” Susan’s voice broke through Candace’s private musings.
“What is it, Susan?”
“Dana is here.”
“Send her in.”
Dana walked into the senator’s office and regarded the dark circles under Candy’s eyes. “Long day?” she asked.
Candace looked up and offered her friend a half-hearted smile. “Long life,” she quipped. Dana nodded her understanding just as Candy’s cell phone buzzed. Candy held up a finger to her friend to give her a moment. “Yes?” she answered the phone a bit playfully.
“Good afternoon, Senator Fletcher,” Jameson’s voice greeted.
Candace smiled at the sound. Dana watched the transformation and wondered what its cause might be. “What can I do for you?” Candace asked just as her office door opened, and Susan peered in.
Susan held up a paper bag. “Did you order Chinese?” she asked in confusion.
“I don’t know,” Candace said. “Are there chicken wings in that bag?” she asked.
“There are,” Jameson answered on the line.
Candace looked at Susan who was rummaging through the bag. “How many fortune cookies in that bag?” she asked.
“Looks like four or five,” Susan answered.
“Let’s hope they don’t all predict friends from my past,” Candace chuckled.
“I’m sorry?” Susan asked.
“It’s fine, Susan. Just set it down,” Candace instructed as she returned her attention to the phone. “Any predictions?” she asked Jameson.
“Only that you will be eating Chinese food.”
“Um. Is this your peace offering for that mangy feline that Pearl is already attached to?” Candace asked.
“He’s not mangy, and you were an equal party to that agreement,” Jameson reminded the senator.
“So, I was,” she admitted.
“Your email seemed….well, you just seemed tired,” Jameson said.
Candace noted the concern in the architect’s voice. “Long week.”
“It’s only Wednesday,” Jameson said.
“Exactly. Thanks,” Candace replied gratefully.
“It’s not much.”
“The only thing missing was the usual delivery driver,” Candace said honestly.
Jameson smiled at the endearment. “She is working with a very demanding client right now. Doesn’t give her much time to moonlight.”
Candace laughed. “Sounds like a bitch.”
“No, but I certainly don’t want to disappoint her.”
Candace closed her eyes and inhaled the compliment. “I don’t foresee that in your future.”
“No?”
“No, but I do see you on a plane this weekend,” Candace said.
“Is that so? You already opening dessert?” Jameson asked.
“Maybe I am….let’s see – it says, a lunatic will crash your Christmas party.”
“Shell is headed to D.C.?” Jameson asked.
“I was thinking of a certain snarky architect.”
“She might be moonlighting that night,” Jameson replied. “She relies on tips; you know?”
Candace laughed. “Well, let her know that there will be a tip as to the itinerary in her email later this afternoon.”
“I’ll check her schedule with the secretary right now, please hold,” Jameson said. Candace chuckled while she waited for Jameson to return. Dana pretended to peruse some files as she listened. “Master Jinx says he can clear her schedule for the weekend if necessary. He wants to know if there will be wine.”
“Thank Master Jinx for me and assure him every amenity will be provided,” Candace said.
“I’ll let him know,” Jameson said. “Guess, I will see you.”
“Jameson?” Candace said. Dana looked up abruptly. “Thanks. I needed that today.”
“It’s what I do,” Jameson said. “Remodeling a day is part of the package.”
“I must have missed that in the fine print,” Candace returned. “Let me know when you get the email.”
“I will. I have to go; Master Jinx has taken up residence on my plans.”
Candace laughed. “I told you they were trouble.”
“Jinx!” Jameson exclaimed. “Aww, dude! Come on! Gotta go…”
Candace disconnected the call. “Why doesn’t anyone ever believe me?” she mused quietly.
Dana looked over at her boss and lifted an eyebrow. “I’m not sure I want to know what that conversation was about.”
Candace winked. “Chinese?”
***
Jameson looked at her reflection in the mirror. She tugged at her tailored jacket. “Why am I so nervous?” she asked her reflection.
“Why are you so nervous?” Dana asked. Jameson spun on her heels. Dana narrowed her gaze at the architect’s startled expression. “Okay, J.D.; truth time. What is going on with you and Candy?”
“What are you talking about?” Jameson asked. Dana sat on the edge of the bed in the guest room and waited for an honest response. “Dana, she’s a client. That’s all.”
“Uh-huh. So, you send all of your clients Chinese food randomly when they are having a bad day? Chinese food you have to arrange to be delivered to the Senate offices? Just who did you bribe to pull that one off?”
Jameson shrugged. “I know more people than you think.”
“J.D.”
Jameson sighed. “She’s a friend.” Dana raised her brow again. “Okay, I like her.”
“You like Senator Fletcher?”
“No, I like Candace,” Jameson replied dryly.
“As a friend?” Jameson turned back to the mirror and sighed. “That’s what I thought. So, why don’t you do something about it?”
Jameson shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“J.D., I’ve known Candy as long as I’ve known you…well, almost. Trust me, she feels the same way.” Jameson turned back to face her friend. Dana was surprised to see fear and hopefulness in Jameson’s eyes. She smiled knowingly. “You’re in love with her.” Jameson did not respond. “Are you?” Jameson plopped down beside Dana and nodded. Dana put a comforting arm around her friend. “Can’t say I saw that one coming.”
“Neither did I.”
Dana patted Jameson’s knee. “Want my advice?”
“Not really,” Jameson said.
“Good,” Dana replied. “Wait; what?” she asked. Jameson snickered.
Dana pinched the architect’s knee. “Ow!”
“Just take her in your arms and kiss her senseless,” Dana said.
Jameson laughed. “Just walk up to Candace, pull her to me and kiss her; that’s your solution?”
“Pretty much,” Dana said.
“And, she thinks I am crazy?” Jameson asked.
; “Hey, if she kisses you back; you’ll know.”
“Somehow, Dana…I think that plan might be flawed.”
“Worked for Steve.”
“Happy for you both,” Jameson replied.
“Seriously, J.D.; no matter what she says or does; you will know.”
Jameson gave her friend an uncomfortable smile. “I guess, we’ll see.”
***
Candace stretched out on the bed. A quick afternoon nap before all the festivities would begin seemed deserved. She’d been hosting this Christmas party for twelve years. This event had become a sought-after invitation in the halls of the Washington D.C. power structure. Some years, even the president had attended. Candace Fletcher was the perfect host. She had learned that skill from her mother. Her parties were always elegant and ornate. That was not what drew the elite. It was Candace’s style and candor that courted her harshest critics and prompted even her political adversaries to seek an invitation. Candace was a rare breed in Washington. Her demeanor, her wit, and her ability to put politics aside for even an evening, harkened back to a different time in the U.S. Senate. The most senior government officials in Washington had nicknamed her The Charming Maverick. She was not afraid to go against the grain, and with just a few words she could charm her most cantankerous opponents.
Candace looked forward to this event every year. It reminded her of holidays past in her granddad’s home. The New York social circuit would be abuzz every year about Governor Stratton’s Christmas party. Businessmen, politicians, the aristocratic element of the great Empire State all clamored for invitations. Governor and Mrs. Stratton always invited entire families. The children were entertained by an appearance from Santa Claus, games, and inevitably an old fashioned sleigh ride through the large fields that abutted the governor’s home. There were no sleigh rides to offer here in Arlington, Virginia. Candace’s townhome was a fraction the size of the house in New York. Still, she strived to capture the feeling she remembered as a child. Invitations were sent to families. Santa would attend, and Candace would delight as much in the sound of children’s laughter, and the nervousness of watchful parents, as she did in observing the political jockeying that always entertained her. This year, there seemed to be only one guest that she was truly anxious to see. She reached for her phone.
“Senator,” the voice greeted her.
“You made it in safely.”
“I did. You do realize that Steven is driving to this shindig of yours?”
“That certainly does have risk factors,” Candace laughed.
“You sound tired,” Jameson noted.
“It was a long week.”
“Are you feeling all right?” Jameson asked.
“Worried about me, Jameson?”
“Maybe,” Jameson admitted. Candace had sounded drained all week when the two had spoken. Jameson was positive that the senator had drifted off during one of their conversations earlier in the week.
“I’m fine. It’s just that time of year.”
Jameson was skeptical, but she let it lie. “Well, can you rest for a bit before this…”
“Shindig?” Candace finished the thought. “Yes, I think I will. Just wanted to be sure you were all set.”
“I feel a little funny coming empty handed,” Jameson said.
“What do you mean?”
“Should I stop for some chicken wings?” Jameson joked.
“Don’t tempt me!” Candace laughed. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“That you will,” Jameson promised.
Candace laid back and closed her eyes. Only one picture painted her thoughts as she drifted off to sleep; a snarky architect.
***
Candace stood at the railing of her upstairs balcony. She was unsure if the chill that suddenly traveled up her arms was due to the brisk December air or the presence that she sensed behind her. She closed her eyes as Jameson’s hands caressed her arms. “What are you doing out here?” Jameson whispered.
Candace closed her eyes and struggled to catch her breath. “Why? Did you miss me?”
“Always,” Jameson answered, placing a kiss behind Candace’s ear. Candace sighed.
“Everyone is gone?”
Jameson’s arms pulled Candace closer and traveled slowly from her waist to her abdomen. “Just you and me,” she whispered while continuing to place light kisses on Candace’s neck.
Candace sighed as Jameson’s hands continued their gentle journey upward. “Jameson,” she moaned. Jameson smiled as Candace leaned into her. She cupped Candace’s breasts through her dress. Candace’s breath was becoming shallower as Jameson’s fingers played over her cleavage.
Jameson heard her name through another ragged sigh and turned Candace in her arms. Candace looked at the architect and cupped Jameson’s face in her hands. Jameson smiled. “I love you,” Jameson promised before kissing Candace passionately.
“Oh God, Jameson,” Candace said as Jameson broke their kiss. “I love you.”
“Senator,” a voice startled Candace. “You feeling okay?” Susan asked.
“Huh? Yeah, I guess I drifted off.”
“You look a little flushed,” Susan observed.
“I’m fine. When did you get here?”
“Just now. George let me in.” Candace nodded. ”Are you sure you are feeling okay?’
“I’m fine,” Candace reassured her assistant. “But, I’d better get myself together before the caterers get here and the masses arrive.”
Susan smiled. “I’ll see you downstairs. Anything you need me to handle?”
“Just the usual,” Candace said. Susan nodded and left the room. Candace took a deep breath and made her way into the bathroom. She looked in the mirror and shook her head. “Oh, Jameson,” she mumbled. “What have I gotten myself into?”
Chapter Eight: I Just Needed You To Know
Candace made her way through the house taking a moment to greet each guest and engage in the required pleasantries. Her mind was a million miles away from every conversation she found herself drawn into. If anyone had bothered to ask her what she had been discussing just a moment before, she would have been stumped to give a recounting. The house was full, her glass had run dry, and she had yet to catch a glimpse of Jameson. She offered the congressman that she had been chatting with her best smile when a face in the distance captured her attention.
Jameson stopped a few yards away from where Candace was standing. She stopped so abruptly that Dana failed to realize she was walking alone. She turned to her left to say something to the architect. Realizing she was alone she glanced behind her to see Jameson smiling stupidly at something in the distance. She followed Jameson’s line of sight and shook her head when she caught sight of the subject of her friend’s attention sporting the same expression.
Candace was fairly sure that if anyone had been paying attention, they would have noticed the ridiculous smile on her face. “If you’ll excuse me,” she made her apology to Congressman Stanley.
“Of course,” he said.
Candace smiled and slowly turned her attention toward Jameson. Jameson wasn’t sure that her feet were moving. She couldn’t take her eyes off of Candace. Candace was wearing a dark green dress that hung slightly off of her shoulders. It sported a plunging neckline that Jameson forced herself to lift her eyes from. When she did, she was met with a pair of blue eyes that sparkled in amusement. The next few moments felt like hours to Jameson as one person after another attempted to command Candace’s attention. When she finally came face to face with the senator, her words were simple, honest, and unapologetic. “You look beautiful,” she said.
Candace smiled. Jameson made a stunning impression. Her black pantsuit was tapered in all the appropriate places. The heels she wore placed her about an inch higher than Candace. Her make-up was subtle as it always was, but her hair was curled and framed her face perfectly, bringing out the bright golden-brown eyes that Candace loved. “Loved,” Candace thought silently. “My God,” she
realized. That was exactly what she felt looking at Jameson standing before her. “You clean up quite nicely yourself,” Candace winked.
“I lost you,” Dana said, coming even with the pair. “But, I see that you are in capable hands,” she commented to Jameson.
“I do know where the bar is located,” Candace said without removing her gaze from Jameson.
“You sure you remember?” Dana chuckled.
“What?” Candace finally looked at her friend.
“Oh, nothing,” Dana feigned innocence. “I am going to go find that man I call my husband. I’m sure the senator can lead you to whatever you require,” Dana smirked.
Candace raised her brow at Dana and then looked at Jameson, who was blushing furiously. “Ignore her,” Candace instructed the architect. “Wine?” Jameson nodded appreciatively. Candace stopped and whispered in Dana’s ear. “Stop scaring her,” she said.
Dana rolled her eyes as the pair walked away. “Is J.D. okay?” Steven sidled up to his wife.
“No.”
“No? What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Love.”
“Huh?”
Dana turned to her husband and patted his chest. “Your best friend,” she began. He looked at her in bewilderment as she continued. “Is in love with my boss.”
“What? J.D….Wait, J.D. is in love with Candy?” Dana gave her husband a silly grin. “Are you sure?” Dana nodded. “Oh, shit.”
“It gets worse,” Dana told her husband.
“Candy knows?” he guessed.
Dana tipped her head. “Pretty sure; yeah.”
“Oh no.” He looked at Dana’s sheepish grin. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Pretty sure my boss is in love with your best friend.”
Steven looked off in the distance to where Candace was handing Jameson a glass of wine. “Oh boy. Maybe you are just imagining it.”
Dana looked at the scene across the room and shook her head. “You think I’m imagining that?” she pointed.
Steve took a large sip from the drink in his hand. “Can’t say I saw that coming. What do you think she’ll do?”
“Which one?” Dana giggled. Steve looked at her and smiled. “I hope she just kisses her,” Dana said, taking the glass from her husband’s hand and downing a large swig.
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