The Reluctant First Lady

by Venita Ellick

  Mavis responded, “It’s already on your desk. I’ll let Maxwell know you want to see him. Welcome back—and thanks for the liquid inspiration.”

  Ashley looked around at her perfectly tidy office. It was just as she’d left it with the exception of the stack of papers and messages on her desk. So much had happened since she’d last been here; she halfway expected to see some big changes in her office. And yet, in many ways, it seemed like she’d never been gone. She looked over the list that Mavis had prepared for her. She began prioritizing items in the order she intended to handle them. She noticed Geoffrey Carruthers had called. She wondered what he wanted. Before she could deal with any of the items on the list, she wanted to go over what had happened during her absence with Max.

  Before she had a chance to make her first phone call, Max knocked on her open door and stuck his head in. “Welcome back, boss. Do I have to treat you differently now that you’re related to the president of the United States?”

  “Absolutely. You can start looking around for some sort of tiara to buy me to wear while I’m here in the office. I suggest you begin your search at Tiffany’s.”

  Ashley was thankful she could maintain her normal playful attitude with her coworkers. She was glad everyone was acting the same and not treating her differently. How different things were in Washington. There everything was so serious.

  “Come in; sit down. I’m anxious to get caught up on what I missed while I was gone.”

  “Actually, you’re in luck. It was pretty slow over the holidays. I dealt with some of the new acquisitions that will be arriving, and I’ve been working with the San Francisco museum about the Black History Month exhibitions we’re planning to exchange with them. I’ve put all of the information together for you in this memo. Here’s a copy.” Max leaned over and handed Ashley the sheet of paper containing the information.

  Ashley briefly scanned the memo. “Thanks, Max. I’m glad you didn’t have to deal with any catastrophes. It gave me tremendous peace of mind to know you were in charge while I was gone. Truthfully, with you in charge I didn’t worry about the museum at all.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate your confidence in me. How did you feel being in the center of history?” Max asked.

  “I loved having time with Michael. We rarely have that much time together anymore, so for me that was a real treat. But I can’t stand politics. It all seems so contrived, but Michael believes he can work within the system. If anyone can make it more real and honest, my husband can. He’s such an optimist and a diplomat. I hope he can make the difference he wants and not get hurt in the process.

  “When you’re around some politicians, I swear they puff up like roosters preening in a henhouse. It makes me sick. But there’re some who are in Washington for the right reasons and want to do what’s good for America. I just hope they outnumber all the glory seekers.

  “Most of them are highly suspicious of me, which I suppose under the circumstances is to be expected. The fact that I don’t want to give up my career and fall in line like a dutiful politician’s wife makes a lot of the men uncomfortable. I think they’re afraid I’m setting a bad example for their wives. Some of the women aren’t much better. Some of them really don’t care and that’s refreshing, but for the most part, I think most of the politicians wore garlic necklaces hidden under their shirts and suits to ward off any evil spirits I may possess. Heaven forbid if a picture were to be taken of them talking to me. They probably think it would hurt their careers—guilt by association and all that rubbish.”

  “Ashley, I’ve tried to put myself in both your place and Michael’s. When I do, I feel sympathy for each of you. This has got to be a tremendous strain on your marriage, and even though you’re not asking my opinion or advice, I’d think very carefully about not only what you want for now but what you want in five, ten, and twenty years down the road. What do you want your life to look like then?”

  “When did you get to be so wise? I appreciate the thought. It’s very good advice. That’s exactly what I intend to do; I intend to think about the future. I’ve been formulating a plan of sorts in my head, and when I get it all figured out, maybe there will be a solution. As for now, thank you for all of your support. Now we both better get back to work unless there’s something else you think I should know.”

  “Nope. It’s all in the memo. Welcome back and let me know if there’s anything that needs more explaining, but I suspect with that quick brain of yours, there won’t be. I’ll see you later.”

  Max stood to leave and just as he got to the door, he tossed a remark over his shoulder. “And, thanks for thinking of me when you were bringing the dynamic duo their drinks.”

  “Max. Have you started drinking something to fortify you in the morning? I’d gladly get you something when I pick up our morning drinks.”

  “No. Just trying to pull your chain.”

  Ashley yelled, “Quick, you two, throw darts at the back of that man leaving my office.”

  Mavis and Kathy didn’t even look up from their work. They were used to Ashley’s humor and wisecracks. They just shook their heads and kept working. They’d missed her while she was gone; it was good to have her back and in such good spirits. Since the election and before the fund-raiser, Ashley had been beginning to show signs of the strain that was accumulating. While she never lost her sense of humor, the tension in the office had begun to build. And when she got crazy, she made them crazy.

  28

  During Ashley’s first week back at work, she was in a constant footrace trying to catch up on matters that had been left for her personal attention. The day-to-day operations were back on an even keel, and she was knee-deep in plans for the museum’s next major exhibit.

  As she worked through the list of phone calls she needed to return, she noticed there were several calls from patrons of the museum who wanted to donate additional money. This was exactly what her boss had referred to, the status and attention she would bring to the museum because she was married to the president.

  Ashley realized it was inevitable; being annoyed about it served no purpose. The whole situation was thick with irony. She’d spent a lifetime establishing her own identity, and now the interest in her was primarily because Michael had become the president of the United States. There was no sidestepping the situation. She had no choice but to suck it up and move forward.

  There were three phone calls in her pile of messages that held more interest for her than the rest. One was from her boss, another was from Geoffrey Carruthers, and the third was from Oprah Winfrey. She could guess that Robert’s call was a reminder about the meeting they’d scheduled before she left for Washington, and she was pretty sure that Oprah wanted to schedule an interview with her, but she didn’t have a clue why Geoffrey would be calling. Might as well get to them.

  Robert answered on the first ring.

  “So, you’re answering your own phone now,” Ashley chuckled. “What else has changed while I was gone? Where’s Pamela? You know I’d steal her from you if I could.”

  “Welcome back, Madam . . . uh, never mind. Pamela had to run uptown for a birthday gift, and you know perfectly well I can answer my own phone. But I’m looking forward to talking to you. Are we still on for tomorrow?”

  “Absolutely. I’ll be there at ten. Are you sure you wouldn’t like to give me a hint about our meeting?”

  “You’ve waited this long. I’m sure you can wait another day. I’m also very excited to hear about your backstage view of the inauguration.”

  Ashley laughed. “Oh, I think I can give you a reasonably good account. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  The next call was to Geoffrey Carruthers.

  “Mr. Carruthers’s office. May I help you?”

  “Yes, thank you. This is Ashley Taylor, and I’m returning Mr. Carruthers’s call. Is he available?”

  “No, I’m sorry, Mrs. Taylor. However, he left instructions for me in the event you called. He’d like to meet with you for lunch to d
iscuss the possibility of becoming a board member and establishing an endowment fund for the museum. Could you meet him for lunch day after tomorrow at the Russian Tea Room at one o’clock?”

  Ashley quickly checked her calendar. The time was open.

  “Yes, that would work for me. Please tell him I’ll see him there at one.”

  “I’ll be sure to give Mr. Carruthers your answer. Thank you for calling back.”

  The third call was to Oprah. The press had been hounding Ashley nonstop since she’d renounced the role of First Lady, and there had been no letup since the inauguration. If possible, the press was getting even more aggressive. She was being pursued by all of the anchors of the major networks and cable TV stations. She’d given a great deal of thought about whom she felt she could trust if she were to give an interview. She’d narrowed it down to three: Barbara Walters, Brian Williams, and Oprah Winfrey. She respected all three of them tremendously.

  She hoped she was making the right decision to give an interview. She didn’t know Oprah personally, but she felt a kinship with her as she imagined did most of her viewers.

  Ashley dialed Oprah’s number.

  “Good morning, Ms. Winfrey’s office. May I help you?”

  “Yes, this is Ashley Taylor calling, and I’m actually returning Ms. Winfrey’s call. Is she available?”

  “Please hold, and I’ll check.”

  Ashley waited just a few minutes before she heard the voice that millions could identify.

  “Hello, Mrs. Taylor. Thank you so much for returning my call.”

  “Please, call me Ashley.”

  “Okay, but only if you agree to call me Oprah.”

  “I don’t think that will be hard at all since that’s how I’ve referred to you for many years.”

  “I must say, Ashley, I was very impressed with President Taylor’s campaign message and his inauguration speech. But, you must realize, as much as everyone wants to know about our new president, they’re even more interested in you. Would you meet with me to discuss a possible interview?”

  “I don’t have to tell you how crazy my life has been since I made the choice I did. I’ve debated for several months about whether or not to give an interview and finally decided to do one, and I’d like it to be with you. So, the answer is yes.”

  “I’m so pleased to hear that. Could you meet with me next week? Say Wednesday or Thursday?”

  “Hmm . . . I can meet with you on Thursday in the afternoon. Will that work for you?”

  Yes, it will. I’m really looking forward to finally meeting you.”

  “I feel the same way. Could we meet here at my office? Would that be too inconvenient?”

  “No, I can make that work.”

  “Well, fine then. I can meet with you on Thursday at one o’clock. And, Oprah, I want you to know I’m still very nervous about doing an interview. In all honesty, I hate interviews, but I’m willing to put my trust in you.”

  “I understand completely. I’ll see you at your office next week.”

  After Ashley hung up, she mentally ticked through the phone calls she’d just made. Yes, she was definitely getting back into the swing of things. There were always things to deal with and fires to put out, but she was doing the work she loved and was trying to settle into an exaggerated life filled with all the trappings that went along with being the wife of the president. She hated the media attention; however, she acknowledged it would probably never get any better while Michael was in office and recognized it could get a whole lot worse.

  The next day, she was exactly on time for her meeting with Robert. She held out her hand to greet him. “I’m so glad to see you. How have you been?”

  Robert took her hand, then pulled her in for a hug. “I’m fine but anxious to hear about you.”

  “Hold on there. You’ve made me wait for over a month to hear what you wanted to talk about. Time’s up. What gives? We can chitchat later.”

  “Typical Ashley. No small talk; cutting right to the chase. Would you like something to drink before we begin? Coffee, water, something stronger?”

  “Why? Am I going to need it?”

  “I’d say probably not although I’m not too sure about me. At any rate, it’s good to see you. Audrey and I watched all the television coverage. It’s pretty rare to see a man we know so well in the Oval Office. We expect great things from him. But more importantly, how did you fare with all the hype surrounding the inauguration?’

  “I managed. I loved being with Michael for a whole month; the rest I tolerated. We had a little time with Jeremy and Juliette, but there’s never enough time to be with the people you love, is there? Okay, I’d say you’ve stalled long enough. What is it you wanted to see me about?”

  “There’s something important I’ve been wanting to discuss with you; however, I want you to promise me you’ll hear me out and you won’t get all riled up.”

  “Any meeting that starts with a statement like that can’t be good. The most I can promise is I’ll listen.”

  “That’s good enough. Ashley, you know how important you are to me and my organization. You’re an invaluable part of our family business and a good friend, and I want to see you happy. I would like you to consider transferring to the Washington, DC, museum. Working in Washington just might meet more of your needs. You’d still be doing the work you love, but you could see Michael every day, or at least you’d have the possibility of seeing him.”

  Ashley stood up immediately, sat down, then stood up again. She didn’t know how to deal with all of her pent-up frustrations. She knew Robert was making this offer not based on the quality of her work; on the contrary, he was trying to make things more workable for her and Michael.

  “What are you thinking?” Robert interrupted her thoughts.

  “I know I shouldn’t be, but I’m frustrated that you’re trying to iron out my life.”

  “I’m not insisting you transfer; I’m offering you a chance to move to Washington, continue to work at a job you love, and be closer to your husband, whom you just told me you missed. If you and Ted switch museums, it would make things a lot easier on you.”

  “Please tell me you haven’t talked to Ted about this.”

  “I haven’t. I wanted to discuss it with you first. I think it’s a good solution to the dilemma you’re in, and I don’t think Ted would mind.”

  Ashley began pacing. “First I don’t want anyone making accommodations for me because of whom I’m married to. Hasn’t anybody been listening? Secondly Ted has been with you as long as I have, and he’s always said how much he loves the Washington museum. Third, yes, working in Washington would give me a chance to be closer to Michael, but it would also force me to be around the political world I detest so much. And lastly, I love working and living in New York. You know how much I love this city.

  “I understand what you’re trying to do. I know you have my best interests at heart. Even so, I don’t want other people inconvenienced or pressured on my behalf because of Michael. Please tell me that you haven’t had any conversations with my husband and that the two of you didn’t cook up this offer?”

  “I haven’t spoken to anyone about this idea. I know you love New York and would prefer working here rather than in Washington, but aren’t you putting your love of New York before the love you have for Michael?”

  “It’s not that simple, Robert. Of course, I love Michael more than I do New York. Although the New York museum is the star of your organization, it’s still not the reason I want to stay here. I hate politics; Washington equals politics. Missing Michael is huge for me; nonetheless, please give me the courtesy of finding a solution that best fits Michael and me.

  “I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t say anything to Ted. It’s not something I want him to worry about although, knowing Ted, I’m sure it’s already crossed his mind. Please accept the fact that this is what I want for now. I love my work here and am proud of what I’ve accomplished.

  “Think about it, Ro
bert. What’s really changed, except now Michael is the president? When he was in Congress and the Senate, we had the same living arrangements we do now. Why all of a sudden does everyone want me to live in Washington? Don’t answer that; I already know the answer. We’ve managed our commuter marriage for years. We aren’t crazy about it; still we accept that it’s been a necessity,” Ashley said, winding down.

  Robert raised his hands in surrender. “All right, I give. However, I want you to know the door is always open for negotiations on this topic if you should change your mind.”

  “I appreciate that, and thank you for caring enough to make the suggestion. Now how about some good news that should make you fairly happy?”

  “Shoot. I can always make room in my day for good news.”

  “To date, the Black Tie Dinner has brought in over eight and a half million dollars. Plus, Geoffrey Carruthers called and invited me to lunch tomorrow to discuss his becoming a board member, and he also wants to establish an endowment for the museum.” Ashley smiled like the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland.

  Robert gazed at the pleasure he saw on Ashley’s face. She really did love her job and reveled in every accomplishment made on behalf of the museum.

  “Nice going, although I never doubted for one moment the fund-raiser wouldn’t be a huge success. I told you; you’re my muse. It’s interesting that Geoffrey wants to become a board member and set up an endowment. While he’s always been a consistent and generous patron in the past, he’s never shown as much interest in the museum as he’s showing now. I’d be cautious, Ashley. Geoffrey usually has ulterior motives. He may be hoping to reach Michael through you somehow.”

  “I’m well aware that people may try to use me in ways they haven’t before in hopes of scoring points with my husband. It’s insulting but a reality I have to deal with. At any rate, I’ll give you a call after lunch tomorrow and fill you in on the juicy details. I need to run for now. I’m meeting with one of our benefactors who’s interested in donating a painting to the museum from her private collection.