“Robert, thanks for caring about me so much. I truly appreciate it. I’ll be in touch.” Ashley moved toward Robert’s office door. As she opened it, she asked, “If Ted were to call you about transferring here, you’d let me know, wouldn’t you?”
“Yes, I would. Ted is a great guy, and I think if he was thinking along those lines, he’d call you first. So if that happens, you’d let me know, wouldn’t you?”
“Absolutely. Talk to you later.”
At the end of her workday, Ashley was curled up before a fire with a book in her lap and a cup of aromatic tea sitting next to her on an end table. She gazed hypnotically into the fire searching for answers. There was always something comforting about a fire. She chalked it up to something genetically imprinted in humans that celebrated their thrill at mastering fire. While the flames danced, she thought about her day.
Contrary to what everyone seemed to think, she felt as if she and Michael were on the downside of the years of separation. They had already lived apart for a great portion of each year for almost two decades. It didn’t seem so far in the future anymore that the day would come when they could live together permanently. Wouldn’t it be ironic if they had more trouble living together than living apart?
29
Ashley was running late for her meeting with Geoffrey Carruthers, and she suspected that a man like him was not used to waiting. She also thought being late probably diminished a person’s esteem in his eyes. Further, she truthfully didn’t have even a semblance of a good reason for being late. Time had simply gotten away from her again, and even taking into account the Secret Service escort, the city traffic was simply not in favor of her reaching her destination on time.
She didn’t have Geoffrey’s cell number with her, so she called the restaurant and asked to speak with Mr. Carruthers, that is, if he was still there.
He came on the line almost immediately. “Hello, Carruthers here.”
“Hi, Geoffrey; it’s Ashley. I’m running late. I’m sorry for the inconvenience. Would you prefer to reschedule for another day?”
“Where are you now?”
Ashley described her current location. “I should be there in another fifteen minutes.”
“No problem. I’ll have some appetizers and wine ready for you when you arrive so you can catch your breath.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
After hanging up, Ashley noted she was getting the full and quite focused attention Mr. Carruthers was so famous for with the ladies. Why would he bother turning on the charm for her? Probably something to do with Michael although it was quite possible that those characteristics were so ingrained in his personality, he didn’t even realize he was doing it.
Geoffrey was thinking along quite different lines. He suspected a woman like Ashley would feel certain indebtedness to him for having arrived late. He would almost bet she was a very organized and precise person when it came to her work. This perceived inconvenience to him could work to his advantage.
Suddenly she was walking toward him. She looked ravishing, which led him to imagine what she would look like in his bed in the morning after a full night of lovemaking. The only thing marring her beauty was the Secret Service, who placed themselves around the room in order to keep an eye on her and the entrance and exits to the restaurant.
She was wearing a white lacy blouse tucked into a long, dark-green velvet skirt. It was accentuated by a large gold-coin belt worn slightly askew, which accentuated her slim hips and figure. Quite unconventional compared to the wardrobes of the majority of working women with whom he was acquainted. Her blonde hair was loose and windblown, but she looked absolutely stunning.
He arose as she approached their table and took her hand in his. He wanted to place a kiss on the back of it, but that would have been inappropriate at this stage. He felt satisfied to have her hand in his. He gently squeezed it, acknowledging her greeting. He could smell her distinctive perfume, which he guessed might be Dior’s Poison, a fragrance he very much appreciated. He wished he had the privilege of watching her apply it. With luck, one day he might.
“I’m so sorry I’m late. I have no excuse. I wish I did so I wouldn’t feel so guilty.”
“No need to worry. I was able to make good use of the extra time you gave me. With iPhones and iPads, a person can run a business from almost anywhere. Ah, here are our appetizers and some wine. I thought you could use a little time to catch your breath before we order lunch and get down to business.”
“I don’t mean to be rude, but wouldn’t it be better if we just got down to business? After all, I’ve already wasted enough of your time,” Ashley remarked.
“Ashley, relax. It’s obvious you’ve been rushing around all morning. Take a moment to catch your breath. Enjoy the appetizers and wine. We’ll get to our business over lunch. Tell me, how did you enjoy all of the inaugural activities? Naturally I saw it on television; even so, I’d love to hear your firsthand account.”
Ashley’s first thought was Aha, he’s looking to make a connection to me because of Michael. Her second thought was how tired she was of recounting the inauguration for others, but not to respond would be rude. “The experience was both exhausting and very sobering. I would have preferred to put my head under a pillow and ignore it all. Unfortunately that wasn’t an option. Also, being in the thick of things felt very surreal, almost like watching a movie. I kept wanting to say, ‘Cut’ and ‘Scene.’ I wish I could protect Michael from all the turmoil and stress that comes with the office, but I recognize how unrealistic that is.”
“You’d think with that attitude, you’d want to live in Washington and cause him less stress by stepping into the role of First Lady. Instead you’ve become, as the newspapers have now dubbed you, the Reluctant First Lady.”
“Quite frankly, I’m sick to death of discussing the inauguration and politics. I understand everyone’s curiosity; still, couldn’t we talk about something else?”
Geoffrey smiled, “You’re pretty direct, aren’t you? I like that; however, are there situations where you’d do something you truly disliked?”
“Possibly, depending on the circumstances, but for the most part I try to steer clear of situations I don’t enjoy. Sometimes that causes problems for the people I love. I generally don’t do things I dislike, yet I try to be reasonable about it.
“Once Michael became a United States congressman and I was working full time and raising the children, I began to get more selfish about how I spent any free time I had. That was when I began to make conscious choices about what I’d do or wouldn’t do.
“I’m sure that’s far more than you really want to know. I don’t normally drink, and the wine is going straight to my head. Would you mind if we ordered lunch now? I need to get some food in me; otherwise, there’s no telling what I might say.”
As a matter of fact, he did mind, but he signaled the waiter. He’d love to see what Ashley was like when she let loose and didn’t care what she said or did. How very interesting that might be. Previously in all of the conversations they’d had, which weren’t that many, she always seemed aloof and reserved.
“What about you?” Ashley asked. “Haven’t you ever wanted to settle down? The press may have labeled me the Reluctant First Lady, but your reputation as an international playboy is notorious the world over. Oops. Again, I apologize. It’s the wine. You don’t have to answer that if you don’t want to; it’s really none of my business.”
“I don’t mind answering. My life is much too interesting without all the trappings of marriage. I can go wherever I want, whenever I want. I’ve never enjoyed being limited to one field of play. That’s also been true where my business ventures are concerned.”
“That sounds pretty self-absorbed. Don’t you ever get lonely?”
Geoffrey raised an eyebrow and cocked his head slightly, indicating how absurd he found her question. He was never without female companionship when he wanted it, and he didn’t have to deal with a
nyone when he wasn’t in the mood.
Ashley assured him, “When the right woman comes along, you’ll change your tune. Of course, even if you’re lucky enough to find the love of your life, there are always compromises to be made.”
“Now, you’re thinking of you and your husband.”
“Yes, I am. Unfortunately I’ve rambled on far too long about my personal life. Why don’t we discuss the purpose for our meeting? You said you’re interested in becoming a board member and establishing an endowment for the museum.”
“Direct and straightforward, two qualities I admire. To answer your question about the purpose of our meeting, I’m afraid I haven’t been entirely honest with you. Yes, I’m interested in becoming a board member, and I’d like to establish an endowment for the museum, but I’d also like to do something to help you. I’d like to host a dinner party at my residence to raise more money for your museum.”
“Why would you want to help me, and what makes you think I need your help? You barely know me. The businesswoman in me graciously accepts the endowment; conversely, I’m wary of your reasons for wanting to host a money-raising event for the museum. What’s behind your grand gesture?”
“Let’s just say, hosting a money-raising event for the museum provides many advantages for me.”
“Would one of them be expecting something in return from my husband? I’m sorry I have to ask; however, I find it necessary.”
“I can assure you my gesture has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with your husband.”
“And there are no strings attached in any way?”
“None.”
“To be honest, Geoffrey, I realize I should be extremely grateful for your offer, and as I said, I do accept the endowment on behalf of the museum. That’s very generous of you. As far as becoming a board member, there are no vacancies at the moment; however, I’ll keep your offer in mind if something opens up. In regards to hosting a fund-raiser, humor me. How do you benefit from making such a magnanimous gesture on my behalf?”
Geoffrey laughed. “I didn’t think trying to do something for you and your museum was going to be so difficult.”
“I’m sorry. I know I’m handling this badly, and I’ve completely crossed over the line between the business-patron relationship; still, I need my curiosity appeased.”
“Very well. The most obvious reason, of course, is my donation to the museum provides an excellent tax write-off for me. Also, I truly am a patron of the arts. I appreciate beautiful and unique things more than you know. And lastly, I want to help you raise money for the museum because I think your dedication to your profession should be rewarded.”
“The first two reasons I understand and believe. But why your interest in me, all of a sudden?”
Geoffrey was pensive. Several answers came to mind. A lot was riding on how well he answered this question. It was paramount to his overall plan to play this game precisely right. He wanted her to begin thinking of him as a friend in order to develop a sense of trust between them. He had a gut feeling that Ashley let very few people into her inner circle.
“Honestly, you fascinate me. I’m like the rest of the citizens of this country. I’m totally intrigued with the woman who rejected the role of the First Lady. Shocked would be more truthful. Most women love the prestige they gain from being married to or associated with a man with so much power. They don’t mind how they get the clout; they just want it, whatever the terms may be. You’re different. You walked away from it all.
“I’ve met you on several occasions throughout the years, and you always struck me as unique but never stubborn. What I heard and saw on the night of your husband’s acceptance speech and during the next day’s news conference was a woman speaking up for her rights, a woman determined to do things in her own way and to hell with tradition. I hope I’m not offending you because that’s not my intention. I’m trying to pay you a compliment.
“I believe you’re just as ambitious as your husband, and you don’t want to follow in his shadow. You want to cut your own path in this world. I admire that, and as it happens, I’m in a position to help you.”
Ashley stared at Geoffrey. “Again, I don’t mean to be ungrateful, but what’s the difference if I use my husband’s power to get where I want to go or accept your help? Either way, I wouldn’t be achieving my goals through my efforts or skill.”
“I disagree. I might give an endowment to the museum; however, I’d never go as far as inviting my colleagues into my home unless I recognized and believed in your talent and abilities as head of the museum. Ashley, you could be running your own museum or gallery instead of someone else’s. Think about it for a minute. If I were Robert, you’d think of my attempt to help you as a way of promoting you. It all goes back to your abilities, your talent.”
Ashley thought about what Geoffrey said. It was true when Robert promoted her talent, she didn’t give it a second thought. She felt she’d earned it.
“I don’t know what to say, partly because this has come as such a surprise, partly because I hardly know you, and partly because I’ve had entirely too much to drink. I appreciate your desire to establish an endowment for the museum, and I’m grateful to you for wanting to host a dinner party to raise more money for us. Thank you for your generosity. We’ll be in your debt for your kindness.”
These last words were exactly what Geoffrey had been waiting to hear. She was grateful to him and was trying to find a way to thank him appropriately. A woman like Ashley didn’t like to feel in debt to someone. He wished he could tell her exactly how she could thank him.
In the beginning, the fact that she was married to the president of the United States was the biggest obstacle. How do you seduce a president’s wife? The answer was like the punch line to a bad joke; one did it very carefully or not at all. If Ashley suspected for one second she was his goal, she would refuse to meet with him. This afternoon’s meeting was extremely enlightening. She had shown more of herself today than in all of the years he had known her.
Now, unfortunately for him, there was a sudden shift in the cosmos. He truly liked and respected her; she was unique and utterly charming. He felt uncomfortable about where his feelings about her were taking him. He had never met a woman quite like Ashley; hell, he really did admire her spunk and courage. He wondered what it would be like to have her in his life permanently.
As they were leaving the restaurant, Geoffrey mentioned he’d call her the next day to go over possible dates for the dinner party he intended to host. He also mentioned he’d have his attorney contact the museum’s attorney to establish the endowment fund.
Ashley was still reeling slightly from the wine and said, “I know I’m being redundant, but thank you again for your generosity.”
“I think you know I can afford the money,” Geoffrey commented. “Let me give you a lift back to the museum. My limousine and driver are available.”
“Thanks, but these days I only travel via the Secret Service.”
As Geoffrey’s limousine pulled up to the curb, he assisted Ashley with her coat and was about to say goodbye when someone called their names. They both looked up simultaneously in the direction of the voice.
The same photographer who had been at the fund-raiser and outside of Ashley’s apartment building snapped their picture. He had received an anonymous tip regarding their whereabouts and had waited outside for over two hours hoping to get the two of them coming out of the restaurant together. His wait paid off. He was rewarded with another photo splashed on the front of the newspaper’s society section.
The Reluctant First Lady and the most eligible bachelor in town were together again; this time, completely alone. This was hot news. It was the second time these two particular people had been seen together. It was his job to keep the public informed, and this was the kind of news that paid big money. He began thinking of the possible caption that he could put under their picture. None of them were going to make the two parties involved very happy, but then that
wasn’t his problem.
30
Since the inauguration, Michael had spent his days in a continuous stream of meetings. His daily schedule was jam-packed from morning until late in the evening. As the president, he was more aware than ever the true motivations of those around him. It rankled him how politicians always seemed to vie for all they could get personally out of every agreement. Too often, it was all about getting re-elected and staying in power at all cost. He wasn’t green behind the ears. He’d witnessed this same mind-set as a congressman and senator; nevertheless, it sickened him to think how much time went into political posturing rather than talking about good legislation that could help those they were elected to represent. If the average citizen could eavesdrop on many of these behind-the-scenes meetings, they’d see the political process at work but most definitely not at its best.
At almost every meeting, negotiations included politicians trying to gain something for themselves or their party. Why wasn’t the focus on the advantages to the people and the country? He certainly intended to do his best to adjust the thinking of those who were around him. Ethics. It was all about ethics and doing what was right for the American people. Michael was very sure many legislators had forgotten the reason they’d run for office in the first place. The classic scenario of “you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours” was still part and parcel of the good-old-boy system. Politics was dirty and mean-spirited, just like Ashley always said it was; nevertheless, he still had hope that the system could change under good leadership.
There was nothing in his past that could come back to bite him. There were no dirty deals, no womanizing, no under-the-table bribes that his opponents could feed upon. He’d never done anything dishonest, and he’d been completely faithful to his wife. The only blot on his career to date was Ashley’s refusal to be the First Lady.
The Reluctant First Lady Page 17