by Harte, C. J.
Drew smiled. “Yes. Long. Some. Not soon enough. Can you come over?”
Jordan laughed. “I can’t even remember the questions. I have missed you.” The sigh on the phone spoke volumes. “I can come now. I already arranged with my service detail to be away tonight, but they’ll be nearby. I’ve missed you.”
“How long ’til you get here?”
“Thirty minutes, less if I hang up now.”
“Hang up. Love you.”
Twenty minutes later, Drew answered the door and was nearly tackled by Jordan.
“I’ve missed you.” She hugged Drew and then Mark. “I’ve missed you both. Where’s David?”
Drew noticed the agents in the hotel hallway. “Are you sure it’s okay for you to be away from the White House?”
Jordan closed the door and then pulled Drew down on the couch. “There is no place else I’m going to be than right here with you.” She lowered her voice so only Drew could hear. “And I’m glad you have a two-bedroom suite because I plan on getting you into bed as quickly as possible.”
“Would you two like me to take a walk? David should be here shortly. Or I can get another room.”
Jordan sat up, turning red. “Sorry, Mark. I…”
“Don’t explain. Trust me. I understand. How long can you stay?”
“I need to be back by three tomorrow afternoon. My brother and his fiancé will arrive around then, and we’ll have dinner together as a family. They spent Christmas with her family in California and then they’re coming in tonight.” Jordan hesitated, playing with a thread on her sweater. “I asked my parents if it was okay if you joined us, and they were excited. I didn’t tell them that you were already here, just that you might be.”
Jordan continued to amaze her. Drew wasn’t sure where to begin. “I can’t believe you even asked. That means a lot to me, but you were the one who said we need to be discrete. Jordan, I don’t want you hurt.”
Jordan jumped up, her hands on her hips. “Why is it okay for you to take care of me but I can’t take care of you?”
Jordan was a firecracker with a short fuse. Drew was learning that there were some things that definitely set her off.
“Well, aren’t we supposed to share decisions?”
“Jordan, I would do anything for you. I don’t think you realize—”
“Don’t you dare go there. Don’t you dare tell me I don’t know what I’m doing!” Jordan began to pace and talk at a rapid clip. “For the first time in my life, I’m in love. Maybe I haven’t thought this all the way through and I haven’t had as much time to deal with this as you have, but I am absolutely sure of one thing. I love you.”
“Jordan, I don’t doubt your love. I just wonder if that love is strong enough.”
“Strong enough? For what?”
“To deal with your parents. For the names you may be called. The loss of friends. If you come out, you will be in the public spotlight. What then?”
“I don’t know. I’m not sure how we’ll work this out, but I’m determined to make it work. To be honest, I was hoping that this could be something just the two of us could deal with. At least for a while. Drew, I’m tired of being First Daughter. I want to be First Lover.” She finally stopped in front of Drew. “I’m sorry. Can we talk about something else? Anyone hungry? I’ve just worked up an appetite.”
Drew had to admit that, when Jordan made up her mind, it was best not to argue. “Shall we order from room service then?” She pulled Jordan close and lowered her voice. Jordan hadn’t really answered her, but she wanted to trust her. No, she needed to trust her. “We can talk about this when you come back. Tonight, I want to show you how much I’ve missed you.”
“Now, that is something I can agree with.” Jordan nibbled on Drew’s ear. “I’m not sure I can wait until after room service.”
Jordan’s voice was so breathy near her ear; Drew had to struggle for control. “Let me order something quickly, then.” Drew put all the doubts into the deep recesses. She would think about it later.
*
At dinner, Jordan’s father announced that the Carters and two other families would be joining them for dinner the next day. Jordan gritted her teeth. Brandan Carter was the last person she wanted to see. It was her brother who offered a way out.
“Mom, Sandra and I were planning on having dinner with her parents. They’re staying in town until New Year’s and we just wanted a quiet day. This is just a little overwhelming for them.”
“Could I go with you?” Jordan asked. “I’ve got friends who are staying at the same hotel and maybe I could meet Sandra’s parents and then spend time with them.”
“I’m concerned about your security,” her mother began. “We’ve had so many threats.”
“Mom, it’s not like we’ll be very visible, and I promise to stay near our security. Please. Besides, all you’ll be talking about is politics and planning campaigns. Boring stuff.” Her parents laughed. “I know. You have two kids with absolutely no interest in politics. Mom, Dad, please!”
“We have a photographer coming to take some family photos,” her father said. “With the wedding and the election, we thought this would be a great time to promote my family values theme.”
“Dad, Sandra’s parents would feel uncomfortable with the attention.” Jordan’s brother spoke quietly but firmly. “Sandra and I will be happy to make ourselves available after her parents leave. Can we postpone this?”
“We can reschedule, but I’m still worried about your safety. You both must promise to keep your security close. There have been too many threats.”
“I will,” Jordan promised.
“Fine,” her father reluctantly agreed. “Make sure Mattie is on your detail. Will you be coming back here?”
Now the dancing would begin. “It would be easier if I stayed at the hotel. Then we can talk until late or sleep late or whatever.”
She could see the worry on her parents’ faces. “I’ll have Mattie, the rest of my security, and my friends. We’ll be very careful.” If her parents agreed, she could spend most of the week with Drew. “Please.”
“Jordan, make sure you always keep your security detail informed. I want Jack to do the same thing. I don’t want anything to happen to either of you.” Her father patted her cheek. “I worry about you. I guess you’re growing up too fast and I’m losing my little girl.”
“Dad, I’ll be fine. We’ll be careful.” She had no doubts about her safety. Her security team would see to it. “Besides, Jack is going to be with Sandra and her family most of this week. I just want to be with my friends.”
“Why can’t you and your friends stay here?” her mother asked.
“Please, Mom, I’ve never asked before.” Jordan’s anxiety level was increasing. She would do just about anything to be with Drew, but she wouldn’t feel comfortable with Drew in the White House. And she doubted Drew would ever agree to it. “Dad, being here is like being in a museum. They’d be polite and enjoy the tour, but then they’d be bored.” She looked at her parents. “I just want to have fun with my friends.”
Her father was wavering.
“We’ll be safe, I promise.”
“Make sure you have your alert system working,” he said.
“And be back in time to pick out your dress for New Year’s Eve,” her mother added. “We need to make sure you have something for the photo op, too.”
*
Jordan packed clothes for a few days and managed to be out of the White House before any guests arrived. As soon as she was in the car, she called Drew. “Guess where I am?”
“Washington, D.C.?”
“You’re no fun. I’m on my way to see you, and I’m yours for the next few days.”
“I don’t know how you managed and I don’t care. When will you be here?”
“We’re pulling into the parking garage now. Are you surprised?’
“Pleased is a better word. Talk in a few.”
Drew opened the door and was g
reeted by Jordan, Mattie, and three Secret Service agents. “Wow, didn’t realize we were having a party. Come on in.”
“We’re moving to the penthouse. There are only two suites, and they can make it secure for me and my brother. He’s visiting with his fiancé and her family. They’ll be in the other suite.”
Twenty minutes later, they’d all been moved to the penthouse and the floor had been secured. “Damn, look at this view.” Drew was standing with her arms around Jordan, staring out into the city. “Look at all the lights.”
Jordan pointed out various buildings. She leaned back against Drew. For the first time since her father had been elected president, she was enjoying the city. “I love the Smithsonian. There’s so much to see. I’ve been to different parts of it, but I haven’t been through all of it yet. In the spring, the cherry blossoms are gorgeous along the tidal basin.”
“David was telling us how beautiful this area can be. Guess he and Mark are enjoying the hot tub.” She leaned her head against Jordan’s cheek. “How did you manage to get away?”
“I convinced my family that I would be bored in the White House and that I wanted to spend time with my brother. His fiancé and her family are now in the larger suite on this floor. We have the top two floors. Security is on the floor below and the elevators will not go above that floor unless security releases it.”
Drew stiffened. “How much is this costing?”
“This is courtesy of the tax payers.” Jordan stepped away. “This is a part of my father’s life. I wish it weren’t part of mine, but it was the only way I could be sure of being with you. And that my brother would be safe.”
“Your parents know who you’re with?”
“I didn’t mention your name, but I’m pretty sure they guessed.”
“Jordan….”
“Drew, please. I just want to enjoy this time with you. Let me.”
Drew was hesitating. “Fine. It’s a beautiful day. What shall we do?”
“Can we just stay here? Tomorrow we can sightsee. Most of the museums will be open until New Year’s Eve.” She slid her hand under Drew’s shirt and heard the catch in her breath. “I think we need to get some rest. Tomorrow could be a long day.”
Drew grinned. “It could be a long night.” She stopped Jordan’s wandering hand and led her over to the bed. “Shall we get comfortable?”
*
Drew was frustrated. It was December 30th, and she hadn’t been able to have any discussion with Jordan about their future, her parents, and Jordan’s avoidance of her family during the past week. Instead, Jordan had kept them busy visiting museums, going to various events, eating out, and enjoying D.C. On top of that, Jordan was avoiding calls from her parents. Something was wrong. Drew couldn’t figure out how to get Jordan to talk to her.
As soon as Jordan got out of the shower, Drew forced her to sit down.
“Come sit by me,” Jordan said.
“No. If I sit by you, we won’t talk and I need to talk. I almost feel like you’re hiding out here. What’s going on?”
“Aren’t you glad I’m spending so much time with you?” Jordan stood and leaned into Drew.
Drew stiffened and walked away. Water droplets on Jordan’s skin were too tempting. “We need to talk.”
“I just want to be with you.”
“Jordan, you know how much I want to be with you. There have been times, though, that I felt you were emotionally absent. When you left Gainesville, you very specifically asked me to be here. You’ve barely mentioned a thing about your family. Fuck, your brother is on the same floor and we haven’t even met him. I’m trying to be patient and understand, but I’ve got to admit, I feel I’m on shaky ground. And you won’t talk to me.”
Jordan wrapped the towel around her body. “What do you want me to say?”
“Well, for one, why aren’t you answering your phone?”
“I know why they’re calling and I don’t want to talk to my parents.” Jordan turned away and walked to the window. Drew stayed where she was. She needed space and wondered if Jordan did, too. “I know. You want to know why.” She finally turned around to face Drew. “My parents want me back at the White House. They keep reminding me of my responsibilities, of my father’s campaign.” She paused and pouted. “And Brandan Carter.”
“And?”
“And they don’t understand how I can put my friends ahead of family responsibility.”
Drew stiffened. “So the way you handle this is to avoid their calls?”
Jordan grabbed a bathrobe and pulled it on. She began to pace. “What do you want me to do?”
“I can kinda understand about you not telling your parents about me. Us. I’m having trouble understanding about Brandan.”
“I’ve told them Brandan is just a friend and not interested in me.”
“Why exactly am I here? Am I your hide-a-way girlfriend?”
Drew watched Jordan pace. She noticed Jordan’s tongue at the corner of her mouth followed by her biting her lip. Definitely signs of concentration. She’s trying to understand something. But what?
“I’m sorry,” Jordan started. She reached for Drew’s hand. “When I’m with you I feel alive and real.” She swallowed hard. “And I’m not sure what to do about my parents.”
Drew sat quietly. She sensed smoldering anger under the thin veneer of calm.
“All my life I’ve tried to be what my family expected me to be. Do what my parents asked me to do. My mother hassles me to get ready for their big New Year’s party. My father wants to know why I haven’t returned Brandan’s calls. My parents want me to be somebody I’m not. I hate those parties. I walk around and am pleasant to my father’s friends. They’re not my friends.” Jordan picked up some objects and slammed them down again.
“Do you know that I was so shy when I was younger that I used to hide from my parents when we had some event that required Jack and me to be there? I knew that my parents would only look for so long before they would have to leave. Jack and the help would stay around until I was found. My parents would be angry with me. I only did it twice before they caught on and refused to let me out of their sight. Kids in school teased me about my weight, wearing glasses.”
Drew felt her own anger rising. She closed the distance between them and pulled Jordan close, rubbing her back, desperately trying to ease the youthful pain.
Jordan leaned against her. “I’ve learned to put up a wall and pretend. I’ve pretended so much I don’t know who or what I really am. Do you know why I had those parties at my house? My parents called and suggested I invite a few friends over and then they send a list of people to invite. You and Mark were the only people I’ve ever invited that I wanted.” She looked into Drew’s eyes. “You helped me see I am a person separate from my parents.”
“What about Brandan? Sorry to be a broken record.”
Jordan stomped back and forth. “I can’t stand him. He’s egotistical, self-righteous, and self-serving.” She stopped in front of Drew. “His only interest in me is being associated with my father. He’s also a bigot. Apparently, his father has told my father that Brandan is in love with me. The only person Brandan loves is the face he sees in the mirror in the morning.”
“That’s the most critical thing I’ve ever heard you say about anyone.”
“I can’t stand to be around him anymore.”
“You can’t hide from him forever.”
“I’m not hiding from him. I’m choosing to be with you. You make me feel loved and cherished. You make me feel beautiful. When we’re together, I actually believe I can tackle the world. I love you, Drew Hamilton, and I want to be a part of your life. And I want you to be a part of mine. In fact…” Jordan picked up her cell phone and made a quick call. She hung up and turned to Drew. “My brother, his fiancé, and her family are having lunch at one thirty in their hotel room. They want us to join them.” She needed to move forward with her life. This was a small step, but at least it was a step forward. “Is that
okay? If not, I can call back.”
“Jordan, I’m not trying to force you into anything. I would be happy to meet your brother if that’s what you really want, but are you sure?”
“I feel like my life is in a thousand pieces and I’m trying to fit them all together. My brother’s the literary scholar and family nerd, but I love him. I think you two will get along.”
“Are you saying I’m a nerd?”
“Just smart. A wonderful smart ass, I might add.” She reached around and pinched Drew’s ass. “Jeans are no fun. I can’t really grab.”
Drew laughed. “You grabbed plenty, my love. I do think you should put some clothes on before we go anywhere.”
Jordan gave her a huge smile. Once again, the deep dimples were visible.
*
Drew liked Jordan’s brother. She especially enjoyed his gentleness and the obvious love he had for his fiancé. She was also touched by the respect he showed to Sandra’s parents. He’s a good man. Two good Thompsons.
Lunch was relaxed and conversation was lively. After dinner, Drew ended up talking to Jack.
“My sister thinks you walk on water. She can be a very loyal friend.”
“I know that. I think the world of her. She’s so bright. I’m not sure why she thought she needed a tutor.”
“You made school easy for her. She needed to know that she could succeed, and you helped her to do that. I’ve seen a positive change in her in the last two years. Thank you. I know you care about her. I can see how deeply. Thank you for that. Now, if you’ll excuse us, Sandra and I need to check on her parents.” Drew and Jordan left and returned to their own suite.
Mark was sitting on the couch looking sad. “My honey just left. Guess it’s time to start packing.”
“You’re not leaving yet?” Jordan asked.
“It depends. I thought your parents were expecting you tonight. We could get on the road this afternoon and at least get into the Carolinas. I wanted to see my brother in Atlanta before we head back.”