by M Brereton
He was taking too long it seemed as she grabbed him by his jacket and pushed him against the wall attacking him with her soft strawberry lips. She moaned as her hands tangled in his hair and her leg wrapped around him keeping him in place when he tried to pull away.
“Eva!” Noah gasped out trying to speak, but she covered his lips once more and he started tapping at the wall to get someone’s attention, so he could get free.
Hector turned and snickered before coughing loudly to get her attention, but Eva still didn’t stop, and Noah gestured to Granger with his eyes and Hector moved and touched her on her shoulder. When she turned her eyes widened and Noah pointed to Eva.
“Excuse me, ma’am” Granger called while gently pulling Eva away, so the Chief could finally breathe.
“Oh, mi amore,” Eva whispered and reached for him once more.
“Gotta go now, Eva!” Noah said as he hastened away. She blew him a kiss and acted as though he was going off to war instead of Capitol Hill.
“What the hell was that? She threw a letter opener after him yesterday,” Rafe whispered to Hector as they chased behind Noah.
“I’m guessing they made up,” Hector replied, “Trust me, that’s as normal as you can get with the two of them.”
* * *
Eva spent her day floating on a cloud. She emailed pictures of her ring to Ana, Suzanna, Theresa and Olivia and carried the penguin everywhere she went. Right now, she sat in tea with the most influential women in the country and had no idea what was going on. She sat with a permanent Mona Lisa smile on her face mentally counting down when she would see Noah again.
“Wow,” A feminine voice said in awe pulling Eva from her thoughts of Noah with a blush.
“Pardon me?” Eva asked when she saw all of them staring at her, smiling.
“If my husband put a look like that on my face, maybe we wouldn’t have gotten divorced,” One woman remarked.
“I don’t know…” Eva began denying.
“Don’t deny it. You’re practically glowing over there.” Another woman said.
Eva blushed, and the women began gushing like school girls.
“He must’ve done something very right.”
“Yes, he did,” Eva whispered, then bit her lip as she debated internally before showing them the ring. “It’s a replacement for the engagement ring I lost,” Eva gushed as the women rushed forward to eye the piece.
“Twenty-four karats, emerald cut, nine ounces, ladies!” One woman declared, and the rest squealed in approval.
“We had a romantic dinner,” Eva informed them, “and he must have bought it before because the dinner wasn’t planned, but he must have planned something because he had roses too.” They gushed when she paused, looking appropriately envious of her then she signaled to Kate who pulled the penguin out of her bag, “He gave me this in memory of…a very special date.” Eva hedged, but the women understood and blushed, “Sometimes I swear he’s like a lost puppy, but then he does these amazing things,” Eva blushed, clutching the penguin to her heart.
“AWWW!” Exclaimed her audience.
“Bet you can’t wait to thank him again, huh?”
Eva smiled like the Cheshire Cat and the ladies hooted.
“Not only is he a great President, but it seems he’s also an excellent husband!”
“I can’t wait to vote for him in November!”
Eva’s smile faded as she said, “This is unofficial, but Noah’s isn’t running in November.” A chorus of why’s rushed at her and Eva lifted her hand for silence. “He wants to focus on our marriage and our family. He thinks he’s done what he can and maybe he’ll try again later when the children are grown.”
The women shared confused silent glances between them, then one of them said, “Then it has been an honor to have you both for the last four years.”
“Maybe she’ll change his mind,” Another suggested.
“No one changes Noah’s mind once he makes a decision,” Eva remarked fondly, “He only did it because his family and I pushed him into it. He’d rather chase bad guys.”
“He’s an astounding President. He will be greatly missed.”
“Maybe you should run,” Someone suggested.
“It’s about time we got a woman in there!”
“You’d be perfect!”
“We’d back you 100%!”
“If we mobilized the women’s groups, that’s already half the votes!”
“And the military would support her as well!
“Ladies!” Eva cut in as they made plans for her run, “I am not running! I got a taste of that and trust me I don’t want it.”
“But why?”
“Politics. That’s why!” Eva stated simply. “Running this country, I can do it with my eyes closed and a hand tied behind my back. But Politics gags you and cuts off your feet as well and I dance to no one’s tune.”
“The world looks favorably on you. I’m sure the boys in Capitol Hill can be made to play nice.” One woman pointed out.
“I don’t mind if they don’t. I can play rough too. But I can’t work for the American people when today, I have your support, and tomorrow you’re fighting another cause, I haven’t immediately signed up for. Like my husband, my ideals are my own and trust me, many won’t approve.” Eva declared.
“We loved having you guys in the white house. Who are they sending in his place?”
“His cousin-in-law, Eric. He’s more of a statesman,” Eva replied, “It will be officially announced later this week. I will miss working with you ladies as well.”
“You don’t have to miss us.”
“You’re a businesswoman in your own right. We can meet for brunch anytime.”
“I’ll be a competitor then. I won’t be so nice.” Eva smirked.
“Neither will I,” Someone admitted and they all laughed.
35
Mysteries of Women
Eva speed-walked through the White House and, pulled a Noah, by not knocking on the door. She paid no attention to the other occupants of the room and jumped into his arms.
“Teroso mio!” Eva exclaimed kissing him all over his face. Discrete laughter and snickers erupted around the room causing Eva to finally realize they were not alone.
She slid down to her feet and Noah remarked dryly, “Ladies and gentlemen you’ll have to excuse my wife, she’s just really happy to see me.”
Eva blushed and told the members of his cabinet. “It was a long day. I thought he was alone, forgive me and gave Noah a little wave with a look that promised she would finish what she started.
As soon as the door closed behind her, Wayland remarked with a soft chuckle, “Looks like you did something right, boy!”
The audience all laughed except Eric who looked at Noah in envy.
The meeting ended and Wayland as usual was the last to leave, but this time Eric stayed as well.
“You really should reconsider Noah. Your ratings are at a record high. Stop shaking your head at me!” Wayland groaned.
“I made up my mind. I need to spend time with my family. I’ve done what I could, maybe when the kids are grown I’ll run again, but not now.” Noah insisted.
“I think maybe a certain red head made the decision for him.” Eric smirked.
“Eva said she’d support me no matter my decision. She’s happy with this one because she hates being watched all the time. I do too,” Noah clarified, “Having to check every idea or word that comes out of my mouth is tiring. This is your thing. I just did it because I wanted to make a difference.” He stated dejectedly.
“There’s so much you can still do…” Wayland hedged.
“I’ve seen the mess from the inside out and with others trying to control the reins it will take more lifetimes than I have to fix it,” Noah stated.
“So, a military state is what you’d prefer. You joked about it before, but now, I think you’re serious.” Wayland stated worriedly.
“From what I’ve seen, democracy is
failing. Why elect me to fix things then use strings to tell me what I can and cannot do. This is not just the incident with the security council I’m talking about, this is the voters and non-voters trying to tell me how to run the country.
The education system is failing and to correct it I ironically got to listen to the opinions of the uneducated and cater to them. Did you know that Japan has a top-notch model, but you can’t use it here because it infringes on their ‘rights’, I’m out! Good luck with that by the way E!” Noah declared finally.
Wayland grew silent, even though he shared Noah’s sentiments, he still believed in democracy. There was just too much bureaucracy, that’s all.
“Can I speak to you in private, Mr President?” Eric asked formally into the tense silence.
“I told you, Eric, you don’t have to…yeah ok” Noah sighed.
“Goodnight then gentlemen,” Wayland said, “I’m really sorry you feel that way Noah, but I still have high hopes for this country,” Before closing the door softly behind him.
“I feel like I broke his heart or something,” Noah muttered to himself then asked Eric, “What did you want to see me for?”
“It’s about your …uh…um…marriage.”
“What about it?” Noah asked, going on the defensive.
“You and Eva fight…did you…ever…think of leaving?” Eric stammered out.
“We both did,” Noah whispered.
“What made you stay?”
“We love each other too much,” Noah stated simply.
“I see,” Eric whispered, and it was apparent to Noah this was not the answer he sought.
“What is it, Eric?”
“It’s just that…I saw how Eva was so happy to see you,” Eric hedged. “I feel…”
“Why did you go through with it, Eric?” Noah asked, cutting to the chase.
“It made sense at the time,” Eric responded, understanding, “It’s what’s done in our circles.”
“But you’re not happy,” Noah stated simply.
“Your cousin is an exquisite woman,” Eric quickly supplied, “and I know I’m not the only one questioning our choice. She cries in her sleep and she won’t tell me why and she’s not as affectionate… as Eva is with you. I expected that …but now it’s just a cold civility.”
“Basically, you want to get a divorce, but you want to be President.”
“Yes,” Eric finally admitted.
“Liv was never in love with you, but I thought after…Cooper, she’d move on. I was wrong on that one.”
“She told me they didn’t have a relationship other than a mutual family acquaintance.”
Jeez, the lies women tell! Noah thought bitterly before correcting, “They didn’t. She had a crush on him though. I thought she’d outgrow it eventually.”
Eric nodded in understanding, “He died without knowing then.”
What? No! Noah thought then corrected as he evaded, “He didn’t feel that way about her,” but then again what did he really know about Cooper, something was definitely happening between those two for Liv to make a baby for him.
“Unrequited love. That’s why she feels nothing.”
“Do you love her?”
“Not love, but I am fond of her and I’m willing to make a go of it, but sometimes I feel like there’s a wall between us.”
“I felt that way with Eva early on, then we talked about our feelings and realized we both felt the same way and were just scared of voicing it. Talk to her, maybe she feels the same way.”
“I think she’s keeping something from me,” Eric whispered.
Those are some stellar instincts you have, Noah thought, but asked, “Why do you think that?”
“I don’t know, but it’s a feeling I get sometimes when we speak. But what could Olivia possibly have to hide?”
“You’d be surprised at the things women hide,” Noah remarked wryly.
“Evaline hides things from you?”
“She’s the master at it. She still has secrets even I can’t ask about. Women keep secrets. It’s something my mother told me before I got married and as I get older I realize how very true that is.”
“Behind the most beautiful eyes lay secrets deeper and darker than the mysterious sea.” Quoted Eric. “If only Adam knew long ago the trouble he was given.”
Both men laughed, and Noah reiterated as he relaxed on his desk. “Talk to her. Maybe you guys can work something out.”
“We’d better or it’s a very public divorce and messy custody battle for Connor,” Eric said as he turned to leave, causing Noah to miss the desk and fall to the floor. “You alright?”
“Yeah!” Noah said brightly as he stood quickly, knowing fully well you shouldn’t fight a custody battle for a child that isn’t yours.
“Okay. I’ll give it a try for the next four years at least. She should feel something by then, right?”
“Right,” Noah whispered, giving him false hope.
“Goodnight then.”
“Goodnight.”
Noah entered the presidential bedroom to find Eva waiting for him near a table with food and dressed in white lace lingerie.
“Took you long enough.” She griped as she stripped him, “I’ve drawn you a bath and I’ve made dinner. And for dessert, we are going to break the presidential bed!”
“Eric wants to divorce Liv,” Noah blurted out and Eva paused in her actions.
“Marriage is hard. We thought of getting a divorce and then with an arranged marriage it’s doubly hard as there’s no love involved.” She explained.
“It’s because of Cooper.”
“He knows!”
“No, but he suspects she’s keeping something from him.”
“Maybe she should just tell him. It’s not like they have a real marriage anyway.”
“She should’ve explained from the beginning instead of letting him think Connor is his. Why didn’t she?”
“What if she knows about me?”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“We don’t know what lie Cooper told her. She probably thinks she has to protect Connor from us.”
Noah grew silent as he thought. Even from beyond the grave there was no peace from the secrets Cooper kept.
“Maybe we should come right out and let her know we know about Connor.”
“I have enough family secrets to deal with. This one’s all yours.” Eva remarked, patting him on his chest.
“Which reminds me – Ethan accepted the invitation. In two days you’ll come face to face with some answers.”
“Can’t wait,” Eva remarked dryly as she returned to stand near the table. “Another one of Daddy’s surprises.” She remarked bitterly as she poured herself a glass of wine.
She gulped it in one swallow then poured herself another, causing Noah to remark, “Our plans will go up in smoke if you keep doing that.”
“A bottle or two of this won’t hurt me. Maybe I should get the scotch,” She remarked to herself as she took another drink.
“I’ve never seen you drink that much,” Noah admitted worriedly.
“There’s a lot of things you’ve never seen me do,” Eva remarked as she eyed him. Then added as she sauntered over to him. “How did you think I survived living with the Molino’s, Antonio, Daddy’s schemes, and all your bullshit? I don’t look so perfect right now do I?”
Noah took the glass from her not liking this new side of his wife and set it back on the table as she smirked at him.
“Thought you wanted the truth.” Eva pouted, “What? Don’t want so much truth?” She asked as she circled him like he was her prey. She feinted a strike and he automatically blocked. She turned away from him stripping as she headed into the walk-in, “You still think I’m a monster.”
She returned from the walk-in dressed in fuzzy slippers and pajamas blew out the candles next to him and whispered in his ear. “Goodnight. Sweet dreams.”
36
Coming Out on Top
>
Noah moved towards her and pulled her towards him. “You’re not a monster and I’m not afraid of you.”
Eva said nothing just continued smiling with a small evil smirk on her face. She turned away from him then suddenly kicked him so hard it knocked the breath out of him as he hit the floor on his ass. “Then let’s change that shall we,” Then moved so fast she was on him with a knife in hand aimed at his eye.
Noah didn’t even flinch, “I’m not afraid of you,” Then raised up causing her to move with him in a slow dangerous arc until he was sitting up. He put his arms around her and repeated, “You are not a monster.”
Eva moved the knife of her own accord, silent tears falling softly down her cheeks and onto Noah’s chest. The knife clattered to the ground as she hugged him back crying on his shoulder.
“I think your family should be considered a touchy subject,” Noah whispered as he stroked her hair and kissed her hairline. “I know you don’t want to do this, but maybe you should get help.” Eva pulled away and narrowed her eyes at him. “Hear me out. I know there’s a security issue, but you can’t keep on like this.”
“You help me,” Eva admitted as she hugged him.
“But what if I’m not here?”
Eva tensed against him, “Why would you not be there?”
“God forbid something happens to me…”
“Nothing is going to happen to you,” Eva growled, tightening her hold on him, “I won’t let it.”
Noah pried her from him and said, “This is what I’m talking about. You can’t base all your happiness on me. It’s dangerous for you to think that way. I read online that you need to find a focus within yourself to…”
“I don’t need a shrink. Nor do I want you to become one,” Eva remarked as she covered his mouth with her hand. “I have found that strength and it helps me kill. I just want the good memories to overcome the bad. I want…peace. I want to be loved. The good and the bad. That’s what I need. And you give me that.”
“Your mother’s family can give you that if you let them. The guys at the bureau…”