Mixed Reality (Indigo Love Spectrum), page 5
“We’ll work it out.”
“You’re more hopeful than me.” She got up. “I’m going to take a bath. Why don’t you give Ki a call and give him the news. You know you want to.” Elle walked into the master bath.
Doug paused and then picked up the phone.
“Hello?” Ki answered in a low voice.
“Is that you, Ki?”
“Yes.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong. I decided to take Proverbs to heart, too.”
Doug grinned. “I’ll let you go.”
“What’s happening?”
“Let’s just say don’t print your consultant cards yet.”
“I knew it.”
“Whatever. Go back to the lush life. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You bet, Your Honor.”
Eyes closed in the large sunken tub, Elle let the hot water and massage jets relax her mind and body. Although a shower was more environmentally correct, it was an indulgence Elle found hard to live without. When she opened her eyes she saw Doug in his robe.
“I know taking a bath isn’t the best thing for conservation, but at least I’m using candles instead of the lights.”
“Now Elle, you know we have to lead by example.”
“Yes.”
He took his robe off. “If you insist on taking a bath, at least we can make it an energy efficient activity.”
“And how are we doing that?”
“We’ll make it a bath for two,” he said, stepping into the tub. “The water is nice.” He sat down. “The temperature is almost right.”
“Almost?”
“Yes. We just need to heat it up a bit.” He lifted her leg and slowly began to kiss her foot.
Elle laughed. “Stop you know my feet are ticklish.”
He put her foot down and came towards her. “I’ll find something else to tickle.” As he and Elle kissed he let his hand slip down under the water.
“Oh,” Elle moaned softly.
“Come with me.” Doug took her by the hand as they both got out the tub. “Wait a minute. I don’t want you to catch cold.” He reached over and grabbed a towel. “Let me dry you off.” Doug toweled and kissed every curve of her body until her skin was dry, though she was quite the opposite elsewhere.
Knowing he had her just where he wanted, Doug led Elle to the bedroom and onto the bed. They were both on fire. Elle stroked Doug’s strong back. She could feel every muscle tense in his body. He kissed and nuzzled her breasts in his hands, taking time to explore every inch of them. Soon their bodies came together in a flash of white hot passion.
Later on they lay in each other’s arms.
“Honey?”
“Yes, baby?”
“When do you think they’re going to make the announcement about Rita?”
“Here I thought you were going to say something about our conservation efforts.”
Elle chuckled. “I think you know how I feel about it. I think we should conserve more often.”
“Maybe I should consider this as a PSA campaign.”
“You want to make an X-rated PSA? Your constituency would love that.”
They laughed.
“Seriously, Doug, when do you think the president-elect will make the announcement?”
“I’m pretty sure it won’t happen until after Thanksgiving, but we could be jumping the gun. Politics is a fickle business. What you think should happen and what actually happens are two different things.”
“Maybe so, but Rita is smart and ambitious. Trust me, she’s taking the position. So when are you calling the governor to let him know you’re interested?”
“Let’s slow it down a little, Elle. It doesn’t work that way.”
“You are going to let him know you’re interested, right?”
“Yes. Then the ball’s in his court from there. He might have someone else in mind.”
“I doubt it.”
“Anyway, I’ll worry about it later.”
She let out a deep breath. “It’s just as well, I’ve got to focus on Thanksgiving.”
Doug squeezed and kissed her shoulder. “Oh, yes, I’m looking forward to this year’s menu.”
“I am, too, once I finally figure out what’s making it to the table this year. You know I think all your cousins are coming.”
“Of course everyone’s coming this year. They heard about the food last year and decided not to miss it this time.”
“Oh boy,” she groaned.
“That’s what you get for being a great cook.”
“I appreciate the compliment, but you have so many cousins for someone with just one brother.”
“What can I say? My grandparents had eight children.”
“Being that I’m an only child I can’t imagine that many kids fighting for attention.”
“It’s a way of life for the Brennans, believe me.”
“I noticed.” She paused. “The radio address is at eleven, right?”
“Yes.”
“Hopefully my meeting won’t run overtime so I can listen to it.”
“At least you’re looking forward to it. I have to talk about the city budget, and it’s not going to be popular.”
“I’m sure you’re ready.”
“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.” He sighed. “Is anything else on your agenda tomorrow?”
“Yes. I’m having lunch with Rory tomorrow.”
“Oh yeah, what’s going on with him?”
“To tell you the truth, I don’t know. We haven’t gotten together in a little while so we’re just gonna catch up.”
“Sounds good.” He yawned.
Elle curled up next to Doug. “I can’t believe how tired I am.” She yawned.
“Me, too.” He kissed her. “Good night.”
“Good night.”
He turned the lamp off and they fell asleep in each other’s arms.
* * *
When Doug’s secretary Alice arrived she found him already hard at work at her desk.
“Oh, good morning, sir. You scared me.”
“Good morning, Alice. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’ll get up.”
“Oh, no, sir, you don’t have to get up on my account. You can use my computer no problem.”
“Thanks.”
“Is yours moving slowly again?”
“Yes. I called IT but they’re not in yet.”
“I know Charlie’s cell phone number. I’ll give him a call.” She opened her cell.
“Thanks, Alice.”
“Not a problem, sir.” She dialed the phone.
Ki walked in. “Good morning.” He looked surprised.
“Good morning and do mark the calendar. I beat you here this morning.”
“I will.” He looked at the computer. “Is your computer on the fritz again?”
“Yes. Alice is calling Charlie for me.”
“Good.” He looked at his watch. “I’m going to put my briefcase down in my office, and then I’d like to talk to you in your office.”
“No problem.”
Alice hung the phone up. “Charlie is on his way.”
“Thanks, Alice.” He got up. “It’s all yours. I’ll be in my office.”
“Yes, sir.”
Doug sat down at his desk. “Aw, come on.” He hit his monitor.
“You know you won’t be able to use that tactic in the Senate.”
“I bet I’d get a lot done if I did.”
“Yes, we’ll spin you as the senator with the smack attack.” Ki sat down.
“So do you want to run through the radio address?”
“We can do that in a few minutes. I really want to talk to you about the senate appointment.”
Doug saw that familiar look on Ki’s face. He wanted to talk turkey. “Okay. You have my attention.”
“I’m happy you’ve decided to consider Jim’s offer, but you do know what you’re up against, don’t you?”
“Naturally there will be a lot of scrutiny,” Doug conceded.
“Rita’s a popular senator and she’ll be a tough act to follow.”
“She’d be a tough act for anyone to follow.”
“I know, but the fact is Jim is taking a risk picking a man to fill the seat.”
“He would have had a tough time anyway because the perfect candidate for the job would be a gay, black, Roman Catholic female with a Latino father and a mother who was born to Christians who converted to Judaism. She would have to come from the suburbs of Long Island or upstate New York, preferably Buffalo, Rochester, or even Albany. She’d also need to be a graduate of the Ivy League.”
Ki was impressed. “You really thought about this.”
“My father was a two-term Congressman in the late sixties and early seventies. What do you think?”
“You’ve got me there. Is Elle ready for this?”
“She’s the one who told me to go for it. You know if she wasn’t on board I wouldn’t do it.”
“I know. You realize that once Rita’s nomination and acceptance is announced, you’ll have to start making moves like you want the job.”
“Yes, and that means making appearances with all the right people.”
“Exactly,” Ki said emphatically.
“I got it. Now you know what I need you to do.”
“I’ll make the call.”
“Thanks.” He looked at his frozen computer screen. “Now if this thing would work I’d be in business.”
There was a knock on the door.
“Yes?”
“It’s Charlie, your Honor.”
“Come on in, Charlie.”
Charlie entered the room. “Good morning, Mayor Brennan, Mr. O. I hear you’re having some issues with your computer this morning.”
“Yes.” Doug got up from behind his desk.
“You got here just in time, Charlie. I think the mayor was about to assault his monitor,” Ki said with a chuckle.
“Well, let’s see what I can do to revive the patient.”
“Thanks, Charlie.” Doug picked a folder up. “Ki, why don’t we go to your office and finish up.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“I’ll keep you posted on the patient’s status.” Charlie smiled.
“Good deal.”
Doug and Ki worked up until it was time for him to go live on the air.
* * *
Elle rushed from the conference room to her office where her assistant Pamela Walters had the radio on.
“Have I missed much?”
“I think he’s almost done.”
“Damn!” Elle sat down in front of Pam’s desk.
Doug’s voice continued. “And even with all the measures I’ve proposed we still have rough waters to navigate. Unless there is a dramatic turn in the country’s economy, we’re still expecting a budget gap of $1.3 billion in the next fiscal year. So many New Yorkers are already dealing with the ill effects of this economic downturn, and unfortunately there will likely be more rough times ahead of us. There are no easy solutions or magic formulas to get our city through this. However, we do have the knowledge to make it through for a speedy economic recovery. We will push the dollar forward by guarding services that will bring jobs to grow our communities and by sticking together as New Yorkers. This is Douglas Brennan. Thanks for listening.”
“Well that’s it.” Pam turned the radio down.
“I’m sorry I missed it. How did he sound?”
“Great for someone talking about spending cuts and three thousand city positions cut.”
“He told me it wasn’t going to be popular.”
“He can’t help it. He’s responding to the overall economy.”
“I know but not everyone is going to be as reasonable as you.” Elle got up. “Any messages?”
“Yes. Sheri called. She said she’s ready for you when you are.”
“Fabulous.” Elle was excited. “Would you call her back and ask her to be at my house tomorrow morning around 10:30 a.m.”
“Will do.”
“Thanks.” Elle went into her office and put her notes down on her desk. “Cuts must be the word of the day.” She sighed as she sat down. I need to find money for autism services, but it’s like trying to figure out which foot to shoot. Whether it’s the left or the right one, it’s going to hurt. Except the trick is, I have to figure out which one will hurt less. Elle buried her face in her hands. At least it’s nearly lunch time. She looked up at the knock on the door. “What’s up, Pam?”
“I spoke to Sheri. She said she’ll be there tomorrow.”
“Great.”
The way Pam waited in the doorway reminded Elle of when her sons want to ask her something and they’re not sure what’s she’s going to say. “Is anything on your mind, Pam?”
“The nurse from Jessica’s school called and she’s got a fever. Woody’s in Staten Island and I need to pick her up and take her to my mother’s place until I can get her to the pediatrician later. So I wondered if you’d mind if I knock off now for lunch. The school and my mother’s place aren’t too far from here. I can get back in time.”
“Don’t be silly, Pam. Take the rest of the day and get Jessica to the pediatrician.”
“Dr. Brennan, I couldn’t…”
“Yes, you can. I won’t hear another word. Go and take care of your daughter.”
“Thank you so much, Dr. Brennan. I’ll make up the time.”
“You have plenty of time, don’t worry about it.” Elle got up from her desk. She and Pam walked back to the reception area. Pam grabbed her jacket and purse.
“Thanks again, Dr. Brennan.”
“I hope Jessica feels better.”
“Thank you.” Pam dashed out.
Elle sat down at Pam’s desk. The phone rang. “Dr. Brennan’s office.”
“Elle, is that you?”
“Hey, Melissa.”
“Why are you answering the phone? I know you said the hospital was making cuts, but I didn’t think it was this bad.”
“It’s not. Pam had to leave for a family emergency.”
“Oh, I see. Are you taking lunch?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want to meet? I have some time this afternoon.”
“I wish I could, but I’m having lunch with Rory today.”
“Oh, that’s nice. You two haven’t gotten together for lunch for a while now.”
“It’s been six months at least.”
“So you two are going to play a little catch up?”
“Yes.”
“Tell him I said hello.”
“Will do.”
“So what happened with Doug and this mysterious political opportunity the other night?”
“Well it won’t be mysterious for much longer. Governor Pearson wants Doug to fill Senator Clemson’s senate seat.”
“I didn’t realize she was leaving the Senate.”
“The word is she’s been tapped to be the next secretary of state.”
“That’s quite an honor. I know Doug’s excited about it.”
“He is, and I told him that I’d support him.” Elle didn’t sound too enthused.
“Now that doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement.”
“Don’t mind me. It’s probably because it’s getting closer to lunchtime and I’m hungry. Not to mention Rory will be here any minute.”
“Okay. I’ll let you go for now. We’ll catch up later. In the meantime I have to see what I can grab for lunch.”
“Don’t forget you and I have a rain check for a spa day or chocolate-fest coming up soon,” Elle added quickly.
“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Good. See you later.” I hate to lie to Melissa about the real reason I’m meeting with Rory, but I have to play this meeting a little close to the vest, she thought as she hung up.
“She’s smart enough to figure out Einstein’s theory of relativity, able to bend hospital boards to her will, and she answers her own phones. Is there anything you can’t do, Superwoman?” Rory grinned.
Only two years younger, Doug’s brother Rory was just as handsome. Six feet, one inch tall with an athletic, even muscular, build, he had sandy brown hair and the same crystal blue eyes as his brother. Although born into a competitive extended family, Rory, a successful plastic surgeon, was happy to see his older brother fulfill their father’s political ambitions, and he relished his brother’s success. The only hint of green in his otherwise blue eyes was over Doug’s marriage to Elle. Unbeknownst to her he often wondered what would have happened if it had been him running down the beach that fateful morning in Martha’s Vineyard.
“Hey there,” Elle said as she got up to hug him. “How are you, stranger? It seems like I haven’t seen you in ages.” Elle leaned on the desk.
“I’ve been busy tightening up the faces, stomachs and butts of the rich and famous. It seems quite a few of them weren’t too happy with what they saw under the summer sun. And don’t get me started about Botox.”
Elle laughed. “I don’t know how you do it.”
“The pursuit of physical perfection and the fountain of youth is practically recession proof.”
“I bet. “ She touched her face. “I’m forty-one. Do I need any help?”
“No, you’re perfect.” He quickly rebounded. “My patients would kill to have your skin.”
“That’s good to know.” She smiled.
“I have a little present for you.”
“You do?”
He took a CD case from his pocket and handed it to her. “It’s selections from one of your favorite singers, Kate Bush.”
“Thank you.” She gleefully opened the case. “Is Suspended in Gaffa and Wuthering Heights on it?”
“Of course they are.”
“Cool.”
Rory still shared Elle’s love of weird music by out-there artists. He was also one of the few people who didn’t want her to show off her IQ on demand. With Rory, she didn’t have to perform and she could be her quirky self.
“It would have been easier to upload it on an iPod.”
“I don’t like IPods. I still have my Sony Walkman.”
Rory winced. “A Walkman? You’ve got to be kidding me.”
