The Reluctant First Lady
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Authors: Venita Ellick
© 2013 Venita Ellick
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
This is a work of fiction, which is neither endorsed nor connected to any persons, businesses, or organizations. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales, save those allowed by law, is entirely coincidental.
The Reluctant First Lady
Brown Books Publishing Group
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ISBN 978-1-61254-133-4
LCCN 2013939405
Printed in the United States10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
For more information or to contact the author, please go to
www.VenitaEllick.com
This book is dedicated to the four men who have enriched my life beyond measure: my husband, David, and our sons, Eric, Michael, and Sean
Table of Contents
Author’s Note
In this book, I have used real newscasters and comedians to report on completely fabricated news and situations that occur in the book. The conversations and jokes expressed by them are purely fictional. This story has no direct or indirect connection to them in any way.
Prologue
Damn it, Ashley, be reasonable.” Michael raked his hand through his hair.
“Reasonable? You’ve got to be kidding. I’ve never lied to you. From the beginning, I’ve made it abundantly clear I’m not interested in being involved in your political life. Why do you refuse to believe me?” Ashley shook her head in despair.
“I agreed to campaign on your behalf because I believe in you, Michael. I know if you’re elected, you’ll be a great president. But not once have I said I would give up my job and follow you to Washington. It’s not like I’m going to change my mind at the final hour. I’ve said it from the beginning, and you and your campaign team need to deal with it. The public should know that I’m not part of the package. I feel dishonest every time I appear on stage with you. When are you going to let everyone know the truth?”
Ashley watched Michael’s jaw stiffen. After more than two decades of marriage, she knew the signs of his anger every bit as well as he knew hers. She could read his facial expressions and body language like a road map. He didn’t vocalize his displeasure or anger to the public or those he worked with; it wasn’t his nature. Usually only his family saw his emotional side.
“You realize your decision could harm me politically and could hinder my ability to be an effective president. I’m not asking you to give up your career. I’m just asking you to put it on hold while I’m in office. I know that’s asking a lot. I know how dedicated you are to your career and how you love the museum. Other First Ladies have had careers they loved, but when their husbands entered politics or were elected, they stepped up to serve their country right alongside them.”
“Michael, this isn’t about duty to my country. I never offered to serve; you did. I’ve never liked politics; you do. I love you and I want this for you because I know you’ll be an amazing president. But all this is your dream, not mine.” Ashley touched his arm, trying to bridge the gap growing between them. “Please, tell your team the truth. The longer you wait, the more likely someone will find out, and the press will have a field day.”
“I can’t believe you aren’t going to change your mind. We’ve reached crossroads before where we’ve held differing opinions, but you’ve always compromised for the good of our marriage and our family’s sake. If I’m elected, maybe you’ll see things in a different light.”
Ashley shook her head. “Not this time. You’re making a mistake if you think I will.”
Michael sighed and tried to smile at his beautiful but very stubborn wife. “We should get back out there. The results should be announced anytime. Otherwise they may begin to suspect we’ve been in our room for more than a break,” he teased.
“Before we go, I want you to know, if this country is as smart as I think they are, you will be the next president of the United States. I’m so proud of you. I wish I could be what you want me to be, but I just can’t. I’ve said it repeatedly throughout the years—politics is a dirty field of play, and I want nothing to do with it.
“Now, let’s go see if things are still going in your favor.” Ashley stopped him before he opened the door to the outer suite. “Honey, I really do want you to win. I am and have always been your biggest supporter.”
1
Chuck, sorry to interrupt,” Brian Williams cut in, “but NBC has just called the race in favor of Senator Michael Taylor. California has put Senator Taylor over the top, giving him the two hundred and seventy electoral votes required to win the presidency. To repeat, NBC has just called the presidential race in favor of Senator Michael Taylor. He will become the forty-fifth president of the United States.”
Ashley watched as pandemonium erupted in the hotel suite. Her family and Michael’s campaign team cheered, clapped, and exchanged hugs. They were overcome with the kind of exhilaration and elation that follows a long, hard-fought campaign. For the last eighteen months, they’d worked tirelessly because they believed the best candidate, the best man for the country’s highest leadership position, was the intelligent and ethical man who’d just been elected.
Despite her earnest and impassioned exchange with Michael earlier, Ashley was the first to reach him. She put her arms around her husband’s neck. “Mr. President, let me be the first to congratulate you.” She hugged him tight and kissed him while she whispered in his ear, “I never doubted you for a moment. Now, the real work begins, eh?”
Jeremy, who was as tall as his father and just as good-looking, said, “My turn,” as he jostled his mother aside and hugged his father. “It’s nice to know our system of government works. The best man ruled the day after all. Yea for democracy.” Jeremy, who was as exhausted as everyone else, even for a healthy twenty-one year old, started chanting a silly “Go Dad, Go Dad, Go Dad” in a syncopated rhythm imitating a geeky dance move that involved circling his fists in front of his body.
Juliette, Jeremy’s twin, kissed her father’s cheek. “I’m so proud of you, Daddy. Now, the country will know what we’ve always known—what an incredible man you are. I’m sorry I bitched about all the hard work and the fact that you were never at home. Have you given any thought as to how you’re going to deal with Mom’s decision?”
“Not yet, but don’t worry, we’ll figure it out.” Less than five minutes had passed since the presidential race had been called, since his elation had soared, since the euphoria in the room had carried him into a warm embrace and, with lightning speed, dumped him back in reality.
He looked over at Ashley and wondered what he could say that would change her mind. Throughout their twenty-four years of marriage, they’d had many discussions about their goals and professions. Their love for one another was rooted deeply, and despite their differences, they were each other’s best friend and confidant. They’d always supported one another’s passions. For Michael, it was politics; for Ashley, it was art and being the director of a prestigious museum. How could they, or anyone, have known when they were starting out just how far each of them would go in their respective professions?
Champagne was served to everyone in the room. Ed Branton, Michael’s campaign manager and future chief of staff, announced a toast. Ed raised his glass, “To the next president of the United States. May he learn, despite his work ethic, that there really are only twenty-four hours in a day. To you, Mr. President.”
Everyone raised a glass to salute the newly elected president and then downed the cold, bubbly beverage. The adrenaline in the room was running at a fevered high, and the excitement and exuberance began to energize even the most exhausted in their midst.
Jack Sutton, the campaign’s communication director and future press secretary, announced, “Michael, President Nelson is on the line. He’d like to speak to you.”
Everyone present knew what the phone call meant. Concession. Michael walked over to Jack and took the receiver.
“Hello, Mr. President. Yes, I just heard the news. Thank you.” Michael listened to President Nelson, knowing everybody wished he would put the call on speakerphone.
“I appreciate that,” Michael responded. “I’ll be looking forward to working with you during the transition. I wish you and your family nothing but the best. Thanks again. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
