innocence

It was almost endearing, the kind of blind faith Juliette held in not only Oliver but humanity as a whole. She was the rare breed of political animal on the Hill that went into the business because she saw the very best in society and wanted to elevate it - contrastingly, Oliver went into politics because he believed he was a rare few that could steer the country in the right direction. “God, don’t even mention that bill,” he said with a lighthearted shake of his head. “I don’t even care if this bill passes at this point, I just want them to stop using it during every talking points discussion on CNN.” That wasn’t 100% true, to be fair, and Oliver would actually probably kill a few people if this bill didn’t pass, but he was all about sounding relatable and hip with the kids. 

“I was gonna say - if you finished that sentence with ‘I actually prefer not to start my day with mimosas’, your guy would’ve gone down points in the polls just by association,” he said with a grin. “You’re right though, we should do brunch sometime. It’s just a matter of coordinating a morning where I’m actually in the state and Vir isn’t getting actively crucified by Solis and your schedule isn’t booked to the very last minute. We pull that off and we might as well get ready to cure cancer, too.” 

He took another bite of his wrap, contemplating another question to rapid-fire at Juliette that would have them avoiding politics as much as Oliver could, considering the person he was. “What about the new reusable straws trend - necessary change or overblown fad?”

“Alright, alright, I won’t bring it up again,” she chuckled.  Honestly, Juliette was a little nervous about it passing with the Republican majority in the Senate it seemed a little hard.  Maybe they’d get lucky, maybe all the pushes for gun control would work, but she really didn’t know.

Rolling her eyes playfully, Juliette shook her head.  Really she didn’t find mimosas that exciting, but they were a very typical brunch drink.  “When you put it like that we might need to schedule brunch for five years from now,” she told him.  “Curing cancer that’s a miracle even the combined brain power of the three of us is a little too much, but I’m willing to give it a try.”

Juliette ate a bit of her food and looked over at him.  “I mean, every little bit helps, right?  I think if we’re lessening the amount of plastics it’s a good start regardless of what it does for the sea life.  Though I’ll admit I’m bad at remembering to use reusable straws.”

He rolled his eyes in agreement as Juliette spoke, taking an especially aggressive bite of his wrap at the mere thought of it. “The problem is,” he said, though waited another moment before he had fully swallowed until he continued, “it’s that we see so much of society as an individual thing. It’s all about competition, about one man against another, about advancing yourself before anyone else - and that’s great for America’s GDP, sure, but it means we have zero loyalty to each other and the generations after us. We have a selfishness problem, and we’re so used to viewing any semblance of economic togetherness as dirty communism that we’d have to reshape our entire societal outlook to truly do anything about it.” 

But just as soon as he had started ranting, he waved it off. “I’m sorry, I’m being an asshole who’s talking about politics when we’re supposed to be on our break from politics. Talk to me about anything else. What are your thoughts on brunch? Overhyped or a necessary beacon of praise?” 

He was right.  Oliver usually was right.  That was what made him successful, but he pushed things far.  If he pushed things too far remained to be seen.  Juliette was admittedly a little nervous about that though.  “I never really thought about it like that,” she told him before taking a sip from her bottled water.  “I mean...the selfishness of society.  I guess I’m just an empathetic person so it seems really...out there.”

However, the change in conversation was refreshing.  “You’re never an asshole, Oliver, but yeah I’m glad to have the break.  But hey you’re not talking about that gun bill so you get a pass.”  She was exhausted from it.  All Juliette cared about now was getting it dealt with so she didn’t have to think about it anymore.  “But brunch, hm?  I can’t say I’ve ever really gone to brunch.  It seems like it would be fun and I think it gives options for people who might not necessarily like the traditional breakfast, but just...why?  It’s just breakfast a little later in the morning with mimosas most of the time.  Actually that sounds incredible never mind.  We should do brunch.  You and me and Vir.  A nice change from drinks after work.”

“Of course,” he answered, unable to pretend that the idea of a future conversation wasn’t exciting. Even if just to organise interview plans, he knew he would probably be giving his assistant an easy break and dealing with them himself. The time they spent sitting in this bar reminded him why a complete clean break from one another had been so necessary. Even nearly a decade later. It was why he allowed her believe something awful about him - both of them needed to sever ties if there was any hope they wouldn’t find themselves drawn back together. And they could never have worked, not then.

He hadn’t quite narrowed down why he was glad she would be appearing again in his life. If she really was serious about helping him navigate the political world then maybe there was a sense that he still felt he had to prove himself to her. He had been a good man when she married him, good enough, but he wasn’t his best. And so much of becoming greater had already been down from how had managed to influence each others lives in the short time they spent together. He was ready for her to meet who he was now.

“I just wouldn’t want to ask you when I know we don’t see eye to eye on all this political stuff,” he said, already feeling he had asked an awful lot of her recently. To come and meet him at all, to face up to the media again, to even maybe give an interview discussing their marriage. “But it would be mighty kind of you to give me some advice if you’re willing. You obviously know a heck of a lot that I need to wrap my head around sooner than later.” What did that mean exactly. A couple words of advice, further time spent together?

He found himself tossing the last dregs of his beer down his throat, hesitating on whether to order another. “Do you want another one or do you need to be getting on?” he asked.

In another world, in another life, maybe things would have been different.  That was the hope she had always clung to while thinking back on their marriage.  Maybe things could have been different if they’d understood each other better.  But she could see the lightness in his eyes when they talked about plans.  It made Juliette curious, but she shoved those thoughts deep down inside.  That was a Pandora’s Box better never opened.

“We don’t see eye to eye on most political things, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t a better alternative to Bell for the Republican nomination.”  Did she think he could win against Berkeley?  Not currently, but that could change.  Anything was possible.  “I mean...I know you’re a good person and I know you’re a person who listens to advice and does genuinely care about the people.  You could do so much good, and I don’t want to see that potential squandered by the chaos of D.C. political games.”

Juliette fidgeted with the bracelet around her wrist when he finished his beer.  Her wine glass was nearly empty and she glanced at it when he spoke.  What was she thinking?  What kind of women went out of their way to help their ex-husbands, especially after this long?  She lifted her glass to her lips and finished off the wine.  After setting it down once more, she nodded.  “I, um, I don’t have anywhere else to be tonight.  I wouldn’t mind another, but if you need to get going I’ll let you.  I’m sure a campaign never rests.”

Back in DC. The words were usually music to his ears, a sign of relief after consecutive days of hard campaigning in New Hampshire or Iowa or whatever other bumblefuck state decided to show up on a map during primary season. Today, however, he was filled only with frustration as he sat by a crowded fountain on Meridian Hill and ate his tofu and cheese (vegan cheese, thank you very much) wrap during his lunch break. In front of him, a copy of the Times’ and their newest analysis of the Climate Change Performance Index.

“Have you seen this shit?” he remarked to the familiar face sitting nearby him. He forgot to censor himself sometimes when he was especially upset about something, including Exhibit A, the especially dismaying report in front of him. “The Climate Change Performance Index just left the top three spots of its performance ranking blank because we’re doing that poorly. They essentially just said ‘we can’t even give the best country a medal because you’re all failures’.” He put the tablet to the side, taking a moment to breathe deeply. “I’m so excited for my kids to grow up in Atlantis. Maybe evolution will catch up with them and humans will grow gills in a few generations.”

Lunch breaks outside were some of the few perks Juliette had.  Her job was, exhausting.  She was working hard and trying to make her career fulfilling for her again but it just felt lacking.  Something needed to change and the offer she’d had kept dancing in the back of her mind.  Still, was it work that was unfulfilling or something else?  Either way, she pushed those thoughts from her mind and sat near Oliver with her lunch.

“Ugh, I hadn’t but you’re successfully making me glad I haven’t had kids yet.  Congrats.  That’s like...never happened before.”  It wasn’t that great and the idea that the world was in this much trouble was absolutely terrifying.  “I don’t get what it will take for people to get their heads out of Big Oil’s ass to do something before we all boil to death.”

“Oh, they are always giving you a hard time, aren’t them?” If Adelaide was being honest, Juliette was much better at dealing with lobbyists than her own staff. Well, that and the fact that Adelaide was too easily manipulated by them.

She walks up the stairs and unlocks the door. She feels relief that she is finally inside, but it feels even better that Juliette is with her. “I do think you need a break, I keep telling Todd that.” She gestures for her to get in. They had been close for many years now; Adelaide’s husband working side by side with Juliette’s boss. An odd link, of course, but it was better, not many suspicions were raised because of that. 

“But he always goes on and on about Paul and how much he needs you” she shrugs in a full body motion. “Maybe you should be the senator and not him” She jokes, closing the door behind her. She puts her purse down over the couch. “Please, you know the place. Make yourself at home.”

“Mhm,” Juliette hummed in agreement as she followed Adelaide up the stairs to the door.  She was exhausted by it, honestly.  Half the lobbyists ho come at her know there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that she’d get them in touch with her boss or they’d get what they wanted.  Still, she sighed softly.  It came with the territory.

Shaking her head slightly, she moved into the house with Adelaide.  It was a strange friendship, but it worked.  Juliette had managed to really find an ally and a mentor in someone she never expected.  “Well, it’s harder to get a break than you’d expect,” she chuckled.  Honestly, Adelaide wasn’t wrong.  Her boss couldn’t function without her and she knew she could do his job.  She just didn’t know if she could handle all the political backstabbing.

It was worth a try. People let information slip more easily than they thought. Of course, he’s not expecting to be revealed a ten point comprehensive plan. And after all, he did work for the administration, though technically his allegiances were to the country, not to the president or to the party. Which meant that he had a habit of secretly playing both sides. In politics, people liked to use words like bipartisanship. Words that don’t really mean anything. Or mean something else entirely. “Yeah, I’ve done the math,” he said, a sly smile settling on his face. “You need to flip four senators your way.”

Juliette struggled when she couldn’t read people.  Survival in D.C. was based on knowing how to play the game and understand what people wanted out of it.  He was not someone she could easily judge.  He was someone that left Juliette with more questions than answers.  After all, someone could support an administration and disagree with a piece of legislation.  Hell, you could work for an administration and not support them at all, as her friendship with Vir had demonstrated.  So why had he done the math?  To help? To hurt?  Juliette couldn’t tell.

“Four isn’t forty,” she replied with a shrug.  It was definitely doable.  They could flip four if they worked hard.  Public opinion was on their side and that could be a powerful factor, especially for those running for reelection in 2020.  “The NRA can throw as much money as they want at them.  If they’re from a swing state they might have trouble in 2020 if they choose the lobby over their constituents pushing for change.  That’ll come back to bite them at reelection time.  Public opinion can be a powerful force.”

“Would love to,” he says, “but I’m afraid that boat has sailed.” A damned long time ago. “What are you up to in this,” — rather mediocre — “lovely morning?" 

“Just a jog before work,” Juliette explained, as if the work out clothes she was wearing couldn’t have clued him in.  “I don’t exactly have enough time to really go to the gym and the fresh air is nice.” Shame his bosses would see all of it turn to smog and pollution no one could breathe.

It opened up a whole world of possibilities, a whole different timeline where they were still together. The ‘what ifs’ had started to fade away as time grew between them. Perhaps there would’ve been more if there was something specific either could point to as to why they shouldn’t be together. As two people, in isolation, they were perfect. But they had had to learn the hard way that compatibility meant a lot of different things. Sharing your life with someone meant a lot more than that spark all the rom coms told you to chase. Loving someone became the easy part. She would make a brilliant First Lady, the role would’ve become her own, but it was hard to even imagine her ever being his.

“Right. But just so you have time to prepare, I think they’re gonna be a little more interested than they should. And if you need security for some time, or want us to set up an interview where you can just get it all out. I mean you know best, I’m just happy to help with whatever you need.” He was rambling a little, trying to remember all the suggestions his team had run by him, and anything else he felt was important. Why they were here was getting caught up with the magnitude of the meeting. His own thoughts were talking at cross-purposes.

“I wouldn’t ask you to do that,” he replied, though increasingly realising how true her words were. There were a few times where he had known she could’ve been a great help but he it had felt wrong in so many ways. If they had ever hated each other there would’ve been one day, maybe, a chance for reconciliation. There was no handbook on what to do when the only tragedy in divorce is that neither really wants it to happen. They had need the space, desperately, to try and work out what direction to take next. And now, back together, they were fumbling along the best they could. At least now she was laughing, albeit at him. 

His concern was touching and it almost felt enough to make Juliette forget how they ended up where we are.  She lifted her glass and took another sip of wine.  It hurt more than she expected to see him again.  That was the tragedy of it all.  There had been a time in her life when she expected they could have made it work, they could have fixed things, and the love found in the movies could have been enough.  Maybe it was foolish or naive of her to think that, but she wanted to believe in fairy tales, at least for a little while.

“I really appreciate the heads up,” Juliette replied.  “I wouldn’t exactly be thrilled to be bombarded by press and not know what was going on.  An interview to clear the air might be good.  I’ll think about it and get back to you?” she suggested.  Juliette didn’t want to put herself in the middle of his campaign.  She had more important things to worry about.  However, if Trey needed her to speak on something or explain what happened...she’d do it for him in a heartbeat.  Even though their marriage didn’t work, Juliette still cared.  He helped to shape her into the woman she was today and that was something Juliette would always be grateful for.

Her gaze dropped for a moment and she wondered why he wouldn’t ask her.  Did he not want her help or did he not think she’d agree?  Did he think it was improper?  Was there some other reason?  Juliette hated how her mind spun as she tried to figure out the meaning in his words.  There had been a time when they knew each other better than anyone else, but that time long since passed.

“You don’t have to ask me,” Juliette told him.  “I’m offering.  You’re a good man, Trey, and I don’t want to see you ripped apart by people with more experience or stronger political backing.”  It wasn’t fair, but that was how the game was played in D.C.  “I may not agree with you politically on every single thing,” she started, recalling that at the time of their marriage he’d been a Republican, “but I know you’re a good man who would do good for people.  You deserve a chance to do that without being eaten alive.”

“Great,” remarked Gavin succinctly, his lips slowly forming a pleasant smile. If there was anything that could bring him back into jovial spirits in the middle of a workday, it was the promise of familiar food and even more familiar company. It would be remiss of him not to note that Juliette is one of his closest, and undoubtedly one of his longest-standing, friends in the capital. More than a decade had passed since their first meeting, finding themselves both in easy times and sticky situations—and TJ had the unique talent of being involved in events of both natures. 

If Gavin was this bemused, he could only wonder how Juliette herself would’ve felt. He certainly would be unnerved at the prospect of his first ex-wife being in the city alone, much more seeing them for the first time in years. “You got it,” Gavin reassured, making a mental note to phone a few people later that afternoon. Surely, it wouldn’t be that difficult to prod a few heads here and there—if there was anything that he’d learned from his career as a staffer and a lobbyist, it was the beauty of connections. The world felt smaller, at least. “That’s a sound plan. But I have to say, all of this sounds fishy to me. Exes appearing out of nowhere is never a great idea. I’ve seen too many romcoms,” he mused, “though I suppose it’s great you’ll be getting that information out from Church himself. When are you meeting?”

It felt surreal almost.  Juliette hadn’t thought this much about her ex-husband in one day in a long time.  Not since the last time the TJ Church Foundation had ended up mentioned in a discussion she had with a lobbyist.  The name drop had thrown her for such a loop she’d nearly choked on her water.  Thankfully this time she was managing with a bit more tact.  All  Juliette could think was that no matter the reason he was reaching out, it was important.  There was no way Trey would have reached out to her personally if it wasn’t.  Vaguely she wondered if he was okay.  He wasn’t sick or something, right?  God, that would be horrific.

“Tonight,” she answered when the question was asked.  “I don’t know if I should be relieved or concerned that he picked a bar as the meeting place.”  Probably relieved.  No doubt she’d need a little liquid courage to get through seeing her ex-husband again.  When even was the last time they saw each other in person?  She shook her head slightly and sighed in exasperation.  “I’m sorry for dumping all this on you, Gavin,” she started.  “But I’m sure you can imagine what I’m thinking right about now.  I feel like my mind is going a mile a minute and won’t rest until I get answers.”

Everybody had their story, Vivian included. That was part of the problem, the richest nation in the world couldn’t supply one of its citizen’s fundamental needs. So Vivian had perhaps assumed that Juliette’s enthusiasm had come from such a personal connection - hearing it reminded the Senator that just because it was so common, didn’t make it any less heartbreaking. It was said that a single death was a tragedy but a million was a statistic - when it really should be a million tragedies. There was a lot Vivian had to be proud of in her career but ensuring no one had to experience what Juliette’s family had would be her proudest achievement. 

“Thank you for sharing that with me, that’s what I hope too,” Vivian replied, letting the thought run over her before she poured after tea for them both. She approached every political move with an eye on the votes, she had to, it was her job. But that also only ever leant itself to incremental progress. What was all the rest of it worth if she couldn’t be bold now. “It won’t be easy but I don’t see another way. Everyone has a story like your own, if we put together a robust bill, I think we can win with public opinion on our side.”

It had been over twenty years since Nicolette died, but it was still hard.  Seeing her sister like that, then watching the aftermath as her parents struggled to try and keep food on the table and the house from being foreclosed on.  It was...a lot.  Her parents worked so many double shifts and it just broke her heart.  Still, Vivian had a vision for what America could be and Juliette wanted to help make that a reality in some small way.  If no other family ever had to go through what her family did then this would be a success.

Juliette nodded.  “You’re right.  The tricky part will be getting the bipartisan support, but I think if we don’t let the Republicans latch onto how we pay for it with their donors breathing down their necks, we could make this work.  But there’s also that fear people have of the unknown, of losing their current health coverage if they like it.  So I’m not sure if doing away with private insurance is the right step, yet.  Maybe if we focus on leveling the playing field and implement restrictions on the overcharging that happens through insurance first we can pull in some of those skeptical people to sway public opinion more in our favor?”

Juliette. Can’t live with her, yet could easily do without. Bland statements like these were what made Hans question just why every friend he had decided to give it a spin.

“Oh, please,” he rolls his eyes. “That’s a stupid rule. Between speaking ill of the living or the dead,” — both of which Hans would gladly do — “the dead would be the ones to not give a shit.”

Juliette shrugged.  “Perhaps, but it’s still tasteless.  Especially here of all places.  Have a little class, Hans, for godsake.”  Though what did she expect from a man who would rather have piles of money than a healthy environment for humanity to thrive in.  Taking money from big oil was enough to stamp I’m a selfish prick on his forehead in neon letters.  The woman had been shot to death in this very spot a few short months ago.  His lack of tact was absolutely stunning.

They eventually reached the corner restaurant, bringing their steps to a halt. The place itself was frequented for its takeaways than its dine-in options, though a few tables with mismatched seats lined its interior regardless, giving it a quaint, homey feel. As he entered, he raised two digits at the manager, who by now had known him enough to remember his usual order. “I hope you don’t mind my ordering for you. The other meals aren’t… the best,” said Gavin, flashing her a crooked smile. “Shall we sit?” he asked, waiting for her to sit before taking the seat opposite hers. 

Only then did he begin to ponder on her words, his nose crinkling in thought. It couldn’t be solely to catch up; there ought to be an ulterior motive there somewhere. “I could try poking my nose around. Ask my lobbying friends, see what he’s up to,” he offered. “Maybe it’s to do with his work? Something to do with the foundation? He doesn’t strike me as the type of man to spring out of nowhere.”

Juliette felt lucky to have a friend like Gavin in her corner.  He’d been invaluable in getting her to where she was now with her career.  It was a minor miracle she hadn’t cracked up as a new staffer, but he helped her through it all.  She’d always be grateful.  So when they arrived at the restaurant and he spoke, she chuckled.  “Oh not at all.  I trust you and I’d hate to end up with something not the best.”  Gavin had known her long enough she assumed he knew what she liked anyway.

But the thought of him reaching out and poking around to see what Trey was up to...that was something she appreciated more than words.  It wasn’t that she was nervous to see him.  Okay maybe she was nervous to see him, but that wasn’t the whole issue.  The fact of the matter was, it was weird.  They’d been out of touch for almost a decade and seemingly out of nowhere he sprung up.  There was definitely an ulterior motive.  “If you don’t mind,” she told him.  “But hopefully I’ll get a straight answer out of Trey.  He sent me a time and place to meet him for drinks...so I can only hope for the  best and prepare for the worst.”  Honestly, she hadn’t replied yet.  It was tempting to just...not reply then show up hoping he was sweating it out just as much as she was.

June 30th, the Washington Monument. The type of irony that had gone lost on Hans until it was all those around him could talk about — Two months without Wright; What now? —, thinking over the event as he made through his coffee a hundred-or-so feet away from where it had all happened. 

He catches sight of a passerby; the two of them the only souls out this early — 6:32, to be exact —, in the now eerie side of town. 

“Happy Ding Dong, The Witch is Dead day,” he says, smiling too bright for a reminder of cold-blooded murder. “How’re you celebrating?”

Morning jogs before heading to work were not uncommon for Juliette.  Her condo was a short four blocks from the National Mall.  It gave her the perfect opportunity to get a little exercise in before going home and getting ready for work.

However, she slowed when she saw Hans and offered a friendly smile which swiftly morphed into a frown when he spoke.  She found herself wishing she kept running.  “Didn’t anyone ever tell you to not speak ill of the dead?”

To say that the gun bill had made him busier was wrong, since he was always busy, and he was more so busy because he was trying to prove invaluable after Theresa’s death, which had reflected poorly on all of the intelligence communities. Yeah, it only takes one dead president to pass a bill, he wanted to say, but he thought the joke a little too dark to land with her. He personally thought that change came too quickly, but such was the flaw of governments. It was why he much prepared his current position, where he felt like he could take immediate action and make a difference. “It’s going to be a hard fight in the Senate, what with the Republican majority,” he pointed out. That’s where the real fight would be. “Do the Democrats have any plan on how to combat that? I doubt playing up the president’s death is going to change any of their minds, knowing that they need the NRA money for their next election.” That was just how politics worked.

His question surprised her.  If she blabbed about the plans the Democratic coalition had in the Senate, she’d be out of the job faster than she would have liked.  “You’re right,” she agreed with a nod.  “The Senate will be the uphill battle, but I have faith in them.  It only takes a few people changing their minds to get the majority we need.”

Shrugging one shoulder, she smiled.  “Let’s just say that compromise is key.  If there isn’t bipartisanship nothing will ever get done in Congress, but I’m sure you already knew that.”

It was barely a half-compliment, closer to a quarter one. He almost instinctively thanked her, latching on to anything positive she could offer. But in his head he felt it tinged in the sense that what she had done was always more important than what he had. And now he had the chance to measure up, but only by entering her field. And even that was only a small, unconvincing possibility. Otherwise he would be little more than that potential. So instead he let it brush off him.

“There’s a whole lot of questions about whether I should be doing this. And I’m sure you’ll hear me giving a whole lotta well focus-grouped answers over the next year,” he replied, feeling the conversation slip into a line of questioning he had already grown weary of. Perhaps because they were all valid questions, and those he was wrestling with himself. 

“But without sounding like I’m tryna get out the question, that’s not really why I wanted to see you. How are you feeling about this all for you?” He didn’t expect Juliette to find it surprising that he was making a selfish decision in his life. That was the man she knew, the one who had expected to drop everything to fit a role that suited him. He didn’t know if he could really claim to have changed when his candidacy had ended his only other long-term relationship. Maybe it was only since losing Lucia that he had really turned the mirror on himself. Either way, she had never found it easier being a media focus and he was throwing her right back in it.

“Wait, do sharks eat other sharks? Or am I like a krill in this metaphor? Either way I ain’t following quite exactly but I’ll have to trust you on it.” He may be able to take claim to years spent trawling the Capitol halls but when money spoke, no-one went after the bank. Legislators truly did work for the people when your name was TJ Church and you were generously supportive of candidates that offered their support in return. He hadn’t yet experienced the world Juliette was talking about.

He turned the conversation back on her and Juliette could respect that.  He didn’t need to explain himself to her.  She wasn’t his wife anymore, despite any mixed feelings she had on that topic.  Trey was her past, but did she even have a future?  Sometimes it didn’t feel like it, especially with all her long term relationships falling apart short of commitment.  Looking him in the eyes, Juliette just thought about everything they had and everything she threw away for her career.  What had it gotten her?  Chief of Staff to a mid-level senator, doing more work than was her responsibility.  Nope, she didn’t need to have another existential crisis over her future right now.  That was something to save for therapy.

Busying herself with another sip of her wine, Juliette pondered how best to respond to him.  “Honestly?  Regretting giving up all the good I could have done as First Lady I could never have dreamed of accomplishing in my current career,” she half joked, chuckling to try and dismiss the hint of honesty she felt in admitting that.  Instead she just smiled at him and hooked a lock of hair behind her ear, awkwardly adjusting her glasses in the process.  If only...if only she’d known.  If only he’d told her his plans, for the White House, even for the Foundation...then things would have been different.  Juliette would have shifted focus, worked int he private sector, lobbying for the foundation, hosting charity events...it would have suited her, but it wasn’t her life.  She gave it all up.  If she’d been more patient, less stubborn, any of things, they’d have ambitions and a house full of kids.

Her expression softened then and she set her glass down, her fingers sliding up and down the stem to distract herself from the sudden nostalgia.  “If you’re worried about the press...I can handle them.  I’ve done it before.”  Though nothing she experienced during their marriage would prepare her for what the pressure of a presidential campaign could bring.  “Besides...our marriage was relatively short and a long time ago.  I can’t imagine it will be of that much interest for the press.  Though it might give you some trouble with the ultra religious.  They’re not always fans of divorce.”

Juliette’s gaze flicked back up to meet his then and her soft, almost vulnerable expression shifted to one more laced with amusement.  “Oh Trey...you’re not a shark yet.  Maybe a tuna,” she chuckled.  “I can help you...I mean...I have a lot of experience dealing with people here.  Once you’re not offering them money...the games change.  People will be wanting to use you for their own purposes because you’re new to the political game.  It takes practice...figuring out how to watch your back.”

“They don’t grind it as fine so it’s as bitter as… well a member of Congress.” He smirked at his lame joke before taking another drink of his coffee. Truly, it did taste better here, though that may be due to the sentimentality involved with being back in his old haunts. Daniel pivoted a few degrees to the right to face Juliette and also better hide his face from anyone who’d recognize him. He didn’t want to be interrupted before the interview truly began.

“So what are you keeping busy with back here as we debate on the Disarmament Bill?” He wondered if her current boss brought her in as he drafted legislation or if she was kept on more menial, managerial tasks.

A light chuckle passed Juliette’s lips and she nodded.  “Well, I certainly hope that things aren’t too bitter, but I understand what you mean.”  Politicians could be...interesting in their own way and having to deal with that, plus lower quality coffee.  Needless to say she understood why he was there even when he shouldn’t have been.

His question didn’t surprise her.  Many people often asked questions like that.  “Other than prep for the Disarmament Bill?  I’ve been working on draft legislation for a potential healthcare initiative.  I’d been meeting with Senator Li to try and figure out the appropriate angle.  It’s always been a pet project of mine.”  That was true, and her boss had always valued her ability to take charge and run things since it meant less he had to deal with.  “It’s not finished yet, but I doubt anyone wants to submit less than perfect legislation less they make a fool of themselves or their boss.”

She hangs up and sat down on the front steps, waiting, patiently. At least it was Juliette. Out of all of the people she had been meeting lately, Juliette being her savior was almost poetic.

So by the time her car drove in the street, Adelaide was, once again, flooded with confusing feelings. Part of her was sure that the dropped keys were her subconscious trying to rekindle what they once had; the other part was sure that it was fate.

“Thank you for saving me.” She walked up to the car, and waited outside, distant enough so Juliette couldn’t simply toss her keys without leaving the car. When she was finally handed the keys, she smiled, grateful. “Do you want to get in? A coffee? A drink?” Stay the night? 

Juliette hadn’t driven to Adelaide’s house in awhile, but she still remembered the way.  The roads were familiar and when she pulled up and saw Adelaide sitting on the steps, she smiled a little.  She came closer, but not close enough.

Juliette removed her keys from the ignition and got out of the car.  She came closer, offering Adelaide a small smile before handing over the keys.  “It’s no problem,” she told her reassuringly.  “I couldn’t very well leave you stranded out here.”  But Adelaide offered for her to come in and Juliette thought back on what she had to do for the rest of the day.  Honestly, none of it sounded particularly appealing.