First Love (25 page)

“Didn’t realize you ever needed an invitation.” Jordan put her arms around Drew’s neck and began to kiss her.

“It’s confirmed. You’re a sex maniac. What have I done?”

“It’s definitely your fault.”

“Maybe, maybe not, but you’re becoming an addict.”

“Are you complaining?”

“No, bragging, now let’s get undressed and discuss this in bed.”

December

Finals week flew by and Jordan left the day after finals. She wanted to stay in Gainesville with Drew, but her parents were adamant. She was expected in Washington. The White House was in high gear for the holidays. Parties, shopping, campaigning, and the usual holiday events. More than any time she could remember, Jordan resented her family’s life. “Mom, can some of this wait? I want to spend some quiet time with you and Dad.”

“Honey, you know there will be time for us to talk at breakfast. Your father’s schedule is always busy, but with the reelection, you know how important it is for all of us to be involved.” Her mother touched her forehead. “Are you feeling okay? Is school okay?”

“I’m fine and school is great. I’ll probably make the dean’s list again.” What she needed was Drew. She needed to see her, to touch her, to feel whole again. “I guess I’m just a little tired. Okay, what’s next then?” She had never liked the spotlight. But now, even more, she felt uncomfortable in her own skin. She was leading a dual life—First Daughter and Drew’s lover.
It’s with Drew that I feel real. How much longer can I do this?

“By the way, Brandan and his family will be here until after the first of the year. He’s been very busy campaigning for your father. He’s such a nice young man. He wanted me to let you know that he plans to take time off to spend it with you.” Her mother smiled. “He’s quite taken with you.”

Jordan rolled her eyes. “Mom, Brandan is already in love with someone. Himself.”

Her mother sat on the bed next to Jordan. “Jordan! I’ve never heard you talk about him that way. What’s going on?”

“Mom, suppose I don’t want to get married?”

“Oh, honey. When you find the right boy that’s all you will think about. Getting married, having your own children, setting up a house. You’re young and probably like I was when I got out of school. Wait until you find the right person. Besides, you know how much your dad and I are looking forward to being grandparents.”

“But what if I don’t want to get married?” Jordan’s panic level was escalating. What if Drew was right? What would she do if her parents weren’t accepting?

“Nonsense. You’ll change your mind. Maybe you just haven’t found the right boy.”

Jordan knew there wouldn’t be the right boy.

*

Drew still had another week of clinicals before she would be done. She began to pack some of her belongings. When she flew to Wyoming, she would leave some of her clothes. She would have less to move in the spring. She washed her car and cleaned the inside. Anything to keep busy. No matter how busy she was, however, she couldn’t fill the emptiness Jordan’s absence had created. Only their daily phone calls provided some relief. “Are you still going to come up? Am I going to see you soon? I miss you so much.” Jordan sounded almost panicked.

“Yes. Yes. And me too.” Jordan’s laugh eased some of her tension.

“I love how you do that.”

“I’m going to go back to Cheyenne and spend Christmas there. Then I’ll fly back to Gainesville and we’ll drive up.”

“What’s Mark doing for Christmas?”

“He and David are spending it with his mom.”

“I thought you might come up before Christmas.”

“We’ll arrive on the twenty-sixth. As it is, we’re both cutting our holidays with our families short.” Drew quickly turned conversation to more neutral topics, asking about Jordan’s family, her activities. She talked about her parents’ visit and her acceptance into the family practice program in Wyoming. “I can’t wait to see you. Be there soon.” She ended the conversation as soon as she realized how lonely her life was without Jordan.

“The whole world’s gone to hell.” She laughed when she remembered her father’s warning. “I know, wait until I’m at least thirty before judging the whole world.”

*

Drew drove since her car had four-wheel drive and snow was being forecast for the mid-Atlantic states. As soon as they were in the hotel, she called Jordan.

“I’ve been sitting here and waiting. I thought you would never get here. Are you at the hotel? Was the drive okay? Are you hungry? When can I see you?”

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 greeted 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.”