The Reluctant First Lady (11 page)

“First I’m flattered you thought about me to fill this new position, and second the answer is yes. I’d be honored to have the opportunity to work in your administration.”

“I’m glad to hear you’re so willing to step into a position that’s still so undeveloped. I’ll have to add ‘adventurer’ to your list of qualifications. However, you should probably sleep on your decision and talk it over with Connor and your family before you say yes so quickly.

“I’m going to be very adamant about the parameters for the director position. It’s being designed specifically to fill the responsibilities a First Lady would normally have as the White House hostess, without any personal or emotional aspects associated with being the wife of the president. Ashley is the First Lady, whether she acknowledges the title or not. I need someone to fulfill the social obligations of previous First Ladies without overstepping the boundaries into privileges that are normally afforded the wife of a president.

“I’m confident you have the qualifications to do the job. I’ve watched you organize and finesse enough people at fund-raisers and parties to be keenly aware of your abilities as a hostess. But you really may want to give this more thought. Are you sure you want to jump into uncharted waters? There’s no way to know how many sharks will be circling, ready to take a bite.”

Paula smiled at Michael. “I’m absolutely sure I want the job, and I’m not going to change my mind. I feel quite certain we’ll work very well together. And, as far as keeping the personal and professional aspects of the job separate, I understand exactly what you’re trying to achieve.”

“Do you think you can walk that tightrope?”

“Yes, I believe I can. Getting started and articulating the parameters of the position to the media will be the most difficult. I’m bound to make some blunders along the way, but I’m willing to help establish the right balance and tone you want.”

Michael was relieved. He’d been very direct about wanting Ashley to maintain the social status that came with being his wife. Paula hadn’t flinched from the distinction between the job and Ashley’s rightful position.

“I was hoping you’d understand and still be willing to tackle the unknown. Are you sure you don’t want to give Connor a call and see how he feels about it? This will impact your lives in a variety of ways.”

“I realize my husband will be affected by my decision, but I’m equally sure he’d want me to accept your position and that I’ll have his complete support. I appreciate your sensitivity where he’s concerned.”

During the next hour, Michael and Paula discussed various aspects of the director of protocol job. “I’m planning to announce the creation of the position at my next press conference,”

“Do you want me to be there?”

“I’m meeting with my transition team later tonight to discuss a variety of issues. Someone will call you tomorrow morning to tell you what we decide. I’d appreciate it if you’d talk only to Connor about this for now. I don’t want any information leaked to the press before the official announcement. You’ll learn keeping information from the media is harder than you think.”

Paula agreed. “Of course, I recognize that this is a highly sensitive situation. I’m sorry Ashley chose to continue working at the museum. I honestly believed she’d change her mind once you were elected.”

Michael had no intention of discussing Ashley with anyone. He was beginning to hope there might be a chance of adequately coping with Ashley’s abdication. True, he was establishing a new position, which would set a precedent for future First Ladies. But once his decision was announced and explained, maybe some of the pressure would lessen.

“I feel confident that we can move forward on a positive note. Thanks again for coming on such short notice.”

Paula got the hint; she was being dismissed. She got up and extended her hand to shake Michael’s. “Thank you. Your trust means a great deal to me. I’m looking forward to working with you, more than you know.”

“I hope you still feel that way once you’re officially the director and the media starts hammering away at you.”

“I’m not easily deterred from a goal once I set my mind to it. I’ll talk to you later.”

Paula seemed almost to float out of his office.

Michael turned to his desk. He hoped to God he was making the right decision. Out of all of the possibilities he and his staff had discussed to compensate for Ashley’s absence, this solution seemed the least likely to be troublesome.

Almost a week had passed since he’d last talked to Ashley, and that spoke volumes. He needed to call her. He’d meant to call her before now, but he honestly didn’t know what to say to her. Now at least he had something to tell her. He’d give her a call tonight and make arrangements for them to spend a weekend together.

Michael picked up the phone and dialed Ed. “Hey, I just finished meeting with Paula, and I wanted to confirm our seven o’clock meeting this evening. I’d like to give you my impressions.”

“How did it go? Did you decide anything?”

“As a matter of fact, I did. I offered her the job, and I didn’t sugarcoat it. I was quite clear about the boundaries I want established right from the start. I’ll have to say, she didn’t even flinch. At the meeting tonight, I’d like to discuss the best way of presenting this appointment to the press.”

“I’ll see that it gets added to the agenda. Have you said anything to Ashley about the decisions you’ve made?”

“Not yet. I’ll give her a call tonight and give her a heads-up. See you at the meeting.”

15

Ashley felt it was now or never. She needed to call Michael. She felt responsible for the distance that had grown between them and putting if off any longer would only make matters worse. She dialed his number, and as soon as she heard his secretary’s voice, the acid began to bubble in her stomach.

“Hi, Georgia; it’s Ashley. Is Michael available?”

“He’s in a meeting, but I’ll see if he can break free to take your call. Please hold the line.”

Ashley heard the difference in the sound of the connection as she was placed on hold. It was going to take a whole bottle of antacids to get through this. She was just plain dumb to feel this nervous about talking to her own husband. Of course, it was guilt. Guilt over her decision to return to work, guilt over leaving Michael the way she had, and guilt over not calling for almost a week.

Georgia came back on the line. “Hold on, Ashley. I’m putting the call through to his office.”

“Thanks, Georgia.”

Ashley heard Michael pick up. “Hello, stranger.”

She felt as though the nerve endings in her body were totally exposed. She could even feel her pulse accelerating. Damn it. Well, the best course of action was a good opening line.

“Hi, Michael. Think we can have a civilized discussion? Or is banishing me to a Third World country still on the table? I’m really sorry I’ve let so much time go by without contacting you.”

Typical Ashley. One thing she didn’t do was mince words. She aimed her arrow and let it fly. “I could have called you, too. I’ve been absolutely swamped,” Michael confessed. The excuse sounded lame even to him although it was true. “I was going to call you after my meeting, as a matter of fact, and catch you up on what’s been going on here. Plus, I wanted to hear how things are going in New York.”

“You go first,” Ashley insisted. “I’m sure my news isn’t nearly as exciting as yours.”

“As you might expect, it’s been nonstop meetings and decisions regarding the transition and appointments I’ll be making. There are so many things to do during this time of transferring from one administration to the next; it’s mind-boggling. We’ve all been pretty much living on caffeine, but we’ve made good progress in a number of areas. We made a decision about how to deal with your absence from the First Lady position. Do you want to hear about it?”

“Absolutely. I’d love to hear what you’ve decided, and I mean that sincerely.”

“Well, after much deliberation, we’ve created a position we’re calling the director of protocol. We’ve designed it to be flexible yet one that will assume some of the responsibilities of past First Ladies and leave room for what we haven’t anticipated. We brainstormed a variety of ideas, and this one seemed the most pragmatic.”

“Good for you. I had every confidence that you would come up with a good alternative. I know it’s not what you wanted, but it sounds like an excellent solution. In fact, you’ll be setting a precedent for future presidents and their spouses. I think that’s brilliant. When do you plan to fill the position?”

“I’ve already offered the position to someone.”

“In less than a week, you’ve created a new position
and
filled it? My, you have been busy, but then I’ve always had faith in you and knew once you started working seriously on the issue, you’d come up with an effective solution. Who’s the lucky person?”

“Paula Foulon.”

There was silence on Ashley’s end of the phone. She was trying to get over the jealousy that just stabbed her heart.

Ashley repeated, “Paula Foulon?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, we met today to discuss the position, and she didn’t hesitate to accept it. She understands the parameters I’m trying to establish, and I think she’ll do a good job. She enjoys the political scene and seems to be excited to work in my administration.”

I’ll just bet she is.
Paula had never impressed Ashley. She’d witnessed how manipulative Paula was with both her husband and her father, the kind of manipulation that men didn’t often recognize. She threw her money, her family, and her social status in other people’s faces. She’d once heard her put another politician’s wife down because of her background, which made Ashley wonder what Paula was saying behind her back. Maybe other people didn’t recognize a barracuda when they saw one, but Ashley did. Paula would kill to get her hooks into Michael and the whole White House scene. She was quite sure Paula would do her best to insinuate herself into Michael’s life.

Ashley had met several women like her at political functions and the museum’s Black Tie Dinner. They were pampered, spoiled, and rich. It didn’t bother them in the least that their status had been achieved through their husband’s or their family’s work or good name. Her type felt privilege was an entitlement.

“Sounds like a match made in heaven. It seems your problem has been solved and all the wringing of hands was over nothing.”

“You know damn well I didn’t want to have to do this. I’m sorry if you’re not happy with the choice I’ve made, but I needed to move quickly. I wanted you to hear about it before I announce it at a press conference. I didn’t want the information to come out of left field for you.”

“Thank you. That was very considerate. I know this is a touchy subject for us, and I have no right to feel anything about the decisions you’ve made. I’m glad you found a solution, and I truly hope it works out. Really, honey, congratulations to you and your team for finding an alternative to an extremely delicate and explosive situation. I hope the press and public accept it and you can move on.”

“I hope so, too. Are you being hounded by the press?”

“Constantly. I get dozens of calls every day from someone wanting an interview. I even got an anonymous letter threatening me. It seems some Neanderthal out there feels strongly that I’m not doing my wifely duty by you.”

“It sounds as though you’re not taking the threat seriously. That would be a mistake,” Michael warned.

“Give me a break. Someone is just letting off steam.”

“Ashley, this could be serious, or it could be nothing at all. I know you think it’s a crackpot, but I want you to give the letter to your Secret Service agents so we can have it analyzed. There are a lot of screwballs out there, and you could be one of their targets. Promise me you’ll give the letter to your agents.”

“I can’t. I threw it away.”

“You threw a letter away that was evidence of your being threatened?”

“Michael, please. I told you what I was thinking: Crackpot. If any more threatening letters are delivered, I’ll hand them over to my agents,” Ashley promised.

“You need to understand: you’re fair game for people who are disgruntled, or worse, over your decision. It doesn’t matter where you live—here, in New York, or Timbuktu—you’re still a possible target.”

“Okay, okay. I don’t like it, but I get it. The Secret Service will scan not only my packages but everything that comes to the museum before they turn it over to us. That should calm you down somewhat.”

“Good. I’ve also notified Homeland Security and let them know about the threat.”

“How could you have already notified Homeland Security when I just told you about the threatening letter I received? Wait . . . you already knew about the threat to me, didn’t you?

“Yes and no. The day after our press conference, Ed and Jack informed me of a threat made against you. We put everything into motion then to find out what we could and placed the necessary protection around you that we deemed prudent. I didn’t know you’d personally received a threat until you mentioned the letter to me just now. Just promise me you’ll keep the agents around you informed of anything suspicious or any further threats,” Michael pleaded.

“I will, but you realize how crazy this is? Right? You’ve been in politics for years, and I went completely unnoticed. Now, I’m shark bait.” Ashley sighed. “It’s inconceivable to me that someone would care so passionately about what I do or don’t do. Michael, what about Jeremy and Juliette? Has anyone threatened them?” Ashley held her breath waiting for his answer.

“No. Don’t worry; they’re fine. Have you talked to them recently?”

“Yes. I called them both when I got back to New York. They’re glad to be back at college. Juliette is dealing with security better than Jeremy, which was predictable. I’m assuming campus security at both Stanford and Berkeley are working in conjunction with the Secret Service?”

“Everything is being done to keep us all safe. The Secret Service is good at their job. Trust them and quit giving them a bad time,” Michael ordered.

“Hey, I resent that. All I do is tease them. But you . . . you have to deal with them all the time. It’s hard to imagine why anyone would want to be president. It seems the negative aspects far outweigh the positive. How do you cope with all of the negativity, the lies, the manipulation, and the life-and-death decisions?”