The Reluctant First Lady (12 page)

“For me, it will be a matter of keeping a clear focus on what’s good for the country and in the best interests of the American people.”

“I understand the rewards of public service. Helping people is in my blood too. I just enjoy working at it on a much smaller scale than you. I like working in the trenches with people. Any kind of public service is a good thing.

“Change of subject. How would you feel if I gave one in-depth interview? The press is not letting up, and I thought if I chose someone I felt I could trust . . .”

“No matter what you do, you’ll never be able to satisfy the public. You’ve made yourself more of a media target by rejecting the role of the First Lady than if you hadn’t. People want to know all about you. I wish them luck. I’ve been married to you for over two decades, and I’m still surprised when you do the unexpected. Unfortunately, Ashley, the media is going to be part of your life from now on whether you like it or not. They’re completely fascinated with you. I know you hate it, but surely you recognize the truth in what I’m saying.”

Michael’s comments were met with silence. Ashley knew he was right. She wished to God he wasn’t; she’d never asked for any of it.

Michael continued, “But if you do decide to give an interview, I’d appreciate it if you’d wait until after the inauguration. Dealing with the media is tricky, and I’d like to see if there’s any chance that some of the hoopla over your decision will die down, especially in light of the new position I’ve created.”

“Fair enough. If I decide to give an interview, I’ll wait until after the inauguration, and I’ll let you know about it well in advance. Another change of topic, are you planning on attending the Black Tie Dinner this year? As you might expect, I’ve been spending the majority of my time since I came back to New York working on the event.”

“Honey, I don’t think it’s a good idea. You’re asking for far more headaches than you know. In the past when I’ve been there, it’s been as your husband. When I was a senator, it was no big deal. Now that I’ve been elected president, the amount of security that would need to be in place for me to be there, not to mention all the screening and security checks your guests would have to endure, would make the hassle not worth it for you and them. I want to attend—I do—but my coming will change the focus of the evening. Do you understand?”

“Yes, unfortunately. I know you don’t like hearing this, and it’s unfair for me to say it, but I wish you’d never gone into politics. We didn’t have a clue how much our lives would be affected when you decided to run for public office. The media spotlight, the constant scrutiny, and being followed around by the secret service—it wasn’t anything we could ever have anticipated when we were younger. And I hate what it’s doing to us.”

“I wish you wanted to be the First Lady. I wish you wanted to share this experience with me. I hate the fact that your life and our kids’ lives are being affected by my career decisions. I wish I could take all of the attention off of you, but let’s focus on what we can control. Is there any way you can come for a visit?”

“How about this weekend? Can you fit me in?”

“I’ll make sure my schedule is cleared to the extent I can. I’ve really missed you.”

“I’ve missed you, too, Michael, so much. Okay, we have a date for this coming weekend. You won’t forget, will you?”

“Forget you? Not likely. I’m glad you called although I was planning to call you tonight after my meeting. After the inauguration, I hope I’ll be able to establish a little more of a normal work schedule, which should make it easier for us to plan times to be together.”

“I’d love that. I’d welcome some consistency in our life even though you have taken on the biggest job in the United States. Did you have to aim so high? I’d like to remind you again—I love you; it’s politics I hate.”

“Right back at you on the ‘love you’ part although I still wish I could get you to change your mind. What happened to the good old days when women did what they were told?”

Ashley laughed. “Those would be the good old days for whom? Please, I beg you, don’t launch into your barbaric days of yore. I might ask, what happened to the Prince Edwards of the world? When he had to choose between the crown and Mrs. Simpson, he chose love. Ah, now those were the good old days.

“Honey, I need to get back to work regardless of how much fun it is to sit here and exchange barbs with you over how women were once considered chattel and how long it took for women to get the vote. Congratulations again on finding a workable solution to the problem I created. I’ll see you Friday.”

After hanging up, Ashley felt the knot in her stomach relax. Michael was the best medicine in the world for what ailed her. He’d always been. They were never at their best when they were at odds with one another or apart for very long.

16

Michael was relieved and pleased that Ashley had called. Their stalemate had come to an end, at least partially. He was still hurt and disappointed that she didn’t want to share his experience in the White House. He wondered if he’d ever get over how deeply she was hurting him. Even if he could eventually forgive her, hurt seemed to have a memory and a life all its own, a way of springing forth and setting itself free when you least expected it.

Time to get back to work. He knew the meeting had come to a halt in his absence. No decisions could be made without his stamp of approval. When Georgia interrupted his meeting saying Ashley was on the phone, he had wanted to talk to her and was glad she had called. She was reaching out to him, trying to repair the gaping hole in their relationship.

He hoped this coming weekend they could steer clear of the many land mines scattered between them. He missed the closeness they had shared before the election got in the way. Besides being his wife, Ashley was his best friend. That hadn’t changed, and he missed his best friend.

Michael opened the door to the conference room, and eight pairs of eyes assessed his mood as he made his way to his chair. They knew it was Ashley who’d called, and they were waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“Sorry for the interruption,” Michael said. “Where were we?”

Ed resumed the conversation. “We were just about to discuss the current opinion polls about Ashley. The numbers still show the majority of the nation disagreeing with her, but she’s gaining supporters with women in the eighteen to forty-five age group. Plus, there’s been a shift in the undecided category. She’s gained 3 percent in that group. A greater concern is the correspondence we’re receiving from other heads of state.

Michael said, “It’s too early to gauge reactions. It’s been only about a week since Ashley’s decision became public knowledge. All we’re getting now is a read on knee-jerk reactions. It’s natural for there to be an adjustment period. I think we’ll have a far more accurate picture in a couple of months.”

“True,” Ed agreed, “but we’ll continue to monitor the polls to see if there’s any shift in public opinion. At any rate, I think it’s time to move forward with your plan for the director of protocol.”

Michael nodded. “I’ll announce the position tomorrow morning at the press conference. However, I’d like your feedback. Should we announce the position and introduce Paula at the same time? Or just announce the position and introduce Paula later?”

“Personally,” Jack responded, “I think you should announce only the creation of the position tomorrow. If you introduce Paula too soon, it will look like you’re moving too fast to replace your wife, like we had someone waiting in the wings.”

“I agree. That was my take. So, we’ll announce the new position as part of transitioning from one administration to the other.”

Ed added, “One of the key points we need to convey is that your administration is capable of handling anything that comes your way and not to act as if this has immobilized us.”

Michael agreed. “I’ll have Georgia call Paula and let her know she won’t be needed at the meeting tomorrow. He stood up and stretched. “Let’s meet again first thing in the morning. We’ve got a lot to accomplish before the inauguration.”

Everyone was keenly aware of the workload that lay ahead, but every member of Michael’s advisory team was still operating on an adrenaline high from winning the election. They had complete confidence in Michael’s ability to lead and be a great president. They felt fortunate to be part of such a historic event.

Back at his apartment, Michael kicked off his shoes and raided the refrigerator. He plopped down on the sofa and covered his eyes with his forearm. Nothing had really gone as he’d expected this past week. Ashley’s announcement had dwarfed almost everything else. Michael was thankful he’d found a workable solution to the dilemma. He hoped he’d made the right choice in filling the void Ashley’s absence had created. He felt cautiously optimistic about the possibilities.

17

Some reporters talked among themselves while others recorded introductions for tapes that would be completed and aired after the press conference. There was an air of expectancy. They hadn’t been told ahead of time what would be discussed, so there was a great deal of speculation about what the newly elected president might be covering. With all of the drama of the past week, the reporters were ready for just about anything.

President-elect Taylor was prompt. He walked into the room accompanied by Vice President-elect Hughes. Both were smiling and seemed in good humor. Ed Branton and Jack Sutton followed behind them closely.

The president-elect stepped up to the microphone. “Good morning, everyone. We’ve had a busy week, but I’m happy to report we’re making good progress toward transitioning from one administration to another. I’d like to thank President Nelson for all of his cooperation this past week. He’s to be commended for his generosity, and I’d like to thank him for his assistance during this period of transition.

“Two appointments you’re already familiar with. Ed Branton is now my chief of staff, and Jack Sutton is my new press secretary. You’ve seen both of these men in action during my campaign, so you know how capable they are. If it weren’t for them, I probably wouldn’t be here. I’m extremely grateful to both and happy they are joining my White House staff.

“As you all know, last week my wife, Ashley, announced she didn’t intend to fulfill the role of the First Lady. I know that came as a shock, and as I shared at the press conference a week ago, I would have preferred for her to assume the traditional role as past First Ladies have. However, she has chosen to continue her work and has returned to Manhattan.

“This is an unprecedented situation, which called for an unprecedented solution. I believe past First Ladies have accomplished remarkable achievements during their husbands’ time in office, and equally important, they’ve served as official hostess for the White House.

“To preserve that tradition, I’ve created a new administrative position entitled the director of protocol. The number one responsibility for this new director will be to function as the official White House hostess. Other duties will be added to this position as the days unfold.

“I’m confident that this will enable the White House to continue to greet foreign dignitaries and their wives as they always have with the exception that the hostess duties are now separated from the responsibility of the wife of the president.

“In major corporations, the responsibility for entertaining, decorum, and formalities is generally assumed by a staff member of that corporation. In the military, there are officers in charge of protocol. So this isn’t such a giant leap for this administration to take.

“As soon as I fill the director of protocol position, Jack will announce it at one of his daily briefings. Now, if you have any questions, I have time to answer a few.”

Jack stepped forward to assume the responsibility for the remainder of the press conference. He pointed at a reporter. “Your question, Chuck.”

“Mr. President, what other options did you consider before deciding to create the director of protocol job?

Michael listed the other possibilities that had been discussed for dealing with the absence of the First Lady and the possible ramifications of the other choices.

Jack called on another reporter.

“Mr. President, I’m assuming you believed creating a new administrative position was the best solution. Are you anticipating any problems in filling the position?”

“No. I already have a short list of people under consideration for the position, but as you know, before I can decide, each potential candidate has to be vetted.”

Jack pointed to another reporter. “Last question.”

Todd Conway stood. “Have you told your wife about the direction you’re taking, and if so, what was her reaction?”

“Yes, I did tell Ashley as soon as I made the decision. She’s very glad that we were able to reach such a workable solution and wished us well.”

Jack intervened. “Thank you all for coming. We’ll have further announcements regarding President-elect Taylor’s selections for his national security team coming shortly, in addition to other key cabinet positions. Remember, until the inauguration, I’ll be holding daily briefings here at ten in the morning. See you all tomorrow.”

18

NBC – Breaking News – Brian Williams

“In another unprecedented decision, President-elect Taylor has announced the creation of a new position within his administration. He’s calling it the director of protocol. His purpose is to have the new position assume the hosting responsibilities for the absentee First Lady, Ashley Taylor.

“Since election night, Mrs. Taylor has made it clear she does not want to assume the traditional role of the First Lady but rather intends to continue in her job as the director of the Cameron Museum of Art.

“This is the first time the wife of a president has declined to serve in the capacity of the First Lady, and she’s received harsh criticism from both sides of the aisle as has President-elect Taylor. However, Mrs. Taylor doesn’t appear to be reversing her decision even with what I’m sure is a great deal of pressure from many sources.