Broken Politics

by Janae Keyes

  After the meal I found myself standing near the drinks table sipping a glass of champagne. I hadn’t realized that Matthew was now standing not far from me until I heard his voice. I turned slightly in his direction.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked him at once. He gave me a grin before taking a sip of his own drink.

  “Well, Joe and I went to Harvard together. We even pledged the same fraternity.” Matthew explained.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you would be here?” I asked him not directly looking at him in order to not draw any attention to us.

  “I wanted to surprise you.” He said. I looked at him more. He smiled. My stomach flipped. I went to open my mouth to say something when I heard my name being called. I looked to see a young man with dirty blonde hair coming in my direction.

  “Kayla Johnson this is the last place I would ever expect to see you.” The man said as he came to me and pulled me into a hug. “How are you?”

  “Wow Andrew I’m good. How are you?” I asked him as he let me go from the huge hug. He just looked at me and smiled for a moment.

  “I’m good. I’m good. I’m still just shocked to see you here at a wedding filled with republicans.” Andrew said as he ran a hand down my arm. It has been a long time since I felt that touch.

  “I work with the bride.”

  “Oh yeah you are at the White House for MetroGirl I’ve seen your articles.”

  “You still read my stuff?”

  “I guess being once engaged to a MetroGirl writer I get a lifetime subscription. Without fail every month a copy is mailed to my house.” He explained. I saw Matthew shift out of the corner of my eye. I hadn’t spoken much to him about any of my past relationships. It had been a couple years since I last saw Andrew. I’d just broken off our engagement and I was moving my things from his place when I last saw him.

  “I guess so.” I laughed nervously.

  “So yeah…umm… I work with Joseph at Senator Thurstan’s office.” Andrew said. “It’s really good to see you Kayla. I’ve wanted to call you, but I’ve never known what to say. Umm… I miss you... a lot.” Andrew was looking me in my eyes. I hadn’t expected this and having Matthew standing near it felt incredibly awkward.

  “Andrew… I… I don’t know what to say. I didn’t expect this at all, but I’m sorry. I’m seeing someone.” I asserted. I instantly felt bad, but nothing in me felt anything for him anymore and I knew it was best to just tell him the truth than to lead him on.

  “Yeah…” he said as he shifted on his feet. “It was good to see you though.”

  “Umm you too.” I said. He gave me a small wave before he quickly hurried away. Matthew then stepped in front of me.

  “Meet me near the restrooms in five minutes.” He said in a hushed voice before he walked away.

  After waiting five minutes I made my way towards the restrooms. As I passed a door Chris one of the Secret Service agents on Matthew’s detail came from behind it.

  “This way ma’am.” Chris instructed. I followed Chris into the door and down a flight of stairs. I realized we were in a wine cellar. I saw Matthew standing near a barrel of wine. I then heard footsteps behind me and turned to see Chris going back up the stairs. I turned back to Matthew. He gave me a grin.

  I wandered towards Matthew and the moment I was in touching distance he quickly pulled me to him and kissed me deeply. The electricity in that single moment as almost too much for me. He turned me so that the barrel of wine was against my back. His hands held tightly at my waist. One hand slipped down my back and instantly he gripped at my backside.

  “Matthew…” I breathed out slightly breaking the kiss.

  “You never told me you were engaged.” He then said to me. I looked him in the eyes.

  “It was awhile ago.” I answered truthfully. “I loved him, but that was before he cheated on me. I ended it and that was it. I moved out of his place and I hadn’t seen him since. It was weird though…seeing him.”

  “But you let him know that you were seeing someone I heard.” Matthew gloated grinning at me.

  “I am. The guy I’m seeing is pretty amazing and insanely sexy.” I gushed as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

  “I like your hair straight.” He said as he removed his hand from my butt and ran a finger through my straight tresses.

  “Thanks. I thought I’d change it up.” I said giving him a smile. He hovered his lips over mine. I could feel his shallow breath. He came closer and began to suck on my bottom lip and grazed it with his teeth. I moaned in response. He stopped kissing me and just looked at me. A lazy grin appeared on his face.

  “Would you like to dance with me?” he asked. “I couldn’t quite ask you upstairs with all the eyes on us.”

  “I would love to dance with you Mr. President.” I said as he pulled me close to him.

  The two of us started to glide around the small space we had. I looked him in the eyes and smiled. His hands settled on my hips. The feeling of his body heat against me felt so familiar and so good. As he pulled me closer I could feel his arousal pressing against me. I could only think of getting back to the White House with him. I then remembered I still had packing to finish before Paris. This trip wasn’t going to be as I expected it to be and I resented that, but at least I was going to be near him and that is all that mattered.

  BROKEN POLITICS

  Bonjour Paris

  President Von Hansen is set to make his first State Visit to France this week. He and French President Laurent Olivier will be meeting for the first time. There are reports that the women of France are making pilgrimages to Paris in order to get a look at the “American Hunk” as he is being referred to over there. It’s so funny how the political decisions of the world are being based on how good looking a politician is. It is all a bunch of ridiculous crap that pisses me off. I guess we will see the outcome of this trip once it’s over. YAY for diplomacy!

  Until Then,

  K

  Chapter Ten

  Kayla

  TRUTHFULLY I WAS really excited. It was my first time on Air Force One and my very first time in Paris. I sat in my seat with everyone else from the Press Corp with Tatiana next to me. I thought of Matthew and how much I hated leaving his bed so early this morning, but I was supposed to pick Tatiana up at her place so we could head off to make it on time for the flight.

  I glanced over to Tatiana who was busy putting on lip-gloss for at least the 10th time since I’d picked her up this morning. I observed at her outfit. I couldn’t believe that for a flight with the White House Press Corp she decided that a hot pink crop top with tight white jeans would be appropriate. I was afraid to see what her wardrobe looked like for the rest of the trip. She pulled out her cell phone.

  “Kayla get in the picture.” She oozed as she held out the phone to capture the two of us in a photo. “Ooo it came out cute.” She said as she gushed at the photo. I rolled my eyes. I was going to have to deal with her for the next seven hours. “Hashtag Selfie, Hashtag In This Bitch, Hashtag Air Force One, Hashtag Journalist, Hashtag MetroGirl, Hashtag Going to Paris, Hashtag Paris, and Hashtag Love.” She chattered off as she typed on her phone. I could only hope I would get shot in the head very soon.

  “Alright everyone, we ask that you turn off any electrical devices. We will be taking off in just a few moments.” A voice announced. At least Tatiana wouldn’t be taking selfies the entire flight.

  We were two hours into the flight and Tatiana was fast asleep with her mouth wide open. I sat reading a book on my iPad when a server passed by me and handed me a small piece of paper. I opened it to find a note in Matthew’s handwriting.

  HEAD TOWARDS THE FRONT OF THE PLANE. RAY WILL DIRECT YOU FROM THERE. – M

  I unbuckled my seatbelt and got out of my seat. Walking towards the front would take me towards one of the restrooms so I wasn’t going to be drawing too much attention to myself plus it seemed that everyone was either working or fast asleep. I stepped up the aisle until I reache
d a door. I opened it and there was Ray my favorite of Matthew’s Secret Service detail.

  “Hello Kayla.” He said giving me a smile.

  “Hey Ray how’s it going?” I asked as I followed him.

  “It’s going good.”

  “The wife and kids alright?” We reached a flight of stairs. I followed him up the stairs.

  “They are doing great.” He answered. Once up the stairs it seemed as if the plane changed from being a normal plane to a hotel suite. Everything was beautiful like flying on a private jet, but it was the ultimate private jet. He led me to a door. “He’s in there.” Ray simply said as he gave me a nod.

  I opened the door to see Matthew sitting on a brown leather couch with a glass in his hand. The liquor was amber and I suspected it to be bourbon, which was Matthew’s poison of choice. Matthew sat his glass down. I closed the door behind me and walked to the couch. The moment I reached him he pulled me on top of him so that I was straddling him. I giggled as he instantly planted wispy kisses on my neck.

  “How’s the ride so far?” he asked me, brushing his lips slightly against the skin of my neck.

  “It’s alright I guess. At least Tatiana fell asleep.” I said peering down at him. I was still incredibly bitter that Kizzy had decided to send someone with me for this trip.

  “Are you hungry?” he asked me.

  “Yes I’m starving.”

  “I ordered us lunch before you arrived. It should come soon.” He said to me as he ran his hands down my back. I bent down and gave him a strong kiss. I loved being with him. I loved that we could at least spend a few minutes together. I moved my body off of him to take the seat at his side. He put his arms around me and held me close. I inhaled the now very familiar scent of nutmeg and sage.

  “So this is Air Force One.” I said as I looked around. Where we were was set up like a small living room. The leather couch we sat on was very comfortable.

  “Mmm Hmm.” He mumbled into my hair. I looked around the place. I couldn’t believe what I was thinking, but I could get used to this. “So it’s your first trip to Paris?”

  “Yes I’m so excited. I went to London in college, but that was it. I am so excited to try and explore Paris.” I said happily as I lifted my head from his shoulder and looked at him. “What’s your schedule like?”

  “Let me see.” He said as he picked up a leather folder that had the presidential seal on the front. He opened the folder and there is his schedule for the entire trip. “When we land I am going straight to meet the French president. Then there is a luncheon with the President. In the late afternoon I get some time to rest and in the evening I am having dinner at the residence of the French President with him and his wife. Tomorrow in the morning there is this MetroGirl interview with some reporter named Kayla Johnson whoever she is.” He looked at me with a grin on his face. I stuck my tongue at him. “Then some ceremony at the Eiffel Tower followed by lunch with some people followed by some meetings with the President, then there is a press conference, and a fancy gala in my honor.”

  “Sounds like fun.” I said slightly disappointed that there wasn’t enough time for the two of us to be together. The one thing I wanted I knew would be impossible. I wanted to explore Paris with him, but while keeping us a secret that would be impossible.

  “We will find some time for us. I promise.” He said to me as he rubbed his thumb over my cheek. It was like he read my mind. I loved that on occasion he seemed to be able to do that. “I almost forgot.” He said as he leaned over to a cabinet and pulled out a small box. I noticed the box was for a cell phone. “It’s a totally secured phone so we can talk whenever. When I call you it will come up as Secure on the screen. I’m the only one with the number and it can be used all over the world at anytime. I’m the only one in the phonebook also under Secure.” He explained to me.

  “Wow this is great.” I said as I opened the box and pulled out the cell phone. I leaned to him and kissed him. There was then a knock on the door. I quickly pulled away and moved so I was not so close to him before the door opened.

  “Mr. President.” Called a voice. It was Victor. I rolled my eyes. Of course Victor would ruin my small time with Matthew. The door opened and there stood Victor looking smug. I shivered at the negative energy that seemed to instantly enter the room. I gave Matthew a sad look before I stood up.

  “Well thank you for your time Mr. President.” I said to Matthew who smirked at me. I started to make my way to the door where Victor is standing.

  “Anytime Ms. Johnson. I will see you for that interview.” Matthew said to me. I gave him a small smile before I made it to the door.

  “Hello Mr. Carpenter.” I then said to Victor.

  “Ms. Johnson.” Victor grumbled as he moved out of my way allowing to me exit. I sighed as I make it out of the room and Victor closed the door. Just as I entered the small hall I saw a stewardess with a cart I knew contained the lunch Matthew had ordered for us. I guessed I would now be enjoying whatever was provided for the press and spend lunch with Tatiana.

  Matthew

  I WAS COMPLETELY exhausted after everything so far. It was my second day in Paris. The day before had been completely full and today was planned to be another full one. It was a great trip and a lot of diplomacy was happening, but the one thing I missed was Kayla. If the press was allowed at an event she was there, but always so far away from me. I’d gotten back to my hotel so late from the French President’s residence for dinner that I didn’t dare call Kayla because I knew she was also exhausted.

  I was now immensely excited because I was to about to see her. She was going to be interviewing me for this video thing for the MetroGirl website. I knew she hadn’t been looking forward to it because she wasn’t much of a broadcast reporter and she preferred to stick to writing.

  I fixed my tie in the mirror and determined that I looked decent enough. I’d decided to simply wear navy slacks, a light blue button up, a red tie, and a navy jacket. I opened the door to my hotel suite and waiting for me was my Secret Service detail.

  “Are you ready to go sir?” Ray asked me.

  “Yeah I’m ready.” I expressed to Ray as I closed the door behind me. I was escorted down to my limo that was waiting out front. As I exited the hotel there were plenty of reporters waiting outside and the flashes of their cameras started to go off. I gave my best fake smile and wave before getting into the back of the limo.

  ARRIVING AT THE location of the interview I spotted Kayla right away. I was itching to get out of the limo to be face to face with her. There was a small camera crew with her and a girl who I assumed was Tatiana from what I’ve heard from Kayla. The door of the limo was opened for me and I walked right over to the crew. An entire block along the river Seine had been shut down for this. Kayla greeted me with a smile and her hand extended.

  “Good morning Mr. President. Thank you so much for allowing us to do this.” She said to me. It was very amusing when she was formal with me in public.

  “No problem Ms. Johnson.” I said to her. I wanted to touch her. I wanted to smell her lavender scent and I wanted to kiss her soft and full lips. I just looked at her for a moment. She looked absolutely stunning in her floral dress that is just short enough without being too short and her hair was straight and down her back and slightly blowing in the light breeze.

  “Oh Em Gee I can’t believe I am like a foot from the President.” The girl I assumed was Tatiana squealed out in delight. She didn’t look like she was about to direct in an interview with me. She wore a tattered and very short jean skirt and a purple halter-top. I would swear she was on vacation and not working.

  “Hello Ms.” I greeted her with a kind smile.

  “Hi Mr. President I’m Tatiana.” She said cheerfully.

  “Hello Tatiana.” I said. I could see Kayla trying to not laugh. She looked adorable as she held her lips together in order to keep a laugh from slipping out.

  “So are you ready to get started Mr. President?” Kayla asked me
.

  “Yes very ready.” I answered looking directly at her. It was hard to not stare. I still couldn’t believe that she was mine.

  “Where do you want us Tatiana?” Kayla asked her seemingly overly caffeinated co-worker. One of the crewmembers approached me with a mic-pack to put on. I removed my jacket so he could hook the pack to the back of my pants and he was able to awkwardly run the wire under my shirt. I’d been through this countless times so I didn’t even flinch. I watched as Kayla also got her microphone on. The way she moved her body so effortlessly and moved her hair to the side exposing the nape of her neck. I could instantly remember the feeling of my lips on the delicate skin of her neck. I knew exactly the places she liked to be kissed.

  “Mr. President…Mr. President… Earth to da President.” I heard Tatiana’s voice fade in. I snapped out of my daze and gave the young girl a kind smile. “I want you and Kayla walking along the river as she asks you questions. There is a bench at the end where you two will sit to finish the interview.”

  “Sounds good to me.” I remarked. I walked over to Kayla who was standing closer to the river. She gave me a grin as I approached. I wished I could read her mind in that moment.

  “And 3…2…1…Action.” Tatiana said.

  “I’m so happy you could join us Mr. President.” Kayla greeted me for the cameras. I loved her professional voice. It was laced with intrigue and power. As much as she didn’t like being in front of the camera it was very obvious that she was a natural at it and could have a nice career as a television journalist.