Marguerite and Sophie were none too happy that their mother got to go to Aunt Chrissy’s swearing-in without them. Rules were rules and all she had was one precious ticket. They’d gotten spoiled going to congressional events with Caroline. She would sneak them in and no one would say anything because the Speaker of the House was too busy hugging the girls and ushering them into whatever party or gathering had been organized.
When it came to the staid and storied United States Senate, things got a little more…distinguished. It wasn’t quite Caroline’s style but as a soon to be first lady of some sort, adjustments had to be made. She rushed the girls off to school and broke any number of traffic laws to ensure she’d get to the ceremony in time.
Christine’s office was tastefully decorated in deep reds and hints of silver and gold. A bold look, one that only Senator-elect Sullivan could pull off. Jessica Sullivan pulled Caroline into a hard hug as soon as she saw her, but Susannah was a little more aloof. An odd response since she and Caroline had done a New Year’s fun run a few days previously.
Caroline wasn’t about to let that pass. She turned to Jess. “What’s with Susannah?”
Jess frowned. “Oh, she’s not pissed at you.”
“The hell she isn’t. What was that?”
Jess pulled Caroline over to the corner of the office. “Mom gave you the ticket she wanted for Jacob.”
Oh boy. She reddened. “Jacob didn’t come?”
“Four tickets, four people. Do the math. Don’t be upset about it. You didn’t know.”
Caroline could practically feel Susannah shooting daggers at the back of her head. Christine had almost certainly told her eldest daughter at the last minute.
“If I had known I wouldn’t have come,” she said.
Jess smiled. “Which is why you weren’t told. Guess we know who Senator-elect Sullivan considers to be family.”
Caroline had enough to worry about without this on top of everything else. “I really, really don’t want to get involved in the drama between your sister and your mother. Like, at all.”
“There’s no drama,” Jess said, laughing when she saw Caroline’s skeptical look. “Okay, there’s some drama but nothing major. Mom’s not sold on Jake. Even if she was, it’s not like you weren’t coming today. Susie’s husband was going to sit at home regardless. It just thickens the tension a shade.”
Caroline glanced over at Susannah, who was chatting with her father. She looked like she’d swallowed something distasteful. Their seating arrangements in the Senate gallery would be very interesting indeed.
“How are you getting along with your mom these days?” Caroline asked.
Jess tried to look indifferent. “Same old, same old.”
That could mean any number of things, but they weren’t exactly in a private place. She and Jess could hash it out later. “Everything cool at school?”
“For the most part. Basketball season is a strain. I literally have to go back up there this afternoon so I don’t miss anything.”
“Mo and Feef and I want to come to a few of your games once we get to Harrisburg. Know anyone who can hook us up with courtside seats?”
Jess laughed. “Have you seen our attendance numbers? I don’t need to hook you up. Just show up five minutes before tipoff.”
“How’s everything else?”
Jess lowered her voice. “It hasn’t been easy. I mean, being away from home is okay but mom and dad are a little weird about things.”
It had been over a year since she’d come out to her parents. With Jess living in Bethlehem over the summer, they hadn’t had much family time. Tom and Christine weren’t happy that their daughter had refused to stay at home, but it wasn’t an unusual act for a college student. And Jess had put in a healthy amount of volunteer hours for her mother’s campaign, all while juggling two part-time jobs.
“Give them a little longer,” Caroline said. “They’ll get used to it. Maybe you can find a nice girl who isn’t lazy like Jake.”
Jess laughed softly. She and her girlfriend Leah had recently broken up but were fast friends. “Baby steps. Let’s find a nice girl they won’t throw out of the house.”
“You talking to Katie?”
“Yeah. It helps. Thanks for letting me know she was willing to chat.”
Kathleen had seemed quite eager to talk to Jess. Probably because her own relationship with her parents was strained. “You’re welcome,” Caroline said. “And you can come visit us any time you want at the Governor’s Mansion.”
“You getting excited?”
“Hard not to be.”
Jess gave her a pensive look. “Mom has been in a mood since you weren’t around all that much during the holidays. I think this has thrown her off.”
Caroline felt a little bad about that. What with packing up bits and pieces of three different houses, tidying up loose ends, and prepping for their move to the middle of Pennsylvania, she’d slacked off on her best friend duties over Christmas break. Still, she tried not to laugh. “I doubt that very much.”
“She’s really attached to you.”
Caroline’s Catholicism was good for many things, but perpetual guilt was her most reliable spiritual takeaway. Stupid parochial school. “I know,” she said. “But we both know she’s not going to talk about it.”
Jess laughed as Tom motioned them toward the door. It was time to leave. “No doubt.”
* * * * *
Caroline sat next to Jess at the swearing-in. Tom provided a very solid buffer between her and Susannah. It made Caroline a bit sad. The two of them had never been best buddies but they’d always had a cordial relationship. It was only a matter of time before Susannah threw her mother’s decision back in her face. Caroline hoped Christine had prepared herself for the possibility that it might happen when the family was at lunch and she was long gone. She had a feeling Susannah wouldn’t say anything in front of her.
Caroline and Christine didn’t speak much as the morning and early afternoon wore on, mostly because Caroline didn’t want to take away from Christine’s time with her family. She also got the distinct feeling that Chrissy was starting to keep her distance. Caroline made a quick stop to say hi to Ellen then ran over to the other side of the Capitol to meet up with Jen.
When Caroline returned to Dirksen, Christine was flitting around, starting to fit into her new role. Caroline glanced at her watch and cursed under her breath. She’d lost track of time again. Did they make some sort of human alarm? She could use one of those.
“I need to get going soon,” she said. “Traffic is going to be terrible and I swore that I’d pick the girls up when school got out.”
Jess smiled. “Practicing your stay at home mom bit?”
Christine would die if she saw her acting childish, but Caroline didn’t care. She stuck her tongue out at Jess. “Don’t go there.”
“I won’t,” she said. “When do they start school in Harrisburg?”
The dramatic farewells had already begun, which was part of the reason Caroline had promised to pick them up from school every day until they moved. “End of the month. I didn’t want to pull them out for more than a week or so. They’re saying their goodbyes in Rockville for the next couple of weeks.”
“You’re so demanding,” Jess said. “Not even giving them time to catch their breath.”
“I know. And they have to start wearing uniforms, which they aren’t very happy about.”
“You gonna run a Brownie troop when you get to the state capitol? Maybe be Sophie’s room mother?”
“I’m debating it. Might be some good opportunities for photo-ops. You know how much I love those.”
Jess knew exactly how much Caroline hated faux feel-good camera-ready projects. “Do you already have the convent school picked out if they rebel against the wearing of the plaid?”
“Jessica,” Tom said sharply. “Stop hassling Caroline.”
Caroline put her arm around Jess. “It’s okay. It’s a mutual appreciation society.”
Jess gave her a half hug. “No doubt.”
Christine hustled into the office. She already seemed stressed. “I need to get started on some things,” she said. “Maybe we should get lunch out of the way now.”
Caroline looked at her apologetically. “I’ve got to get going. Mo and Feef need to be picked up.”
Christine sounded surprised. “So soon?”
“Yeah,” Caroline said. “I promised.”
“I see.” Christine’s voice was stiff. “I was hoping we could spend a little more time together before you left.”
Caroline had already quite theatrically signed her guest book and told her that she had some serious constituent concerns that needed to be addressed. Clearly Christine hadn’t realized she was kidding. “The three of you will be fine,” she said, her voice a little heartier than her mood.
“Of course we will,” Tom said, as he and Susannah got up from the couch. “In fact, I think-”
Susannah gave Christine a hard look. “Mother, are you crying?”
Christine cleared her throat. “I am not.”
Susannah took a step toward her. “No, you definitely-”
“Let’s give your mother a minute,” Tom said, pushing his daughters out the door. “Jess, Susie, let’s figure out where we want to go to lunch.”
Caroline shut the door behind him. Christine had shifted behind her desk, staring out the window at the Capitol with her hands clenched. Caroline came up behind her and put a hand on her shoulder. “Chrissy, it’s just us.”
Christine spun around, blinking rapidly. “Sorry,” she said. “Didn’t mean for that to happen. I’m sorry Thomas foisted me on you like that.”
As if she didn’t know damn well that Caroline would understand why Tom had given them privacy. Sometimes Christine’s insecurities were too much. Caroline smiled. “You know it’s okay. I wish I could stay, but-”
“I understand.”
Her words were contradicted by her behavior as well as her body language. Christine didn’t understand at all but would never break down and ask Caroline to stay. Caroline squeezed her shoulder and turned to face Christine’s desk, picking up a photo of the two of them. Right next to the one of Christine and her family.
“This is a nice touch,” she said.
Christine glanced at it before turning toward the window. “It seemed appropriate.”
“We can replace it with one from the inaugural in a couple of weeks,” Caroline said. “My dress looks spectacular.”
Christine laughed shortly. “I’ll bet.”
“And if yours looks like crap, we can always Photoshop it or something.”
Christine tried to hide her eye roll, but Caroline caught it. “I assure you that I will be dressed appropriately for said party. Tell me more about your outfit.”
“It’s totally Scarlett O’Hara,” she said. “I don’t know how I’m going to swing dance in it, but I’m sure Jack will think of something.”
Christine wrapped her arms around herself. “I’m sure he will.”
Caroline inched closer to Christine. “Are you okay?”
Christine lowered her head. “Just a little cold. Is it cold in here?”
It had to be at least seventy-five degrees in the room, maybe warmer. And Christine was wearing a winter suit. “Maybe a little,” Caroline lied.
Christine looked over at Caroline. “This is harder than I thought it would be.”
She closed her eyes. “I know.”
“Please don’t start crying,” Christine said, her voice cracking. “If you do then I don’t think I’ll be able to get through this.”
Caroline sniffled loudly, then laughed. “That’s pretty much a guarantee that I’ll start the waterworks.”
Christine unwound her arms and brought one around Caroline’s waist. “Susannah is mad at me because I gave you Jacob’s ticket.”
She admitted it. That was refreshing. “It didn’t have anyone’s name on it,” Caroline said, squeezing Christine’s shoulder. “But I appreciate that you thought of me.”
“I like Jack much more than Jacob. You can tell him I said that.”
Christine was going somewhere with this. Caroline just wasn’t sure where. She decided to play along. “He’ll consider that a huge compliment. That’s like saying you like broccoli better than beets.”
“Probably. I’ll eat broccoli if it’s prepared properly. Beets are a hard no.”
Caroline made a face. She hated beets. “I’ll keep that in mind if I ever serve you fancy pasta salad.”
“It’s been hard for me,” Christine said quietly. “These past couple of years. Sharing you again. I knew how to share you with Nick because that was how I found you. I got spoiled having you to myself and I haven’t transitioned very well.”
She was getting introspective. Caroline wasn’t going to stop her. Who knew when it would happen again? She raised her eyebrows, beckoning her friend to continue.
Christine rubbed her forehead. “I got used to being the most important person in your life. I didn’t like knowing that someone else was taking over that role. That’s not Jack’s fault. It could have been anyone and I would have felt the same way.”
“You’re so important to me, Chrissy. You always have been and you always will be.”
Christine shivered even though the room was warm. “I’ve missed living with you,” she said. “It’s hard sharing you with other people when I don’t see you as much.”
It had been a rough transition. After Caroline and Jack got engaged, Christine didn’t need any direction. She packed up her stuff and marched back to her apartment on Capitol Hill, kicking her subletters out. Caroline wasn’t entirely sure if she bought off the contract or just yelled at them until they moved. Even though she and Christine had done their fair share of joint appearances during the past election cycle, they hadn’t seen each other as much as they would have liked.
“I’ve missed you too,” she said. “You came to live with me under some tough circumstances, but I’m glad you were there.”
“Do you remember the first time we went to lunch together?” Christine asked.
Caroline laughed. She’d had Jen lie for her so Christine thought it was a giant gathering of various female members of Congress. Caroline wanted to pick Christine’s brain during a one-on-one session to see if she was as aloof as she appeared or if it was all an act. “I was pretty sneaky back then,” she said.
Christine smiled. “You still are. I almost canceled, though. I’m so glad I didn’t.” She squeezed Caroline a little tighter. “You’re my best friend too,” she said.
“I know.”
“You and Tom,” she whispered. “You’re who I can count on. You’re who I’ve got.”
Caroline leaned in closer. “You have a lot more than that.”
“You know what I mean. You’re the ones.”
“Chrissy-”
Christine pivoted awkwardly and grabbed Caroline in an unexpectedly fierce hug. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
“Sure you can. We’re still going to see each other. As often as we want. And you can call and text and email until you’re sick of me.”
“It’s not the same.”
“Did you expect everything to stay the same?”
Christine pulled back a little. “That would have been nice.”
Caroline tightened their hug again. “Everything is going to be fine. You’ll see.”
“I’m going to miss you,” Christine said softly.
Caroline let out a shuddering breath. If she lost it, Christine was liable to go crazy. “I’m going to miss you too. Maybe I can get Jack to put you on some statewide committee or something. Then you’d have excuses to visit.”
Christine laughed. “I don’t care if it would look bad. I’d take it.”
“I am so proud of you,” Caroline whispered. “I want you to know that. Proud of who you are, not just of what you’ve accomplished.”
“You always know the right thing to say,” Christine said.
“I’m a skilled politician.”
Christine laughed again. “You’re hitting them all today. May I come visit you while you’re in Rockville for the next couple of weeks?”
“Dinner every night, if you want.”
“Are you doing the cooking?”
“Jack will be in Philadelphia, so probably.”
Christine freed herself from their embrace. “I might not be that desperate for food. Though I hear the Senate dining room leaves a lot to be desired.”
Caroline rolled her eyes. “What is it with you people and your constant joking? My cooking is not that bad. My children are still alive.”
Christine patted her arm. “We’re all grateful that you’ll have a chef at the Governor’s Mansion.”
Caroline pretended to be offended. “Jerk.”
Christine put her arm around Caroline’s shoulder, pressing them both toward the window. She was showing so much affection that Caroline wanted to ask her if she’d been drinking.
“Not a bad view, huh?” Christine said.
“You earned it.”
“I had some help.”
“It was mostly you. You never give yourself your due.”
“I really am going to miss you, Punky.” Christine tilted her head toward Caroline. “It’s good to see you so happy. It’s been a long time and I – it’s very good to see you this way.”
“I feel different,” Caroline said. “I mean, I feel good but I’m terrified that something will come along and take it all away.”
“I doubt that. You earned this too. You deserve to be happy.” Christine turned to look Caroline in the eye. “I’m glad you have Jack. It’s clear that he brings joy into your life.”
Caroline smiled. Jack was pummeling the hell out of Jacob in the Christine popularity contest. “It took a long time to get back to this place.”
“You’ve never been this way before. This is what you’re supposed to be. Punky Enhanced.”
Caroline laughed. “Now you’re being silly.”
Christine sniffled. “That’s because I’m trying not to lose it and lock you in that side closet over there.”
Caroline gave her a big hug, knowing she’d be willing to accept it. “You have two weeks before I go to Harrisburg. I know we’ll both be busy but I will make time for you if you’re free. Understand?”
“Yes.” Christine pulled away, straightening her jacket and smoothing her hair. “You can tell Thomas and the girls I’m ready to go to lunch.”
Just like that, sensitive Christine was gone. Caroline squeezed her shoulder. “I will. I love you, Chrissy.”
Christine didn’t say anything for a long time.
“I know,” she finally whispered. “But thank you for reminding me.” She turned back toward the window.
Caroline silently stepped out the door. “Give her a minute,” she told Tom.
He nodded, and she knew he understood. “Sure.”
She hugged each of them in turn. Jess held on for a while but Susannah accepted the gesture rigidly.
“Thank you for letting me share this with you,” Caroline said.
Tom kissed her on the cheek. “See you in a couple of weeks,” he said.
Caroline glanced back at the office door. She considered going back for one more hug but she needed to cut the cord as much as Christine did. “Take care of her,” she said.
Tom laughed. “That’s harder than it sounds.”
“Try anyway.”
“You know I do.”
Caroline looked at her watch. “I gotta go. If I’m late I’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Give the girls a hug and kiss from us,” Tom said.
“I will,” she said, grabbing her coat and running out of the office.