“Wear that today, pet. Every time you look at me today and see me touching my tie, think of me touching you.”
He smiles. “Yes, Master. Me, too.”
I return to my room to get dressed. Elliot’s parents are in a different wing, so I don’t have to worry about them stumbling over me emerging from his room, but they’re still close enough to cause Elliot anxiety.
First event of the day is a small, private breakfast for us—meaning Elliot, Shae, Chris, Kev, myself, Elliot’s parents and sister, and a few others. Then Elliot and Shae will head over to the White House for pictures and the traditional coffee meeting.
At least I get to tie his tie for him, both of us smiling at each other as I do.
Downstairs in the foyer, as we’re gathering to leave for the White House, Elliot and Shae exchange playful high-fives, captured by the official photographer.
Then Elliot catches my eye and winks.
I wink back.
Other than me wanting to punch President Fullmer for making a disrespectful comment to Shae, one that Kev immediately verbally slapped down, the morning goes well. Before we leave the White House, I see Jordan for all of ten seconds when he swings through on his way to the Chief Usher’s office, and I wish I could pull him into my arms and kiss him.
I resist doing that.
Plus, it’s fuckingcold. The parade is going to be a fricking bitch. I’m hoping Shae doesn’t want to walk the whole damned thing, because Elliot will have to walk it with her. He can’tnotwalk it with her, because that speaks directly to fitness. People will be watching and paying close attention.
Throughout the morning, I keep a close eye on Elliot to see if I need to do anything for him. I’m carrying his messenger bag with his supplies for Duck, in case he needs an emergency adjustment to his socks.
Stella, of course, is a total bitch. While we’re waiting backstage before the swearing in, she swoops in while I’m trying to have a private word with Elliot and absolutely takes over.
For his part, Elliot finally stops her. “Sis, you need to go sit out there and wait with Mom and Dad.”
“But…” She looks at me. “I’m holding the Bible for you!”
“Yeah,outthere. You just interrupted us.”
She glares at me but I’m sure she won’t even remember my face in twenty minutes. She’s that kind of person and hangs with people who aren’t much better than her.
Hard to believe she and my sweet pet share the same parents.
She huffs off to take her seat. Elliot catches my eye and winks, and I wink back as I stroke my tie.
He smiles and touches his.
It’s the best we can do under the circumstances.
Jordan rushes up. “I didn’t miss it, did I?”
“No, you’re just in time. How are things going?”
“We’re getting ready to start. I have to get back soon.” They can’t officially get started until the actual swearing in is handled.
Elliot tucks his left hand in his pocket and extends his right hand. “Thank you for all your hard work, Jordan.”
Jordan glances at me before nodding and shaking with him. “It’s been my pleasure, Vice President Woodley. Thank you for the opportunity.”
That finally draws an honest, easy smile from Elliot. “Not VP for a few minutes yet.”
Shae walks over. “We ready to do this?”
I wish I could pull Elliot in for a hug and kiss, but I can’t. Too many witnesses, too many photographers.
Too many cell phones.
