Page 35 of The Devil Goes to Washington

“Since when? Last week? We’ve been on our own for eight years, literally living hand to mouth. I’ve worked as many jobs at a time as I could physically handle. And when this year is done, I’ll be right back there. So there is no room for me to be complacent, and certainly no room for me to owe any more than I already do.”

“You’ll still have your stipend unless you insist on a divorce. And once we decide to tell Micah about me, we can make child support arrangements. Do you have other debts besides the hospital?”

“Ha! A single mom, barely scraping by? Of course, I do. I play the credit game just like most of the poor schmucks struggling out there.”

“What if I pay them, and we figure out a reasonable plan for you to pay me back?”

“Not on your life! I will not give you something to hold over me. It was bad enough when I was in love with you. Now, it would just be masochistic.”

He didn’t realize it would hurt to hear her use that phrase in the past tense, meaning that she didn’t love him anymore. He was anxious to comprehend if her statement was really how she felt, or if she had blocked everyone out like he had.

“I’m sorry I overstepped. It won’t happen again. Can you let this slide, knowing that I’m trying to learn how to navigate this new version of us?”

“Michael...just...dammit! One day doesn’t prove anything. We’re such different people than we used to be. I want to believe we can make this work, I really do, but Micah is my priority.”

“And you both are mine. We’ll figure this out, together.”

Chapter 10

“Mrs. Harding,” Michael said like a sigh. “Evie, you look lovely. Quite conservative compared to what you’ve worn for our previous public engagements.”

Michael met her at the bottom of the stairs, offering his hand. Her short, white cardigan, held together by a brooch-like clasp at the top, covered most of the skin her sundress would have left exposed.

“It is a family outing. I was told to exude femininity and motherhood befitting a princess.” She gestured to the wide-brimmed hat with a ribbon that matched her dress.

“Exemplary work meeting the requirements. I assume you are responsible for my new suit, since it coordinates with your ensemble?”

“I didn’t make it but they wanted us to match. I argued against a pink shirt to match the flowers on my dress.”

“I’m grateful. I’ve never considered magenta in my color palette.” Michael did a model spin, showing off the white button-down under his beige linen jacket.

“I brought you something. Since you aren’t wearing a tie for the first time maybe ever, I thought a little pop of color might be acceptable.” She gave him a handkerchief, decorated with the same watercolor fuchsia peonies as her dress.

“A Lady Catherine original? I’m honored.” He folded it into a fan shape and placed it in his front breast pocket. She fixed the collar and smoothed her hands down his lapels, feeling his heart racing.

“Save it for the cameras, people,” Ethan hollered from across the room.

“Watch out, coming through,” alerted a tall man in dungarees, carrying poles and something like lampshades to where they would be taking the first pictures of the day.

“I have something for you too. As much as I appreciate the ring you created. I thought it would be more apropos if you wore my mother’s set.” Michael lifted her hand between them and replaced the simple band. The large round ruby was mounted in a gold and diamond filigree ring. With its matching band, it sparkled in the light of the grand chandelier of the foyer.

“How fantastic! That will be so eye-catching in the photos.” Sabrina interrupted before Evelyn could ask about the ring, but apparently it was just a prop for the day.

“Places please! We’re burning daylight!” a long-haired blond in a black tank top and shredded jeans shouted to the room. Michael kissed her palm and led her into the melee of lights and equipment.

The rest of the day proceeded similarly when the entourage was relocated to the National Mall. Micah ran across the lush grass and around the trees, chased by a bodyguard and the photographer’s assistant. They would eventually rein him in for a posed picture in front of one of the memorials before he took off again.

Michael was the relaxed self he had transformed into after their confrontation about her files. If he wasn’t holding her hand, his arm was around her waist. They laughed at Micah’s exuberance and reminisced about when they had danced until dawn by the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

“Ready to take a load off?” Meghan asked, still carrying the basket Cora had packed.

Evelyn was relieved they had come to the picnic part of the planned activities. It was a beautiful summer day with a light breeze blowing, but the Mall wasn’t meant for high heels, no matter how cute they were.

“Do we have video rolling?” the photographer called out. “Action,” he yelled like he was a Hollywood director when he got the thumbs up from another assistant. Meghan straightened Evelyn’s hat and sweater, while someone pushed the hamper into Michael’s arms.

“We need smiles people. You’re thrilled to be here.”

She grabbed Micah’s hand as someone shoved them toward the marked area on the grass in front of the Washington Monument with the ivory dome of the Capitol in the background.