Page 35 of Dirty Politics

“Thank you.”

More silence.

“How is your little niece?” Ellen said. “She’s the talk of the town.”

“For a reason,” he said. “She’s the best. I wish I had more free time to spend with her.”

“It’s nice to have a little one in the White House,” she said. “We haven’t had a young family in so long.”

“It is; isn’t it.”

Another long pause. Will searched his mind for new topics of conversation but was coming up blank. It had been a while since he’d done this; dating that is.

Was he always this bad at it?

Will was relieved to see the waiter bringing their food. They ate mostly in silence.

“Do you think the budget will pass?” Ellen said as they were finishing up their food.

“Eventually,” Will said. He rubbed his temples. He was tired all of the sudden.

She nodded.

They exited to the sidewalk and stood awkwardly.

“I had a nice time,” Ellen said. She was quite stunning; and probably interesting if he could manage to have a normal conversation with her.

“Me too,” Will said. “We should do it again.”

She smiled.

Maybe I just need a bit more practice.

“Would you like me to call you a cab or did you drive?” he asked.

“I’m just right here,” she said, pointing to a car parked on the street.

“Oh, great.”

“Yes,” she said, rummaging through her purse.

“Have a good evening,” he said. He stepped closer to her and hugged her briefly.

“Thank you,” she said, keys in hand. “You too.”

Will waited until she drove away. When she was gone, he let out a deep breath.

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