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You were never late, at least not THIS late. The train into DC from your apartment in Alexandria was held up this morning and you had no way of contacting your supervisor. You basically ran from the train to catch a bus heading into DC.
Usually, that would be fine; but you worked as an assistant to press secretary Marta Hoffman. Marta was a beautiful, competent and direct woman. You dreamed of becoming someone as badass as Marta; not only had she served in the United States Military as one of the only females in her unit, but she had also survived terrorist attacks overseas.
Now, you were going to disappoint her, by being late and unprepared. You thought about writing your resignation letter right then and there.
You stepped inside the security clearance area just outside the Whitehouse, checking your wristwatch anxiously, it was possible they hadn’t started the meeting with the President yet.
After security clearance you rushed into the wing that held the press room, you were busy looking down at your papers making sure they were presentable when you and what felt like a very hard wall collided.
Your eyes locked with the ground trying to scramble and pick up your paperwork.
“I’m so sorry! I wasn’t looking where I was going, are you okay?” you looked up and y/c eyes met warm blue ones.
You vaguely recognized the man as one of the President’s personal agents.
“This day couldn’t possibly get any worse.” You thought to yourself.
“I should be asking if you’re okay.” The man said kneeling down to help you up. “You’re the one who fell.”
You looked down, you were so embarrassed you felt frozen in place.
The man seemed to notice this and gently grabbed your elbow, and lifted you up.
“I think I recognize you, aren’t you Marta’s assistant? She’s been looking for you. I’ll take you to where she is.”
“Thanks..!” you managed to get out.
“It’s no problem, she’ll be happy to see you.” he smiled reassuringly.
Your shoulders began to relax and you began to walk straighter.
The two of you arrived in the conference room.
Marta ran over to you.
“Y/N! Honey, I’m so glad to see you!”
“Marta! I am so sorry, there was a delay on the train! I totally understand if you have to let me go for this, my tardiness was unacceptable-”
She cut you off.
“Y/N, you’re fine sweetie! There was a huge accident on one of the rail lines! I was worried you were caught up in that. The press meeting has been delayed for a couple of hours because of it.”
You felt so dense, you had been so caught up in being late, you didn’t even try to investigate what the cause of the hold up was. You felt so selfish, worried about being late, when others had lost loved ones today.
All you could do was just sit down and put your head in your hands.
“I feel like a jerk, those poor families.” You said muffled by your hands.
Marta sat down next to you and put her hand on your back, in between your shoulder blades. “I think you deserve brunch, on me.” She turned to the agent who was still standing there awkwardly.
“Patrick, why don’t you grab Agent Kennedy? Y/N and I need some good company. I think you two will do.”
“Patrick” smiled and answered enthusiastically “Yes ma’am.”
~~~~~~~~
Your group had arrived at The Lafayette, and were immediately escorted to a private table near the back.
You still needed time getting adjusted to how much clout Marta had. Anytime you were with Marta, you were treated like royalty, American royalty. She had an extremely important job working with the President; you still wondered why, out of all the qualified applicants she had picked you.
You were brought out of your intrusive thoughts, when Agent Kennedy addressed you directly.
“So, Y/N. How do you like working for Marta? I bet she’s the worst boss.” He said sarcastically.
“She’s actually an incredible role model and someone I truly admire.” You answer honestly.
“Agent Kennedy” laughs at your response and you feel your face redden in embarrassment.
Marta comes to your defense immediately, “You’re just jealous because Patrick doesn’t talk about you like that, Leon.”
Leon smiles. “You’re right. I’m crushed.” He feigned pain.
You felt yourself lighten up and you giggled softly.
Patrick, who had been silent up until this, laughed with you.
Marta and Leon spent the lunch discussing President Graham’s plans for the press conference and their opinions on how the United States was handling Bio-Terrorism.
You were listening intently, almost afraid to speak. You looked over to Patrick to see how he was doing.
He had his elbow on the table, hand cradling his head. His dark curly hair and light eyes suited him; there was no denying he was traditionally handsome.
You must have been gazing a bit longer than you intended, because he made eye contact and winked at you.
You were embarrassed, but you decided this was the perfect “in” to start a conversation.
“How long have you been working for President Graham?” You thought that was a safe question to start off with.
He takes his elbow off the table and sits up straighter. “Since a little before 2005. I’ve been working with Leon as a special agent since 2006.”
“That’s really neat.” You say politely, but also unsure to answer. He says it is so nonchalant, like he works at an accounting firm.
He smiles at you, like he understands the precarious nature of his job and how others might view him.
“Are you just out of College Y/N? You look young.” he says in response.
“I am just out of College, but I’m not as young as you think I am. I was in the Air Force before I went to school on the GI bill.”
“Air Force?” He asked surprised.
“Yeah, it seemed like the most logical option after High School, I needed an out of my dad’s house and they needed warm bodies.”
“I bet you weren’t just a warm body, you did end up working in the White House straight out of school, Y/N.” He said, assuringly. “Sounds like you were an asset.”
“And is currently an asset to MY team.” Marta said, adding to the conversation.
You shifted uncomfortably in your seat, you didn’t think she’d be interested in your conversation.
“I didn’t want another nepotism baby from a political family.” Marta continued, “ When I saw Y/N’s resume and service, I knew she’d be the most dependable candidate.”
“Marta, that’s very sweet. Thank you, I don’t know what to say.” You said, feeling warm with praise.
Agent Kennedy rolled his eyes. “God, Marta, you've got her eating out of your hand.” He turned to you. “Do you happen to be single, sweetheart? I think you might be my type.”
Marta playfully swatted Agent Kennedy. “Trust me, you’re not her type Kennedy.”
He looked at you, “What is your type Y/n?”
Like always you responded truthfully. “Someone who values commitment, I guess?
The whole table bursted into laughter including Leon.
“I told you man! You’ve got a reputation in this town!” Patrick said between laughs cupping Leon’s shoulder in a friendly manner.
You smiled too, because for the first time since being employed in The White House, you felt like you were starting to fit in socially.
“Y/N, that was incredible. Agent Kennedy totally deserved that.” Marta said.
~~~~~~~
You all were walking down the hallway of the White House where the press office was being held. Marta and Leon led the way, while Patrick and yourself straggled behind, side by side.
“Do you have any plans for this weekend?” Patrick asked, breaking the silence.
“Not really, I’m just going to find something to do.” You said absentmindedly. “What about you?”
“I’m hoping that I’ll be what you’re doing this weekend.” He said winking at you.
You couldn’t help but scoff, but you were smiling.
“That was smooth, but what else do I expect from a government agent?”
“Seriously, Y/N, I think we could have a good time. We can do whatever you want. Here,” he said, fiddling in his suit pocket. He pulls out a card with his info. “Call me.”
With that you two went your separate ways into the theater.
~~~~~~~~~~
The next month passed a little too quickly for your tastes.
The press conference had caused a lot of riling up, as the news was not what a lot of people wanted to hear.
Marta was doing damage control, as you were inundated with editing press releases, questions and other duties.
You felt like you had no free time since you last met with Patrick.
You were sorting through memos when you were reminded of tomorrow night’s White House Gala. You felt silly for almost forgetting, you wanted to look your best. You were thankful you didn’t have to worry about a date;
because you secretly hoped Patrick would be there.
You wanted to apologize to him in person for not being in touch.
The next day was spent running around, making sure the correct people had the correct clearance and also that Marta felt supported.
Once you got all the loose ends tied up, you finally started focusing on your appearance.
You wanted to make a good impression on everyone in attendance, but you also didn’t want to stand out too much.
The dress you had picked was a knee length, black, satin dress, that had off the shoulder straps, accentuating your decollete.
You decided to apply some iridescent powder to accentuate your bust and collarbones.
You decided to style your hair in a classy updo and wear diamond studs in your ears. Your shoes were a sensible height, but strappy enough to still be sexy. You wore a simple face of makeup: a lightly lined top lid and clean dewy skin. The only thing that stuck out was the brick red lipstick you chose, giving a vintage look to your ensemble.
When you were done getting dressed, you took a step back in the mirror and admired yourself. You were still nervous, it felt like you were going to the prom by yourself hoping to get to dance with the Prom King.
You shook yourself out of your insecurity and walked out confidently to the hired car Marta had rented for the night.
The chauffeur opened the door for you and tipped his hat; Marta and her husband, Simon, were already in the car. Marta was checking her blackberry while Simon sipped boredly on champagne.
When you settled in the vehicle Simon’s eyes lit up when he saw you.
“Marta! Look! Our little girl is all grown up!”
Marta’s eyes snapped up from her phone to Simon, then to you, her jaw dropped instantly.
“My god,Y/N! You look like a woman, not just any woman, but a lady! Simon, we have to turn this car around, I’m completely distraught.” She joked dramatically.
“Geez, normal compliments would be nice every once in a while.” You had spent so much time with Marta and Simon, they really had become your family, so you were used to their eccentric personalities and habits.
“Are you all dressed up because you hope our dear Patrick is there, honey?” Marta said with a smirk and a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
You felt the blood drain from your face and Simon began to giggle. “Her face says it all, Marta! You’re torturing her!”
“Don’t worry, Y/N, I promise you two will have plenty of time to get friendly with one another.”
The rest of the ride was filled with Marta and Simon planning your “imaginary” wedding to Patrick. You were thankful when you finally got to the venue of the Gala. You stepped out of the car and went to work. Even though it was a Gala, it was still a publicized event and you had to make sure everyone behaved.
You had just turned down a sharp dressed waiter with a tray of champagne before you saw a familiar man with dark tendrils of curly hair passing through the crowd. You were unsure of how to approach him. Sure, he had expressed interest in you previously, but he was a very handsome man; he probably had moved on already.
You thought you’d just count your losses when you felt a large warm hand on your shoulder.
“Hey, Y/n! Looking for someone?” It was Agent Kennedy.
You turned around and smiled at him. “Um not really, I’m just trying to stay out of the way to be completely transparent.”
“You’re a terrible liar, I saw the way you looked at Patrick just now. You should go talk to him.”
You began to stutter a little bit.
“Trust me he’s completely heart broken. You haven’t even emailed the guy since you last saw him.”
You gasped and brought your hand to your mouth without thinking. You felt terrible.
“Y/n, you’re so gullible, you’d make a terrible agent.” He laughed, to your dismay.
“I’m only kidding, but I know he’d definitely be very happy to see you, especially since you look beautiful tonight.” He said taking your hand in a princely manner.
“You are a great wingman, Agent Kennedy.” You said gently, taking your hand back.
“Gotta look out for my people.” He said, taking a sip of his champagne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
You took your time, gently weaving through the crowds of the large ballroom until you reached the veranda overlooking a garden. You saw Patrick leaning on the railing looking out thoughtfully.
You slowly approached him and gently laid a hand on his upper back.
“Hey,” you said, voice above a whisper.
He looked over at you and his eyes lit up.
“Hey!” he said excitedly. Then he cleared his throat, he must have been a little too excited to see you. You smiled so hard you instinctively covered your mouth and turned your head.
“Aww, don’t hide your smile, Y/N. You look beautiful tonight. Seriously, you’re glowing.”
You giggled. “Well, the glow is fake, I did put glitter on especially for you.” You swatted at him playfully.
“Just for me?” He asked, exaggerating his excitement.
“Of course, I wanted to look decent when I apologized to you for not getting into touch sooner.” You said, a little bit more seriously.
“Oh, Y/N.” He said, his eyes softening. “I understand.”
“It still wasn’t right, I should have emailed you or something.”
“It’s really okay. You’re here now.” He said moving closer.
“Thank you, really.”
The two of you fell into silence.
“I would really like to take you out sometime, Y/N. Somewhere that doesn’t involve work.”
“I’d really like that Patrick.” You said.
The two of you spent a large portion of the night out on the veranda together; his arm around your waist and your head on his shoulder.
The night ended with Patrick escorting you home in his own car. The two of you were dreading the end of your time together as you sat in his Jaguar, talking about anything and everything.
He was so handsome, but he was also a genuinely sweet man. The more he talked about his family back home in New Hampshire, and how he loved his niece and nephew, you couldn’t help but admire him more and more.
You looked at the car’s clock in dismay. It was getting very late.
“I should be going in now, I don’t want to hold you up any longer.” You said grabbing your handbag.
He grabbed your hand. “You’re not holding me up. I enjoy talking with you, but at least let me walk you to your door.”
You agreed enthusiastically. He got out of the car and quickly ran over to open the door on your side.
He walked you not only into your building, but to the door of your apartment.
“Here’s my stop.” You said, a little disappointed.
“Yeah,” he said, scratching the back of his head.
You moved closer to him to give him a peck on the cheek. His face turned red instantly.
“Thank you for the lovely evening, Patrick.”
“Thank you. I hope to see you again. I had a great night.” He made sure you were able to unlock your door and get inside safely before leaving.
You had butterflies in your tummy and a warmth inside your chest.
This was just the beginning of something new and exciting.