“So tell me a little more about yourself, Emmaline,” Kate asked, not wanting their conversation to end.
“Um . . . “ Emmy began, fidgeting nervously.
Kate shot her another dimpled grin, which put Emmy at ease again. Something about those dimples . . . they did the trick every time.
“I won’t bite. I promise,” Kate said.
What if I want you to bite? was what ran through Emmy’s head. She thanked her lucky stars that her filter was still intact. Saying that aloud would have been mortifying. “What do you want to know?” she said instead.
“Hmmm . . . Where did you grow up?” Kate asked.
Emmy was relieved by the easy question. “I grew up in Miami, but I haven’t lived there since I graduated high school.”
“Any siblings?”
Emmy nodded. “I have one sister, Rachel.”
“Where did you go to school?”
“I went to NYU for undergrad and then I got my law degree at Harvard,” Emmy replied. The rapid-fire questions were starting to make her a little nervous, but then again, Kate was known for her quick thinking and for being straight shooter. This kind of subtle interrogation wasn’t entirely unexpected.
As if reading Emmy’s mind, Kate apologized. “I’m sorry. This is starting to feel like a job interview and kind of one-sided. I just figured you probably already know all about my background. Not exactly something that hasn’t been in the press. How about this? Tell me your favorite book and I’ll tell you mine?”
Emmy smiled a little, thankful not only that Kate had sensed the awkwardness, but also because she was about to be let into the personal side of this fascinating woman. “No question, my favorite book is Pride and Prejudice.”
“No way! Mine too!” Kate responded. “I love the wit and humor of that book, but also the fact that it features a strong heroine who was prepared to sacrifice everything rather than live a life that wasn’t her own. Austen is a genius.”
Emmy smiled. Kate had just summed up her exact reasons for that choice. “I agree 100%. Though, on a side note, I have to say, I always thought Lizzy’s friend Charlotte was a lesbian.” The minute the words were out of her mouth, Emmy immediately regretted bringing it up, afraid of Kate’s response.
However, Kate took it in stride. “I can see that.” Kate said, after taking a moment to ponder. “No one else would ever agree to marry a guy like Collins. She must have been desperate. There weren’t exactly gay bars back then where she could have met a nice girl to shack up with. I felt sorry for her. Which film version do you prefer?”
“Definitely the BBC miniseries with Colin Firth. You?”
“The same,” Kate replied. “It’s a book that can’t be done justice in a 2 hour movie.”
Emmy was beaming at this point. She liked this woman. A lot. She was witty and entertaining and of course beautiful. And the fact that she was taking time out of her extremely busy day to bond with “the help” was beyond endearing.
“What’s your favorite movie?” Kate continued, thoroughly enjoying their conversation. There was something about this woman that just put her at ease. She could already tell that she and Emmy Harris were going to be fast friends.
“That’s a tough one. So many good ones, but I think the winner is A League of Their Own. No matter how many times it’s on cable, I always have to watch.”
Kate nodded enthusiastically. “That’s a good one. Love it. My favorite . . . and you’re going to laugh, is The Happiest Millionaire.” Emmy looked at her, perplexed. “I know, I know, you’ve never heard of it. It’s this obscure Disney musical from the 60s about this eccentric millionaire who keeps alligators in his conservatory and runs a Bible class that’s really a boxing club. Even his daughter boxes. I don’t know why, but I love it.”
Emmy smirked. Somehow, she could totally see Kate liking a movie like that. It sounded a little too perky for her taste though. “Sounds . . . interesting. Maybe I’ll check it out some time.” Emmy offered a small, sly smile.
Kate’s heart warmed a little. She could tell that Emmy was humoring her, but it touched her that Emmy would even try. Most people just made fun of her. But then again, she was the President now, so it was quite possible Emmy was afraid to disagree with her. Brushing her doubts aside, she continued. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
Emmy thought about it for a minute. “Well, I’d like to continue being successful in my career . . . though I’m not sure how I go much higher than this assignment right here.” She smiled.