Strangers in the Night

The Authors

The venue was filled with many familiar faces from Judy Garland to Marlon Brando. Socialites, showgirls, a fine selection of politicians and Hollywood's greatest had all gathered to celebrate and watch their friends, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop entertain the night away. It was a charming setting. The lights were dimmed to fit the evening milieu. Men and women laughed with one another while Louis Armstrong's band played on stage. The President and Sinatra engaged in a wild conversation while Peter Lawford chatted with one of his female costars, discernibly distant from Pat, who jabbered away with Marilyn Monroe. Everyone seemed to have someone to enjoy this unprecedented night with.

One person naturally fell to the exception.

She was a dark-haired debutante who once worked as a photojournalist for the Washington Times Herald nine years ago. She was now a published author of a few books and popular amongst the circle in Washington. Writing was more of a hobby for the young lady. It was what she had to tell people when they would ask why she had not yet wedded.

Jacqueline was never an open book and kept most things to herself. Her privacy was a part of who she was and vital to what she did. Behind this happy-go-lucky maiden, Jacqueline Bouvier was an important apparatus in Washington.

She was not well known on Pennsylvania Avenue or renowned in the bubble of talented writers but she was one in a million. Keeping a perfect status and never dispelling a flaw came natural to her. She was graceful, doe-like yet her eyes were very wide apart and she was very petite but those were the qualities that distinguished her from the other women in the room. There was never anyone who wrote, thought or spoke like her. She was an enchanting woman hidden by the drapes of her secrets.

Sinatra charmed the President as much as he did him. It was evident that Jack enjoyed being around this powerful crowd that enjoyed having a wonderful time as much as he did. Being someone who was always surrounded by the powerful and wealthy, it riveted him to see that this group of people could also be mystifying, entertaining and beautiful.

"Peter said something about finding your wife." The singer, affectionately known as The Chairman of the Board, teased. He pointed out into the crowd of young women chatting amongst themselves. Many of which were starlets or special friends of the Rat Pack. "I've got a whole mountain of them!" He shouted into the President's ear amidst the blaring music. Jack returned his laugh, taking his own pitch at scanning the crowd. In his mind, he pictured a gorgeous woman that would not be too famous nor too boring for his own liking. One that could be independent yet loyal to the family and to his dreams.

"Look I'm up after this next song!" Frank shouted "I'll track your pick over here!" he chuckled and eventually cheered as the song transitioned to Cheek to Cheek with Ella Fitzgerald, who performed at the inaugural ball in January, appearing on the stage to the crowd's overwhelming approval.

Jack nodded his head nonchalantly at his friends words, pausing when he finally spotted a familiar pair only to realize it was Benjamin and Tony Bradlee – great friends and former neighbors of his. What really caught his attention was the lone dame seated next to Tony chatting with the man that recently joined the table and resembled actor Jack Lemmon. "What's that doing with Lemmon over there?" He turned his head toward Frank in vivid curiosity, taking a long sip of his wine. Frank scanned the crowd like a hawk seeking its prey and found who Jack had pointed out to him. It was a valuable choice – not only had Frank known her well but she was a regular at events like this. Never saying much but still held high by the guests. "Jackie – Jacqueline Bouvier. Nice gal!" Frank tossed his napkin atop his plate – concluding his dinner.

The president shook his head, taking the time to pull out a cigar. "What a damn shame." He cut one of the ends of the cigar, watching the two speak. "She's talking to the wrong Jack."

"I could not possibly do that, Mr. Lemmon! Cameras and I don't seem to mix!" Jackie giggled shyly at the recent divorcée. He had suggested that she enter the entertainment business. Not only was this a mediocre suggestion but it was one that was possibly lethal – an introvert that had high expectations placed on her – it was out of question. She preferred to watch than to participate and as charming as Jack Lemmon was she couldn't possibly ignore the man approaching her. He had such a happy expression on his face that she paused to wonder what he would say.

"Sorry to interrupt folks – Jackie, you've got a fan over there dying to meet you." he chortled, moving off to the side to show a alone man watching the live entertainment with cigar at hand.

It was evident who this was and she remembered once photographing him as a congressman long ago. She was surprised that the President wanted to see her but nonetheless she followed Frank to their table. Inwardly, she panicked. Could this have had something to do with the cloak-and-dagger undertaking? She was frightened – she was not prepared but it was Jack's jovial smile that ensured the calm within her.

"Don't forget to pay attention to my show!" said Frank Sinatra who quickly disappeared, leaving Jacqueline seated alone with the excited President.

He disposed of his cigar, abandoning it in his ashtray and turned toward his new company who sat stiffly in what was Sinatra's chair.

"So, this is where I'd find you after all of these years?" Jack examined the stylish navy blue chiffon gown that Jacqueline wore along with the pearls around her neck and the gold dangling from her ears. "I'm the president." He extended his hand and took note of the harmless smile that shown between her salmon lips. It often took Jackie quite a while to warm up to people but his gentle nature delighted her. He was neither too bold not too serious. She gladly accepted this large hand that stood out to her and had her own witty remarks up her sleeve.

"Really? I had it set in my mind that you were some congressman from Massachusetts." She broke off into a giggle. "How do you do, Mr. President? I'm the author."

The President acted as though he were surprised by this revelation. As a congressman, he read a few of Jacqueline's columns and found them rather interesting. An author of two books himself, it pleased him to hear that she found success in a profession he always had his eye on. "I was an author for a short period of my life but it turns out my talent falls with the presidency." He grinned. She laughed right with him. By this time, the men of the hour were on the stage but that this didn't seem to register between the two. While the rest of the room was swayed off their feet by these five men, it appeared that these two were swayed by each other.

"President? Seems like a reasonable profession." She kidded, gently touching at his forearm. "I certainly do not regret casting my vote for you, Mr. President. Why don't you tell me. How is that?"

From that moment on, President Kennedy simply could not find the will to silence himself.

Instead of embarking on a rueful conversation on the negatives that came with being commander-in-chief, he shared humorous stories that wooed his listener away. He slyly advertised himself and she was hooked. He spoke of members of his administration and interesting letters he received from the future constituents of America. Like two naughty schoolchildren, they would laugh when no one else was.

Eunice, who sat close by, could hear this loud, fast-spoken chatter coming from her brother. With the best intentions, she turned towards him with the same toothy smile he had. "Jack, enjoy the show!" Before she turned back, she took a good look at Jackie. Jacqueline was left surprised and a little unsettled by this interaction. Eunice kept a smile, eyeing these two together. "Can't wait to show mom and dad this one!" She remarked and turned away, nudging Sarge.

Jack was embarrassed and notably so. He witnessed the people around him laughing at one of Sammy 's punchlines and turned toward Jackie who still had her eyes on him. "I'm so sorry about that. Perhaps I should tell you that I have enjoyed your company and would like to extend an invitation to you for dinner sometime. Two authors between a candle couldn't possibly hurt a fly."