Irene Fitzgerald Kennedy

One Kiss

"Tom, I have to thank you."
"No. It's fine, Mr. Kennedy."
"Jack, please."
Tom nodded. "So can I see you again before you leave?"
"I'd like that," Irene smiled as she walked him out of the room.
"Okay," Tom smiled, "Take care, Jack. Irene, if you need help, ring for me."
Irene nodded and closed the door. She walked back into the room, "How are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling better. How was your date?"
"He's really sweet. He's fourteen years older than I am though."
"I'm twelve years older than Jackie," Jack said.
     "That's true. Well, I'm headed for a shower and then bed."
    "Goodnight, Irene," Jack said kissing her on the cheek as she handed him his button-up flannel pajamas.
    "Night," she smiled grabbing her own pajamas.
     Irene quickly showered and dressed in her pajamas. When she made it back into the main room, Jack had already fallen asleep. She pulled the covers up for her father and then went to climb into her bed. Irene fell into a peaceful sleep dreaming about Tom.
     The next morning there was a soft knock at the door. Irene grabbed her robe and knotted it as she walked to the door and opened it. "Good morning, Miss," said a man with a hotel uniform, "This was sent by a Senator O'Hara."
     "Thank you," Irene said as she took the cart into the room, "Hold on a moment and I'll get your tip," she smiled grabbing her wallet and handing him a $5 bill.
     "Thank you, Miss."
     Irene closed the door and turned around to see Jack already digging into the food on the cart. She began to laugh, "Are you hungry?"
Jack laughed as he took a bite of the pancakes on the cart. Irene sat down on the edge of her bed and began to eat. "Kiddo, there's a note for you," Jack said handing her a piece of paper.
It read: I hope you and your father enjoy your breakfast. I enjoyed myself last night and I would love to see you again. Maybe, meet me in the lobby say around ten?  I know you have the dinner tonight for your father as do I. Hoping to see you later,
Tom.
"Dad, do you mind if I go out with Tom today?"
"Not at all. Just be back in time for the dinner. I can't go without an escort."
"I'll be back for you, Dad," she smiled standing. Irene went into the bathroom and fixed her pinup curls and dressed in a green patterned shift dress with a black sweater and black kitten heels.
"How do I look?" Irene asked coming out of the bathroom.
"You look beautiful, Irene. Have fun. I'll see you later tonight."
Irene smiled and left to meet Tom. She found him standing in the lobby with a bouquet of flowers. "Oh Tom, you shouldn't have."
"A gorgeous lady like you deserves all of the flowers in the world."
Irene blushed, "Where are we off to?"
"I want to show you around D.C."
Irene smiled at Tom and then they went off for the afternoon.
       "Tom, I like you a lot," Irene said while they ate a picnic lunch in a park, "But I'm campaigning with my dad and-"
      "Irene," he said stopping her, "Don't worry so much."
       They enjoyed they're afternoon, but eventually had to head back to get ready for the dinner. After the dinner that night, Tom stopped Irene in the hallway, "Here's my telephone number and my address. Write or call me sometime."
      "I will," Irene smiled.
      "Just one kiss goodbye?" he whispered.
      Irene grinned and stood on her tiptoes as he leaned over. Their lips met   and Irene felt her eyes fill with tears, "Promise me something?" she asked breaking their kiss.
     "Anything."
     "I'll see you again, right?" she asked nervously.
     He nodded and she hugged him for a moment.
     "Goodnight," he said quietly as she opened the door to her room.
      "Goodnight," she replied going inside.