The Winter of 63

Chapter 29

Monday 20th April 1964

New York

3pm, the Carlyle Hotel

Jack had just returned from making a speech announcing that both the US and Soviet Union would cut back on materials for making Nuclear Weapons. He was tired he’d had a hard week campaigning as had Jackie.

When he reached their suite he found Jackie standing with a blue dress and jacket on. “Are you going somewhere?”

“We’re going out to eat.”

“We?”

“Yes.” Jackie replied. “You and me.”

“Ok let me change.”

When Jack returned he’d pulled a pair of slacks and a t-shirt on. They snuck out the back way and along the street to a small café.

As they walked a few photographers began to notice them. Jackie took Jack’s hand and they walked faster. “Mr President are you going to have another child?”

Jack ignored them and kept walking. “I don’t think these people realise I’m trying to win an election.” Jack said rather loudly.

Jackie laughed. “I know you’d think they’d care.”

Once they got to the café they took a booth in the corner and ordered some coffee and cake.

Jackie kept yawning. “Jackie are you alright?”

“I just feel tired all the time.” Jackie replied quietly.

“Still?” Jack asked as he stuffed his face with cake.

“Yeah.”

“Maybe we should get the doctor to check you over.”

“Oh no I’ll be fine.”

“Is everything else okay?” Jack asked very awkwardly.

Jackie shot him an angry glance. “Yes, everything’s fine.”

Jack held his hand up as to surrender before standing up. “I’m going to get another cake.”

Jackie laughed. “You’ll be getting fat.”

Jack grinned when he returned. “I will not, I’m just relaxing.”

4pm

As they walked back to the hotel Jack stopped outside a shop to look in the window. It was a book shop. “Jackie, can we go in?”

“Sure.”

The first couple slipped in silently, the shop was filled with rooms stocked from the floor to the ceiling.

After a few minutes Jack went and paid for the six books he’d picked out and the three books Jackie wanted. When they got back to the hotel Jackie went for a sleep.