My Congressman didn’t return to Washington so my legislative job disappeared. I felt confident that there would be other opportunities since I had experience. I would continue bartending until I found another job. I had been informed that my stipend from the Congress would end the first of February.
However, the senior staffer who originally hired me and was my supervisor was able to get me an interview with his new employer at a “K” Street law firm. I felt I did well on the phone interview and wasn’t surprised when Jeff, my old boss, offered me a job as his assistant. The salary was twice what I was paid by the Congressman. Before I started he called and invited me to meet some of the principals of the firm. I bought a new shirt and tie, as well, as new tie shoes for the interview.
When I got to the office on “K” Street I was shown into a large conference room appointed with a massive cherry table and twelve stout, cushioned chairs. Around the room were what appeared to be historic maps of the United States at various times in our history. Jeff came in first to greet me and told me who I would be meeting.
On the phone he had briefly described the job but he hadn’t gone into depth. While we waited he said my responsibilities included managing the schedules of the four partners I would be meeting. He said, “Jack, I don’t want you to be surprised but two of the male partners are married. I mean married to each other. They probably won’t act like it but they are. Over the next five minutes four extremely well dressed individuals came into the room. They introduced themselves as Martha Wellington, Curtis Roosevelt, Alexander Bernstein and Alfred Reyes who asked to be called Al. He was a slim, handsome Asian with an intense gaze. They asked questions about my experience in the Congressman’s office. They asked me about my life as a Navy brat especially where we had lived. The interview was over in thirty minutes. I felt good about it. Mr. Roosevelt, who was the oldest, asked if I had any questions. I managed to ask if my job required any travel. Al answered, “It does and you will be accompanying one of the four of us”. He appreciated my question. Mr. Roosevelt got up first and the others filed out behind him. Each thanked me for coming.
When it was only Jeff and me I asked him who was married to whom. He smiled, “Guess.”
“I assume Al is one partner. I’ll guess his husband is Mr. Roosevelt.”
“You are correct but I assume you guessed.”
“I did but I did see Al look at Mr. Roosevelt several times during the interview.”
“As I said, they are discrete in the office. Did you notice that Al’s hair is perfectly cut and his finger nails are manicured?”
“I noticed the manicure when he shook my hand. His hands seemed very delicate.”
He said, “Jack, you did well. I will talk to the group and get back to you about when you will start.”
I said, “Jeff, I would appreciate if I could know soon. The owner of the condo I live in is renting the condo so I have to be out by the first of February.”
“Is that where we had the party?”
I responded, “No, Chad and I live across from that condo in a condo that belongs to my mother’s ex-husband. The owner of the condo where we had the party was overseas on assignment with the State Department. We are the owner’s security detail. He suggested we have the party in his condo to create attention. I can’t afford to rent the condo even on the generous salary you offered me.”
“I understand. I’ll see if I can give you an answer in a day or two.”
I didn’t hear anything the day after my interview. I was nervous but, at least, I had bartending to keep my mind off of their process. The next day I received a text to call Jeff. I did but I didn’t reach him. I left a message to text me a good time to call. Instead he called immediately. I nervously answered. He said, “Sorry, Jack, for the delay. I couldn’t get to each of the partners. The job is yours and you can start a week from Monday.”
I let out a “Whoa!”
“I have some other good news for you. I mentioned to Al and Mr. Roosevelt your housing issue when we were discussing the start date. They live in an old, brownstone house near DuPont Circle. Al mentioned that they have a tiny efficiency apartment in their basement that might be available. He asked me to schedule a visit for you to see it if you’re interested.”
“Of course, I’m interested.”
“I’m sure it’s not as nice as what you and Chad have had. What is your roommate’s plan?” I explained Chad and Natalie’s decision to move to Florida. We finished our conversation with me agreeing that I would start on Monday.
Jeff gave me Mr. Roosevelt and Al’s cell phone numbers and encouraged me to call soon to schedule a visit. I called Al’s number first and got a message that his mailbox was full. With hesitancy I called Mr. Roosevelt and he answered. I stammered because I didn’t expect a live voice, “Mr…Mr. Roosevelt this is Jack Springfield.” I listened and responded, “That’s fine. I’ll be over Saturday afternoon about three. What is your address?” I copied down the address and thanked him.
Their dark, multi-story historic red brick house was located on 16th Street at the corner of P Street NW. The front door was up a full level above the street. I could see windows below suggesting that was where the apartment was located. I turned the old brass doorbell and stood nervously waiting. I was surprised when an older man who was not Mr. Roosevelt or Al opened the door. He stiffly said, “You must be Mr. Springfield. Please come in. Neither Mr. Roosevelt nor Mr. Thomas is currently available. I will show you the apartment.” I followed him into the hall where a large newel post anchored a barrister that led upstairs. He asked me to follow him through the kitchen to a door that led downstairs to the vacant basement apartment.
I assumed there was an outside entrance. I was surprised how spacious the two rooms were. The kitchenette was to one side beside the bathroom with a sink, toilet and shower squeezed into a tiny closet. What I liked was the large window on two sides of the main room. I thought that my days of being nude at home were over. I tried not to look excited or disappointed until the fellow said, “Let me show you your own private entrance so you don’t have to enter through the main house.” He opened a door next to the kitchen. Stairs were visible but the space was dark. He said, “Just release this rope and weights will open the outer doors. I thought it would be cumbersome coming home late at night but I didn’t say anything.
When we returned upstairs Mr. Roosevelt was waiting in a short dressing gown, pajama-like pants and slippers. He said, “Well, young man, will that work for you?”
“Sir, you didn’t mention the rent.”
Looking at the houseman whose name I did not get, “James, do you remember what we charged the fellow?”
“Yes, sir, you charged Dexter $550 a month plus electricity.”
I said, “If that is what you would charge me I am happy to become your tenant.”
Mr. Roosevelt furrowed his brow, “Mr. Springfield, we expect you to be more than be a tenant. Have you spoken to Al?”
“No, sir, I have only spoken to you when I called about visiting. And please call me, Jack.”
“OK, Jack, join me in the parlor and I’ll explain what Al and I are thinking.” I followed him through the front hall as the front door opened. Al walked in. His tank top and running shorts were wet with sweat. I presumed he had been running. Slightly winded he came up and said, “Good to see you, Jack.”
Mr. Roosevelt said, “I was about to tell Jack about our expectations.” Al sat next to Mr. Roosevelt and I took a chair in the corner across from them. Mr. Roosevelt said, “Jack, our group hired you to do more than schedule our appointments. We are starting our busiest time of the year when either Al or I and sometimes both of us will be traveling. We try to focus our travel for the middle of the week so one of us can be in the office. Martha and Alex who you met don’t travel. They focus on our lobbying efforts in Washington. You will coordinate our travel and travel with us to take care of the details.”
I was totally taken off guard and sat speechless until Al said, “Will that work for you?”
Gaining self-control I tried to sound confident that I could handle what they were asking me. “I know I have a great deal to learn but I am ready to give it a go.”
Al said, “When the three of us are here you can plan to eat with us. If we are out James will fix you something. We prefer you don’t cook in the apartment except to make your coffee and toast in the morning. Another thing – you probably didn’t notice but our washer and dryer are next to your bathroom. Expect James occasionally to come down to do laundry.”
I said without thinking, “I will be careful to be dressed which I’m usually not when I’m home.”
Al smiled, “I doubt he will disturb you since you will be at the office when he does his washing and drying.”
The conversation ended and I excused myself. Before I left Al handed me a key to the front door and suggested I use it rather than the outside door. He instructed me how to turn the alarm off and on. I went to the condo and started packing my clothes and other things. The following Saturday I hired an Uber SUV to take my things over to my new apartment. James opened the outside entrance door and helped me take my things downstairs. He was quiet but efficient until all the boxes and clothes were in the apartment. After he closed the outside door he stood momentarily looking at my stuff. He acted like he wanted to say something but was slow to get started, “Jack, I reminded Mr.’s Roosevelt and Mr. Al that I plan to retire at the end of the month. I told them my plans months ago so it was not a surprise to them. They are undecided about whether to hire another houseman like me.” I listened. “While they decide you may be asked to do things that you wouldn’t expect.”
I said, “Like what. I hope not cooking because I’m terrible.” The more he stood there the more nervous I was getting. Without another word he turned and went upstairs. I sat down and looked at my stuff. I opened the mini-refrigerator and found a six pack of beer and some cheese and crackers. I opened a beer and pulled the curtains closed before I dropped my clothes on the bed. I heard the stairs squeeze which woke me. I turned and there was Al smiling. “See you are getting used to your new place.”
“I hope you don’t mind but I’m rarely dressed when I’m home.”
“No problem for me. I’m sure it won’t be a problem for Curtis. Can I sit down and discuss an issue we have?”
“Sure. Do you want a beer?”
“No thanks. I assume Jeff told you Curtis and me are married.” I nodded my head. “I assume that’s not a problem for you.” I shook my head. “Our assistant who lived here was never comfortable with us being a couple even though he was good at what he did. His discomfort often made us uncomfortable. We don’t want that again.”
“Al, I have had a boyfriend in college but our relationship didn’t last. I am comfortable with whatever you and Mr. Roosevelt do.”
“Put some pants on and come upstairs so we can talk to Curtis.”
“Al, I don’t think I can call Mr. Roosevelt, Curtis. Is that going to upset him?”
“He expects you to call him, Mr. Roosevelt, do that until he tells you differently.” Five minutes later I was sitting in their living room in the same chair I sat in the week before. Al spoke first, “James told me he told you that he was retiring.” I nodded my head. “Well, Curtis and I have been discussing our options and we think that, rather than hire another houseman, we will hire a cook and occasionally hire a cleaning service. The cook we have in mind is our former housekeeper, Minnie, who is older. She doesn’t have any interest in being a housekeeper but may agree to cook for us twice a week. If she agrees she will fix food that we can warm in the microwave. When we aren’t traveling I want you to get to know Minnie and understand how best to rewarm the food for us. Can you do that?”
“Warming food I can do but I’m a terrible cook. My former roommate was a chef so I didn’t have to worry.” They both laughed.
Al continued, “Jack, neither Curtis nor I care what you wear or don’t wear in the kitchen or around the house for that matter.”
“I will be careful because of that big window in our kitchen.” They invited me into the kitchen where James had left a pan of homemade lasagna on the stove. Al got a salad out of the refrigerator and dressed it. At dinner they began to tell me about my job but emphasized that Jeff would be giving me much more detail when I started the following Tuesday rather than Monday as Jeff suggested. As dinner was concluding I mentioned that I was going to take the bus home to Petersburg since I hadn’t been home in months. Al offered to let me use their three year old Honda that he said was garaged in the area. I appreciated the offer but driving my bosses car made me nervous. He insisted because he said they rarely used the car.
After my trip home I started the following Tuesday at the offices of Roosevelt, Frick, McKinley and Dulles. Jeff greeted me and showed me to a cubicle near the cluster of my lawyer’s offices. Shortly after nine the six of us gathered to discuss the week’s schedule which had been worked out by Jeff. No one had travel plans that week because of the President’s Day holiday. After the meeting Jeff had me sign forms for health and life insurance, non-disclosure agreement and many others. He assumed I knew how to use a computer which I did to a certain degree but I had much to learn about planning travel. He assured me he would teach me on a need-to-know basis. My first days at Roosevelt, et al. were a blur because so many things were coming my direction. I learned of Martha’s preference for tea rather than coffee. I was expected to bring it to her in her favorite cup as close to 10:30 as I could.
The client list of my group read like the Who’s Who of American commerce and industry. It included banks, companies like Proctor and Gamble, the states of Washington and Florida and many tech companies in the Silicon Valley. With James still with us for a couple of more weeks I didn’t have to worry about food or shopping. Thankfully, Whole Foods was only a half a block away.
By the middle of the second week I was beginning to relax. Jeff helped me make reservations. He showed me the airline and hotel apps that I was to use. He gave me the Frequent Flyer numbers of Mr. Roosevelt and Al and suggested I get numbers for myself. He showed me a travel preference folder for our four members.
The following week Al and I made a trip to Cincinnati. Al and Mr. Roosevelt preferred to stay at Four Seasons and the Fairmont Hotels but neither group had a property in Cincinnati so I reserved at the Hyatt Regency which was a short walk to the P & G offices. Al had several meeting with P & G’s legal team to discuss some pending federal legislation that P & G did not support. He flew first class and I flew in the back which was fine with me. I could hook into my cell phone and listen to music alone. Jeff told me discretely that when I travelled with Al or Mr. Roosevelt I reserve only one luxury room with two queen size beds. Since I hadn’t make reservations before I assumed that was to save money.
My job during Al’s meetings was to take notes and as quickly as I could get back to the hotel room and transcribe the notes for his review. He had dinner the first night with several of the P & G lawyers while I went back to the room, ordered room service as I typed away on my laptop. When he returned he quickly undressed and threw his suit, suit and tie on his bed. He sat down and stripped off his socks, undershirt and underpants. I tried not to look but he smiled. He stepped into the bathroom as I tried to calm my penis. I hung up his clothes and when he returned he propped himself against his bed head and asked me to bring the computer so he could see how I was doing. While I wasn’t totally hard I was so afraid he could see my dick pushing against my boxer briefs.
He said, “Jack, get ready for bed. You can finish this in the morning. I have a breakfast meeting.” I knew about the meeting since I had confirmed it with the client last week. I slipped off my boxer briefs and walked into the bathroom with my back to him. After I showered and brushed my teeth I returned to my bed. I was still somewhat hard but he acted like he didn’t see. I was happy to be comfortably under the covers.
He and I flew back to Washington the second afternoon and went home rather than going to the office. I set our bags down in the hall ready to go downstairs. Al said, “Jack, you did well. What did you think of your first trip?”
“Busy, but interesting.” All I could think of was the amount of work I had to do when I got back to the office. I went downstairs but agreed to join him and Mr. Roosevelt at seven for the dinner Minnie had fixed for us. I turned on the TV and couldn’t keep my hand off of my dick. I heard Al call down, “Jack, come up here.” I went as slowly as I could but my dick would not go down. I went upstairs with a full hard on. Al stood in the kitchen holding a bottle of white wine. He looked at my middle and smiled. “I must have interrupted something,” he said smiling. “Can I offer you a glass of wine?”
“Anything I say would be a lie except to say I was serving myself. The last two days have been exhilarating but tiring. I haven’t even had time to masturbate.”
“I don’t want you to think I’m harassing you but I would be happy to help you,” he smiled.
Smartly I returned the remark with, “I thought I should be offering the same to you. You’re my boss.”
“You can help me too if you are comfortable?”
That afternoon not only did my relationship with Al change but I became equally friendly with Mr. Roosevelt. Within a week I was regularly in their king size bed. I never felt abused and enjoyed what was beginning to feel like my family. I looked forward to going to work every day.
By the end of the March I decided I couldn’t bartend any longer because I was too tired at work to say up past midnight three nights a weekend. That was not the only reason I quit. Al informed me that I needed to have a tuxedo for an event in Palm Beach in early April. He suggested I buy a good one because I would be wearing it several times a year. The event required that the three of us fly to Florida for the charity event in Worth over a weekend. When he said we were going I had to resign as bartender.
My quitting the restaurant coincided with my three month review at the law firm. Jeff told me I was getting a 10% raise which almost made up for the money I would have made at the bar. He also mentioned that Martha and Alex felt I was focused too much on Al and Mr. Roosevelt so he suggested that I decide whether I wanted to be the traveling assistant or be the office assistant. I misunderstood him thinking he would be hiring an assistant for himself. He clarified that the person would be working for me but focus on activities in the office. In addition to supervising the new hire I would continue to do the travel planning.
When I was in the office I would work with the new hire on scheduling meetings on the Hill. Jeff and I interviewed several individuals with strong computer skills. We hired Jennifer who had experience and was re-entering the work environment after having been home for several years looking after her two young children. Jeff and I agreed that she might have to be gone more than someone without children but we liked her attitude and smiley disposition.
She began the week before Mr. Roosevelt and I were traveling to Seattle for a conference and several meetings with State of Washington officials. We left on a Tuesday and didn’t expect to return until the following Tuesday. Al was flying out on Friday so they could have the weekend relaxing in the Salish Spa and Resort near Snoqualmie Falls. The trip was fortunate for me since my little brother who followed my father’s example and joined the Navy was stationed at the Naval Yard in Bellingham. Neither Mr. Roosevelt nor Al objected to my leaving them and taking our rental car to see my brother. I agreed to be back to pick them up on Sunday night before Mr. Roosevelt’s meetings in Olympia.
My brother and I had a great time. He looked fantastic dressed in his Navy whites when we first met at his favorite bar near the naval base. He stayed with me in a small motel near the base. I dropped him off on Sunday morning and drove back to the resort. Since I didn’t have my own room as usual I slept with Mr. Roosevelt and Al. Both seemed happy to see me back and wasted no time enlisting my service. Several times I thought to myself what would my little brother think of me as providing full service to my bosses.
Jennifer and I were getting around well and she continued to take over mundane tasks that I liked to put off like email and report filing. I didn’t travel again until we flew to Florida for the charity event.
Per Al’s instructions I did not book a room at the Breakers where the event was to take place but rather took a suite at the Colony Hotel. I dressed for the event in my new tuxedo but wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The ballroom at the hotel was elegantly decorated with a bouquet of white and yellow roses in a crystal vase on each table. The place settings were china with a heavy gold rim and gold plated eating utensils. When we entered the room Mr. Roosevelt headed directly to a group of equally well dressed, older men. Al and I walked toward our table. Before we got there he stopped and spoke to an attractive Asian couple. He graciously introduced me. They obviously knew each other so they continued to talk about things I didn’t understand.
As we walked on he smiled, “Jack, that’s one of my Harvard roommates. He is as arrogant as they come but he loved to get fucked.” I furrowed my brow as he continued, “His wife is for show and I’m sure she loves all the money he has. I predict he’ll be in my bed before the weekend is over. If you see him don’t act surprised.”
At our table of eight were two couples and the younger daughter of one of the couples who was seated next to me with Al on the other side. She had just returned from Europe where she had been studying at the Sorbonne University in Paris for two years. She spoke about the extensive travel she and her girlfriend did in France and Spain. I was hoping to travel like that some day. Courteously, she asked about me and politely listened to my rather uninteresting story. When I told her I was assistant to Mr. Reyes and Mr. Roosevelt in a Washington law firm she became much more interested. She asked which firms we represented but I had to tell her that information was confidential. With that comment she turned her shoulder and began speaking to her father. Fortunately, the program began with a number of speakers thanking the audience for their support before an eight piece orchestra began to play dance music. The room was momentarily moving as some guest chose to leave, others made their way to the bar and a few danced. Out of the corner of my eye I could see two young, handsome guys step onto the dance floor. I couldn’t believe my eyes but no one seemed to notice.
I was alone at the table as Mr. Roosevelt and Al walked around speaking to various guests. I didn’t notice Al return to the table and stand behind me. “Are you ready to dance?” he said smiling.
“I can’t believe those guys. They’re excellent dancers.”
“Do you dance?”
I didn’t know what to say but the truth was I was a good dancer not only to fast music but also dance music. I hesitated, “Yes, I used to be pretty good. I’ve never followed.”
Al said, “Let’s try because I am the follower when Curtis and I dance. Honestly, I’ve never danced at a ball like this. Let’s see what happens.” I got out of my chair and walked behind him to the dance floor. The band was playing a slow song so there were more people dancing. When I positioned myself he pulled me closer. The slow dance was easy and I was really enjoying it. The second song was a slow swing which we did with only a few fumbles. As we started off of the floor the music the band started playing a waltz. Al stopped, “Jack, can you waltz?”
I smiled and nodded my head. We returned to the dance floor where two other couples had already started. I fumbled at the start but got into the rhythm as we swirled around the dance floor. At the end Al said, “Jack, I really enjoyed that.” I smiled because I did too.
As Al predicted I did see the Asian fellow in our suite briefly before he disappeared with Al into their bedroom. Mr. Roosevelt was off playing tennis with friends. I decided to walk along the beach and get my white skin a little sunshine. I have a tendency to burn so I covered myself in sun block before walking toward the ocean which was only a block away from The Colony. I walked along watching the sail boarders flying and then diving into a controlled crash. After less than an hour I could feel my skin reacting to the sun so returned to the pool at the hotel. I sat under the shade of an umbrella. I ordered a beer and was watching some kids playing in the pool when Mr. Roosevelt walked up. I stood automatically when he said, “Can I join you?”
“Of course.” I waved for a pool server who came toward us.”
“I didn’t want to disturb Al.” He laughed. “Is he with his Asian roommate from Harvard?” I didn’t know quite how to respond so nodded my head. Fortunately, the server interrupted and I ordered another beer and Mr. Roosevelt ordered a gin and tonic.”Well, Jack, how do you like your work?”
“I really like it but it’s intense. I learned so much from Jeff. Jennifer and I are working well together.”
“I agree but let me warn you that the next two months leading up to the summer recess are going to be crazy. Our activity will be in town though. We won’t be travelling. When we get this behind us Al and I are taking some time off and travelling to Europe. You can either come with us or take some time for yourself. I do want you to attend our summer party at our lodge in West Virginia.”
I said, “I didn’t know you had another home.”
“Oh, I inherited it from my grandfather but we rarely are able to use it. We get there once or twice a summer. Rarely do we can get there in the fall or winter.”
“Seriously, I enjoy traveling with you and Al and really appreciate your invitation to travel to Europe. I have a wedding and an eightieth birthday party to attend so I will check on the dates and let you know. Doesn’t someone have to be in the office. Jennifer, asked if she could take six weeks off without pay to be with her kids. Jeff said he was going to speak to you or Al.”
“He hasn’t spoken to me but I have no problems with her doing that if you are going to be around.” Al walked up dressed completely in white billowy shirt, linen pants and espadrilles. Mr. Roosevelt snapped, “Deed done?” Al scowled at him and didn’t answer.
Sensing tension I said, “Al you want something to drink?” His shoulders dropped so I figured he was relaxing.
“Yes, the deed is done. I think he could use a dildo and be just as satisfied.” The tone of the conversation changed as we discussed plans for dinner and our return to Washington. As Mr. Roosevelt said the pace of things in the office picked up dramatically in May and June before the Congress went home for the July 4th holiday. Al and Mr. Roosevelt left for Italy on July 2nd and were planning to spend a week each on the Amalfi Coast and then drive north to Cinque Terra where they had reserved a house in Corniglia. That meant I had the house to myself. With their permission I moved upstairs because I loved their big bathroom with three shower heads. I had been too busy to meet anyone to join me in the shower.
My trip home for the July 4th holiday was less than successful because my father was critical of what I wore and how my hair was cut. He called me a “dude” which I didn’t appreciate. Living and working with Al and Mr. Roosevelt caused me to be more attentive to my wardrobe and my appearance. In the little time I had to myself I did go to the gym in complex across the corner on P Street. My mother sensed the tension and pulled me aside. As I was leaving she apologized for my father’s behavior. I nicely told her she was welcome to come see me anytime she liked but I wouldn’t be coming back soon. She smiled sadly as I got into the car.
I returned to Washington and worked with Jennifer for three days to clear up our backlog. She took her leave the following Friday. She had already relieved me of much of the mundane work. I hoped she would return after her leave. I found an envelope on my desk with my name handwritten on it. When I opened it I stared at the text unsure what to do.
The handwritten note from Al started, “Curtis and I return on Saturday. Please pick us up at Dulles and bring our car. Arrange for an Uber to take you back to the city.” The message didn’t make sense until I looked at the other enclosures. One was a list of calls I was supposed to make to see that their West Virginia house had been cleaned and the utilities turned on. I assumed they were going up to the mountains after they arrived. The next sheet contained a list of twelve names and email addresses. Other than Jeff I recognized only the name of an aide I knew to the Congressman from Western Virginia. The instructions instructed me to send an Evite to the twelve names with the following message ‘Rooster and Sparrow Event, September 18-20, 12 Foxhall Road, White Sulfur Springs, WV (only 12 miles from the Greenbrier). Please RVSP to JRSp@RFMDesq.com by August 1. Additional information will be sent to attendees.’ I composed an Evite with the message.
Almost immediately I heard back affirmatively from six of the twelve. Four more came in before the end of the week. Missing two I sent a follow-up Evite. One replied negatively and I presumed the other person had changed their email address. I would inform Al when they returned.
We made the transfer of their luggage to my Uber and they were on their way to West Virginia. The Uber took me back to Washington with instructions to unpack their clothes and do the necessary laundry and get their shirts to the cleaners. I could have been miffed but really looked forward to the three of us being in the same house again. They were home when I got home from work on Monday. Minnie prepared a wonderful pot roast, roasted potatoes and salad for us. The dinner conversation focused on their trip to Italy and to West Virginia. I mentioned the one Evite that had not been responded to. Al said he would look into it when he got to the office.
About mid-morning the next day Al came up to my desk and said, “Jack, try this email address.” I did and within an hour I got an affirmative response. I updated the email list and waited for Al to tell me what to send to the invitees. He said nothing further for several days. After a brief Congressional session to deal with housekeeping matters the Congress was adjourned. Like so many in Washington people left town for cooler places.