The Washingtonienne - Softcover

Cutler, Jessica

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1401382339 ISBN 13: 9781401382339

Publisher: Hyperion, 2005

Synopsis

A witty, satirical novel based on the author's own experiences as a Capitol Hill staffer follows the adventures, exploits, and misadventures of a young woman in Washington, from a paid lunchtime tryst with a married Bush-appointed bureaucrat to an encounter with a staff cousel with a taste for spanking and other sexual shenanigans of the power elite. A first novel. Simultaneous.

About this title

About the Author:

In May 2004, twenty-six-year-old Jessica Cutler began keeping an online diary for her friends. Thirteen days later, she was dismissed from her job as a staff assistant in Senator Mike DeWine’s office for “unacceptable” use of Senate computers. Her story quickly became worldwide news, and her diary became one of the most sensational Web logs in the medium’s short history. Voted one of Washington’s 25 Most Loathsome People in 2005, Jessica plans to move back as soon as her lease in New York runs out.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:

"Jacqueline." He looked serious. "We can't go out to lunch."

I waited for further explanation.

"We have to be very discreet. I can't risk being seen with somebody like you."

I could not believe this shit: What is he afraid of? Doesn't every respectable married man keep a mistress?

"Since I can't take you out anywhere or offer you any kind of future, I would feel guilty if I didn't compensate you in some way."

Compensate? "You mean, like, money?" I asked.

"I'll give you financial assistance. I know you're an intern and you could use the money. It's only fair."

I wanted to know how much, but felt it would be tacky to ask. "That makes sense," I said instead.

He put his arms around me, but his affections felt false. He finished quickly the second time. I wondered how much five minutes of missionary was worth.

He started talking, complaining mostly. I really wanted to take a nap, but I stayed awake and feigned interest for his benefit. He went on and on about his job, his marriage, how he loathed Washington. (He's from Boston.)

"So why did you come to D.C. if you hate it so much here?" I asked him in an effort to participate in the "conversation," which was more like an hour-long monologue.

"When the president offers you a job, you don't say no," he said.

Well.

"You know the president?" I didn't know if I was more impressed with him or with myself: I'm one degree away from POTUS!

"That's how I got such a cushy job," he explained. "Not everybody gets to take these long lunches whenever they want." Fred put his suit back on, reached into his jacket, and pulled out a sealed envelope. "This is for you."

The money.

I thanked him as I tucked the envelope away in my handbag. The sight of it made me very uncomfortable. But as soon as he left, I tore it open and counted the cash. Four hundred dollars. For an hour of my time. What a country.

About this edition

• Publisher: Hyperion
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1401382339
• ISBN 13: 9781401382339
• Binding: Paperback