Page 58 of Innocent

Chapter Thirteen

“Yes, Madam President.”

I’ve never been more nervous in my dang life than when I utter those three words.

Right now, it’s day five of my new job, and I’m standing inside the Oval Office and discussing dining arrangements with President Samuels, Kevin Markos, and several other staffers.

Leo’s standing off to the side, silently watching with a playful smile.

He might be used to working with the president of the United States, but I’m still trying to convince myself I’m not dreaming all of this while stuck in a coma or something.

Normally, President Samuels wouldn’t be bothered with these deets, but some of the guests are personal friends of hers, and she wanted to give input this time.

Once the meeting ends, I remember the protocols Leo drilled into me. “Thank you, Madam President.” I head out with the other staffers, returning to the East Wing so we can get this dinner planning underway. It isn’t a state dinner, but it’s pretty dang important.

I workinthe East Wing—not across the street in the EEOB with most of the staffers—in an office on the second floor of the East Wing. An office that is wholly my own. A small one, but it has a door that closes and locks and everything.

Sometimes, I still cannot believe I work for the First Spouse. Which is how staff decided to refer to Mr. Bruunt, instead of First Gentleman, because he wasn’t fond of that option. My title is deputy assistant to the First Spouse’s chief of staff. I even have two paid staffers and two college interns who work under me.

My boyfriend is the president’s body man.

Yeah, I’m reasonably sure Mimi would be fine with me postponing my master’s for this.

Yesterday, Leo went with me to speak to the head of President Samuels’ Secret Service detail and a rep from the FBI. Ofcoursemy parents were total dicks and didn’t want to talk to the FBI agent about my background check. Fortunately, since I disclosed on my forms that I’m estranged from them, and why, that wasn’t a ding against me.

President Samuels signed a provisional waiver to approve my full clearance, since they’re still working through my background check. As of right now, I now have full clearance to come and go from the White House, including upstairs in the White House residence.

Mr. Bruunt makes it clear that this is due in no small part to Leo vouching for me, and that my actions reflect upon Leo. Meaning they expect me to fly right and make Leo proud. I damn sure won’t let any of them down.

Especially not Leo.

Some of my unofficial duties in the future might include retrieving items, or clothing, from the residence for the president and her husband. I don’t have door-knock privileges the way Leo and Kev do, but I have infinitely greater access than the average senior staffer. Frequently, I’ll be expected to “staff” the First Gentleman, meaning I’ll act as his body man the way Leo is for the president. Sometimes, I might be expected to help staff the president, too.

Since I know their secret and I’m sworn to silence, they trust me to do this more than most of the other staffers.

Leo’s private goal is to nudge Elliot toward taking me on as his permanent body man, but he’s letting him get settled into his new role as VP, for now.

I don’t know how much my parents know about my job after talking to the FBI agent for my clearance paperwork, but part of me wants to call and rub their noses in it. That despite them trying to sabotage me, I’vestillsucceeded.

I ain’t dead yet.

I’m thinking I’ll wait until I have a picture of me with the president and her husband, and then send Mom and Dad a copy, along with a copy of my business card that says I’m a deputy assistant to the chief of staff to the First Spouse.

My hope is that it’ll make them choke on their outrage.

Or, maybe I could post it on my Facebook profile, and tag people from my hometown and my parents’ church. Then everyone would know their son is alive and well and seated at the right hand of the president.

Wouldn’tthatbe a hoot?

Again, it sucks that I couldn’t witness their outrage first-hand.

Leo convinces me to be the bigger man, though. To not focus on them and the past.

And…Leo’s right, of course.

Doesn’t mean I can’t fantasize about it.

As I settle into my job, and I learn my way not only around the White House, but also learn more about DC and the national political machine, I realize something.