Page 102 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

Angela moved so she was on Sam’s right side. When she wasn’t pregnant, she was whip thin, which irritated her sisters endlessly. Pregnancy made her even prettier than she already was, infusing her cheeks with a glow. Sam had always thought Angela was the stunner of the three of them. Nick said he disagreed, but he had to say that. “It doesn’t look that bad,” Angela said of Sam’s face.

“No need to lie. I can see it’s awful.”

“It’s way better than it was,” Tracy said. “Take a look.”

Sam finally ventured a glance at the mirror and was astounded to realize Tracy was right. “I’m in awe of you and your ability with makeup.”

“We just need some eye makeup and lipstick to finish you off.”

“Let me do her eyes,” Ang said. “I watched this cool video on YouTube last night, and I want to try it on her.”

“Nothing crazy,” Sam said. “I’m going to a meeting at the White House.”

“I gotcha covered. Don’t worry.”

“I found big flesh-colored bandages we can use on your hands,” Angela said. “No one will even know you’re injured.”

Thirty minutes later, the three of them trooped downstairs, ready to kick ass and take names at the White House. With all her heart, Sam wished her dad could be there to see them off. He’d be busting his buttons with pride for his three daughters.

Sam wore a black and red floral dress with a black jacket and her prized Louboutins. Being first lady would probably mean more cool shoes, which was the one thing about the gig that truly made her happy.

She was also wearing her gorgeous engagement ring, which she never wore to work, and the diamond key necklace. Despite the carnage on her face, she felt as prepared as one could be to visit the now-former first lady at the White House to learn what she needed to know to succeed in the role herself. The sheer lunacy of it made her laugh despite the pain that caused her. She carried a large black purse that contained a gift she planned to leave for her husband in his new office.

Nick came out of the dining room when he heard them come down and let out a low whistle. “Three hot mamas going to the White House, and wow, Tracy, that makeup is incredible. You look great, Sam.”

“Hopefully, I won’t embarrass us too badly,” she said, grimacing.

“You’ll be awesome.” He kissed her forehead. “I can’t wait to hear all about it.”

Sam took a minute to sit with the kids, who were snuggled up to Scotty watching a Minions movie for the nine-hundredth time. “When I get home, we’ll make some pizza and play Candy Land, okay?”

Aubrey smiled and nodded. “Okay, Sam. How does your face feel?”

“It still hurts, but it’s better than it was.” That wasn’t true, but she didn’t want the little girl to worry about her. She leaned in to kiss her, her brother and Scotty.

“Good luck at the White House, Mom,” Scotty said. “Pick out the coolest room for me.”

“Will do, pal.”

Vernon and Jimmy led them to a black SUV and waited for them to be settled before closing the door.

“This is so freaking cool,” Tracy said.

“I’m glad you think so.”

“Come on, Sam,” Angela said. “Even you have to agree that living in the White House is going to be an amazing experience for all of you—and the rest of us who get to visit you there.”

“It will be. I have no doubt about that. It’s just the intense scrutiny and attention and safety concerns that make me anxious. So many people are pissed about the way Nick became president. They think he’s too young. They think he doesn’t want the job because he basically said that a week ago. The whole world is talking about my husband and my family, and today, the mayor asked me if I’d like to be the department’s new deputy chief.”

“Seriously?” Tracy asked with a high screech to her voice. “And you’re just telling us this now?”

“Relax. I said no.”

“Why?” Angela asked.

“Because! I don’t want that job. I want the one I already have, and besides, it’s bad enough that I have to hear all the time that I’m only where I am because of who I am, that my father and uncle and all their buddies are the only reason I’ve been successful. The last freaking thing I need is to be promoted two ranks the same week my husband gets the ultimate promotion. I’d never hear the end of that, which is why you guys can’t breathe a word of this to anyone, even Spencer and Mike.”

“We never would,” Tracy said. “What did the mayor say?”