Page 132 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“Will do.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Sam ended the call with Cameron and updated Freddie on what they’d learned.

“Interesting that Grace referenced being unable to trust anyone,” Freddie said. “I wonder if she meant her father.”

“That’s my guess. Let’s see what Mark says about what his kids knew and when they knew it.” She glanced at the clock to find it was inching closer to two, which gave her four hours before she had to be at the White House for the announcement of Nick’s VP nominee.

“What’re people saying about Nick’s choice of Henderson for VP?” she asked hesitantly. Part of her didn’t want to know what people were saying.

“Women are celebrating the huge milestone of the nation’s first female vice president.”

“I’m very proud of Nick for sticking to that plan, even when it became far more difficult than he expected to find someone who wanted the job.”

“The right is appalled by the choice of someone who’s never held elective office, even though she’s worked in politics her entire adult life. I read a quote from the minority leader about how we’ll have the most inexperienced president and vice president in history, neither of them elected by anyone, leading our country.”

Sam swallowed hard, regretting that she’d asked. “Leave it to Stenhouse to piss on our parade.”

“Others are celebrating the youthful vitality of the top leadership, indicating that we’re long overdue for the next generation of leaders to take command.”

“You’re remarkably well informed, young Freddie.”

“One of my two best friends is the new president. I’m devouring every word that’s written about him and his wife.”

“Gulp. What’re they saying about his wife?”

“You really want to know?”

“No. Never mind.”

“It’s not bad,” he said, laughing. “Women are also celebrating the first first lady to hold down a job outside the White House. Editorials have been mostly favorable about the example you’re setting for women and working moms.”

“I don’t want to be a role model for working moms. I don’t spend nearly enough time with my children. That’s something I want to change in the new year. I’m not sure how I’m going to do it, but I’m determined to spend more time with them. Scotty is already fourteen. Fourteen! He’s only going to live at home for four more years. I refuse to be absent for most of that time.”

“I think it’s great that you want to spend more time with them, and I’ll do anything I can to help make that possible for you.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that. And I’ll return the favor when you have kids.”

“You’ve got a deal.”

“The time just goes by so bloody fast. Nick and I are together two years this week, which means John O’Connor’s murder was already two years ago.”

“And I met Elin two years ago this week.”

“Oh my God, that’s right! That was quite a week, but how is it already two years ago?”

“Look at everything that’s happened in those two years.”

“The head absolutely spins when I do that. How did I go from dating a chief of staff out of a job because his boss was murdered to living at the White House with the president?”

Freddie laughed. “Imagine the books and movies that’ll be made about your story someday.”

“As long as they get someone sexy to play me, like Scarlett Johansson.”

“She’d be perfect. Who’ll play me?”

“You won’t be in it,” Sam said, holding back the laugh that was trying to bust loose.