Page 152 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“That was a first,” he said to Nate. Eli had liked the younger agent since he first met him and had requested that Nate lead his detail when it became necessary for him to have one.

“Won’t be the last time,” Nate replied as they took seats in a waiting area. “You never mentioned why you’re skipping class to come to the airport.”

“It’s the first class I’ve ever skipped,” Eli said. “When I went to Princeton, I promised my dad I’d never miss a class unless I was truly sick—and he said being hungover didn’t count as truly sick.”

Nate laughed. “Good for him.”

“He told me I’d been given the priceless gift of a top-level education, and he expected me to take it as seriously as I’d ever taken anything.”

“It’s impressive that a man with his resources had such beliefs,” Nate said.

“He never forgot where he came from, or how he’d had to rebuild after the company that made him wealthy imploded. It was imperative to him that I have an education to fall back on if all else fails, and I’ll do the same with the twins. That’s what he’d want.”

“He’d be proud of you for the way you’ve stepped up for them,” Nate said.

“Thank you. They mean the world to me. And the reason we’re here is that my girlfriend, who I haven’t seen in years, turned eighteen two days ago, which means she can decide for herself who she wants to be with.”

“Whoa. When was the last time you saw her?”

“Three years ago.”

“Damn, Eli. Man…”

“Yeah, it was ugly.” Uglier than he’d ever admit to the agent who’d begun to feel like a friend. “I can’t wait to see her.”

“You guys kept it together all this time?”

Eli shook his head. “She wasn’t allowed to talk to me—and vice versa. I talked to her for the first time in years two days ago.”

“I’m amazed.”

“We’ve picked up right where we left off, or at least it felt that way on the phone the last few days. I’m worried about what it’ll be like when she’s here.”

“I’m sure it’ll be great.”

“Thanks for listening to me go on about it. These last few hours have been torturous.”

“I could tell you were dealing with something.” Nate offered him sunflower seeds. He was always eating something healthy.

“No, thanks. Yeah, the last couple of days have been intense. I couldn’t believe it when she called me Monday. I wasn’t sure if I’d hear from her when she turned eighteen. Turns out she was counting the days like I was.”

“I feel like I’m watching a rom-com or something.”

“Stop,” Eli said, laughing.

“No, really, only this one has my full interest.”

“I hope we don’t disappoint you.”

“You won’t. While we’re talking about rom-coms, do you mind if I ask you something wildly inappropriate?”

Eli glanced at the always super-professional agent. “Um, sure?”

Smiling, Nate said, “It’s inappropriate in the sense that I shouldn’t be talking to you about it.”

“I sort of think of you as a friend since we’re together every day.”

“Likewise, which is why I feel comfortable asking you what you think of the first lady’s niece Brooke.”