Page 208 of State of Suspense

“Coming right up.”

He poured her a vodka and soda that was heavy on the vodka and light on the small bottle of soda water he found in the cabinet. “I’m sorry to say this bar has no fresh fruit to top off your cocktail.”

“That’s okay.” She took a sip of the drink and felt the alcohol warm her from the inside. “It’s so weird to be here.”

“I know. We’ve been gone just long enough that it doesn’t feel as much like home anymore.”

“Remember when we said the White House would never be home?”

“Funny how that happens, huh?”

“It’s the people with us who make it home.”

“I saw the kids after school. I told them we’d be home for dinner.”

“Something to look forward to.”

A soft knock on the door sounded. “Mr. President, your guests have arrived,” Brant said.

Nick pulled back from her. “Here we go. You ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Let’s get this over with.” He took her hand and led her out of the kitchen, both with drinks in hand.

Nicoletta stood next to a tall, distinguished man with silver hair and a tanned face. He wore a sharp suit and reminded Sam of the actor Robert Wagner.

Her mother-in-law looked stunning, as usual, which was just another reason to dislike her. Nick had told her that she loved being compared to Sophia Loren. Whatever.

The agents, who’d already vetted the guests, made themselves scarce.

“Th-this is Collins Worthy. Collins, my son, Nick, and his wife, Sam.”

Collins smiled as he extended his hand to Nick. “Mr. President, it’s an honor to meet you.”

“My name is Nick here.”

Sam wished she could give him a high five for shutting down the Mr. President bullshit from the get-go.

“Of course.” He shook hands with Sam. “Pleasure to meet you as well.”

Nick gestured to the sofas. “Have a seat.”

Nicoletta and Collins sat on the sofa that faced the one Sam and Nick settled on.

Sam liked that Nick didn’t offer them anything. After all, this wasn’t a social call.

“You asked for this meeting,” Nick said. “What can we do for you?”

Chapter Thirty-Five

His hand had gotten very warm, which was the only reaction Nick showed to seeing his mother for the first time in a while, but only Sam would know that. He appeared outwardly cool, collected and unaffected.

Hey, that rhymes, she thought, forcing herself to suppress a giggle that would be highly inappropriate under the circumstances.

Collins glanced at Nicoletta and gave her an encouraging smile that had Sam wondering about the true nature of their relationship.

“Thank you for seeing me,” Nicoletta said.

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