Page 209 of State of Suspense

Nick gave a slight nod.

Sam was so proud of him for not making this easy on her.

“I… I asked for this meeting because I wanted the chance to speak to you, to apologize for my past behavior and… Well, I’d like for us to have some sort of relationship.”

All eyes were on Nick, who had no reaction for a full minute.

“What, exactly, are you apologizing for?”

Sam was stunned that Nicoletta seemed genuinely remorseful, but she remained skeptical. A tiger like her didn’t just change her stripes after a few days in lockup.

“I, uh, haven’t been the mother you deserved. I’ve been selfish and self-absorbed, and I’ve disappointed you too many times to count. I deeply regret my actions, and I wish to have the opportunity to do better in the future. I’d like to know you…” She seemed to force herself to include Sam. “Both of you and your children.”

“Why?” Sam asked.

In a flash that lasted less than a second, Sam saw how the woman really felt about her.

Nicoletta quickly caught herself and forced a smile, but not fast enough.

“It doesn’t matter why,” Nick said. “I saw the way you just looked at my wife, even though you tried to hide it. That tells me none of this is genuine. It’s more of your games.”

“It’s not! I swear I mean every word I’ve said. I… I know she hates me.”

Nick frowned. “She has a name.”

“I know that Sam hates me.”

“With good reason,” Nick said. “She’s had a front-row seat to how you’ve treated me. She sat with me when I listened in shock to your TV interview full of lies about me, when you acted like we were the best of friends rather than strangers who’ve never had any relationship. She was there when you showed up uninvited to our wedding, knowing it would upset me to have you there but not caring in the least about me on the biggest day of my life, which was nothing new. Sam truly loves me, so yes, she hates the way you treat me. Can you blame her?”

Sam wanted to stand up and cheer for her man. Since she couldn’t do that, she gave his hand one big squeeze.

Nicoletta looked down at her hands, which were folded on her lap. “No, I don’t blame her. I deserve it.”

“You haven’t said what caused this sudden moment of self-reflection.”

“If I may…” Collins said. “Nicoletta’s recent troubles have resulted in her wanting to make some changes in her life, beginning with fixing her strained relationship with you.”

“And what role have you played in that?” Sam asked.

“I’m a widower with three grown children who are my closest friends. Two of them work for my firm, and the other has given me two precious grandchildren. In the weeks since we first met, Nicoletta has gotten to witness my warm relationships with my children, and they have her longing for the same with you.”

“I don’t believe she has it in her,” Nick said bluntly.

“I… I want to try,” Nicoletta said softly. “I want that so badly.”

“Do you know what I’ve wanted so badly for thirty-eight years? A mother like my friends had. I wanted someone I could count on to be there for me when I needed her, to come to my school events, my hockey games and my graduations, and to act like she gave a shit about me. You’ve never once done that. Rather, you’ve done everything you could to hurt me, including taking money for interviews where you spread your bullshit about me at a time when everyone else who cares about me was rallying around me. So you’ll have to excuse me if I’m not buying this act of contrition. I’m the president of the United States of America, and frankly, Mother, I don’t need your bullshit in my life.”

“I know you’re the president! I’m so proud. I couldn’t be prouder if I tried.”

“But now you’re suddenly interested in a relationship with me?” He shook his head. “You want what you’ve always wanted—attention—and you think if you’re reunited with me, there’ll be happy visits to your grandchildren at the White House and the chance to tell everyone you know that you slept in the Lincoln Bedroom.” He leaned in, looking as fierce as Sam had ever seen him. “Let me be crystal clear with you. That is never going to happen. Do you think I’d subject my precious children to the same treatment I received when you get bored with this new version of yourself and revert to your old ways?”

“That won’t happen,” she said on a soft sob.

“Yes, it will, and when it does, my family won’t be anywhere near it. I appreciate the apology and that you genuinely believe you’ve changed, but I’m not buying what you’re selling. I’m sorry, but this meeting is over.”

He released Sam’s hand to walk to the front door, where he summoned an agent with a single knock. “Our guests are leaving, Eric.”

“Yes, sir, Mr. President.”

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