Page 118 of State of Suspense

They talked about kids, the funny things they said, the unique challenges of raising them in the spotlight and Courtney’s work on behalf of cystic fibrosis research.

“How’s your daughter’s health?”

“She’s doing very well. They’ve made amazing advancements in treating CF, and while it requires daily management, she’s living a relatively normal life.”

“That’s wonderful. I’m so glad to hear it.” She noticed Courtney hadn’t touched her tea. “May I warm up your tea?”

“Honestly?”

“Of course.”

“I’d rather have a glass of wine. Would that be possible?”

“This is the White House. Anything is possible here.” She smiled at Harold, who was positioned by the door. “We’d like to trade our tea for wine, please.”

“Right away, ma’am. What kind of wine do you prefer?”

Sam looked to Courtney.

“Rosé would be wonderful.”

“Make it a double, please, Harold.”

“Coming right up.”

“Since we’re being honest…” Sam wasn’t sure if she should be, but whatever. She only knew how to be herself, and herself was blunt. “I was kind of dreading this meeting. I feared I wouldn’t know what to talk to you about, and I hate tea.”

Courtney laughed. “It’s like drinking dirty bathwater.”

Sam laughed right along with her. “Yes, exactly! I know people love it, but I never have.”

“Me either.”

“This is my first state visit since Nick became president. I’ve been so nervous, but you’re just a regular person like me.”

“You’re not a regular person.”

“Oh my God. Yes, I am. If you only knew… I worry all the time that my ‘regular-ness’ will cause embarrassment for Nick.”

“I never would’ve guessed that. Your public persona is a bit intimidating for someone like me coming to meet with you.”

“Nothing to be intimidated about with me unless you’re a murderer, or you mess with my family. Then I can get a little ugly.”

“Can’t we all? I’ve been appalled by some of the things that’ve been said about your husband since he took office. The shooting at Fort Liberty… Such a tragedy.”

“Indeed. It’s been hard to take. People saying awful things about him simply because he stepped up when asked by President Nelson to be vice president and then again when the president died so suddenly. A service member killing other personnel because he doesn’t support the commander in chief. It’s…”

“A lot on top of a lot.”

“Yes. It certainly is.” Sam appreciated that the other woman understood—probably better than anyone Sam had spoken to since Nick became president.

“Do you have to go there to offer support and condolences?”

“We were told we’re not wanted there, which stung a bit.”

“I’m sure it does. With all the sacrifices you and your family are making so he can serve his country at the highest level, it’s not easy to face the constant criticism.”

“No, it sure isn’t. It’s nice to talk to someone who understands.”

---