Page 119 of State of Suspense

“I really do. Matthew came into office with an ambitious agenda that’s run up against fierce resistance from all corners. Somedays, you wonder why you bother to try.”

“We have to keep trying. That’s what Nick says.”

“He’s right. Of course we have to keep trying, but sometimes it’s just exhausting.”

“All the time.”

Harold returned, bearing a tray with two glasses of wine that he served to them.

“Thank you, Harold,” Sam said.

“Yes, thank you.”

“May I remove the tea service?”

“Yes, please, but leave the cake. That won’t go to waste.”

Smiling, he said, “Yes, ma’am.”

“Don’t you get tired of being called ma’am?” Courtney asked when they were alone again.

“So tired of it. I’ve got my Secret Service agents calling me Sam when it’s just us, but that didn’t happen overnight.”

“This wine is delicious.”

“It is. I’ve always loved rosé the best.”

“Me, too.” Courtney held up her glass to Sam. “Here’s to new friends who get it.”

Sam touched her glass to Courtney’s. “I’ll drink to that.”

The second glass of wine had probably been a mistake, Sam thought, as Lilia accompanied her to the residence to dress for dinner. She was a tiny bit wobbly but elated after a delightful time with Courtney Hutchinson. With hindsight, she’d wasted valuable energy worrying about something that’d turned out much better than fine.

Before they’d parted company, they’d exchanged phone numbers so they could stay in touch after the visit.

Skip Holland used to tell his daughters not to be overly impressed by illustrious people. The putting-their-pants-on-one-leg-at-a-time saying came right from him. She should’ve taken his advice as she’d prepared to meet with Courtney. Turns out, she’d been every bit as intimidated as Sam had been, which was amusing. She didn’t think of herself as particularly intimidating, except when someone was irritating her on the job, so it had come as a surprise that Courtney had been nervous about their meeting, too.

While Lilia waited in the sitting room, Sam went into the bedroom to change and encountered her husband in a tuxedo.

“Holy smokes.”

“What?”

“You in that tux. Yum.” She went to him and rested her hands flat on his chest. “It’s giving me ideas.”

“We don’t have time for ideas. How’d it go with Courtney Hutchinson?”

“We had a great time.”

“Is that right?”

“Yep, and we had two glasses of wine.”

“Ah, that accounts for the somewhat glassy look in your eyes.” He kissed her. “I’m glad you had a good time.”

“We really did. She’s very nice and normal.”

“Unlike you.”

---