Page 52 of The Baller

But as soon as she was done,thenI’d be jumping out.

Instead, I ripped open my package and tipped it upside down; eight boxes of Presidential M&Ms fell out, along with a note written on Oval Office paper.

Hope you’re having a good week, Sweetie. Mr. Snuggles has been sleeping on your bed, and yesterday stole an entire chicken from the kitchens so he’s been in trouble… Ben is back this weekend, want to come too?

We miss you.

Lots of love, Mom xo

Ithrew a handful of M&Ms in my mouth and hit dial.

“Office of the President.”

“Hi, Michael, it’s Radley. Is my mom available?” I asked my mom’s executive secretary.

“Hey, Radley, let me check. She’s in a staff meeting, but I can probably interrupt. How’s school?”

“It’s good, thank you. How’s D.C.?”

“Oh, you know, same old same old.”

“Yeah.” I huffed a laugh. I knew exactly what he meant. D.C. would never ever change.

The line went silent for a second, and then my mom’s familiar tones sounded; soft and firm all at the same time.

“Sweetheart, good morning. How are you?”

“Hey, Mom, I’m good.”

“Are you sure? Because you can come home…” she said, like she did every day when I spoke to her.

“Mom, I’m good here. I don’t need to come home. Thank you for the M&Ms,” I added as I crunched down on another handful.

“Ugh, are you eating them for breakfast?”

“Yup,” I laughed.

“You’re as bad as your brothers.”

“No way, they’re much worse,” I replied, making her laugh. “What are you doing today?”

“Oh, not much; meeting with the Security Council, then the Secretary General of the U.N. I have a photocall with a bunch of fourth graders coming to visit the White House this morning…” I could almost picture her sitting in her chair, feet up on the Resolute desk, her standard five-inch heels partially eased off, while she listed her day.

“Yeah, a light day…” I smiled back, listening for Millie to shut off the shower.

“I know, might try and squeeze in a manicure. Maybe lunch, too.”

“Me, too. You know, if I didn’t have to go to class. Unless you want to write me a note.”

“No way. You need to ace your class, young lady. Your father and I are relying on you to keep us in our old age.”

“No, that’s Henry’s job.” I giggled, which set my mom off laughing too.

“Okay, kiddo. I gotta go. I love you. You want to come home with Benny this weekend?”

I paused before answering. I’d kind of like to see Mr. Snuggles more than my brother, and Ben would probably be out partying anyway. “No, but I’ll be home for Thanksgiving.”

“Oh, that reminds me, I want you to come for a breakfast with me. Michael will send you the details. It’ll be fun, you’ll enjoy it.”

---