Page 2 of Revisions

I’ve also learned that, in Candace’s circle, the wordagendais always met with a degree of skepticism. Because around here, someone’s purpose isn’t just a goal—it’s a motive worth questioning. I shake my head as we approach my office.

Dana grabs my arm. “JD, I’ve been at this a long time. Consider this as prep for something more invasive.”

Dana makes this interview sound like a colonoscopy. I’m tempted to ask if I can get a sedative first.

“I’m afraid to ask what you’re thinking,” Dana says.

“I’m reminded why youarethe best.”

“What?”

“That was the nicest way I’ve ever been told to expect something to land squarely up my ass,” I say.

Dana stares at me for a second and then laughs.

“You realize you can just tell me the truth?” I ask.

“I told you it’s prep.”

“For a colonoscopy?”

“Only you would make that comparison,” Dana replied.

“Prep for something moreinvasive?”

Dana chuckles.

“Your words, not mine,” I remind her as we stop just before the door. I turn to Dana and grin. “You owe me dinner after this, and Shell owes me babysitting.”

“Why?”

“Candace says the worst part is always the prep,” I tell her. With a deep breath, I take the final steps into my office. If nothing else, this should be interesting.

“Ms. Reid. Thank you for agreeing to this conversation,” Ivey begins.

“No need to thank me. And it’s JD.”

“Informality isn’t exactly customary here,” Ivey says.

“Do you mean in the White House?” I ask.

“Yes.”

If only he knew. I hold back a chuckle.

“We’re not in theWestWing,” I reply. “And I’m not an elected official.”

“Howwouldyou define your role?” he asks.

I want to laugh. Candace would tell him I’m the First Lunatic. “It depends on what you’re asking,” I tell him.

“You don’t have thoughts on your role?”

I have many thoughts about myrole.“Sure,” I reply. “There are duties assigned to the First Lady’s office, mostly ceremonial. There are also expectations as the spouse of any politician.”

“And those differ?” Ivey asks.

“I think we all play various roles at home and work. Don’t you?”

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