Page 40 of Power Games

"I'm staying here for a few days."

"Ah!" Cici exclaimed. "Renovations."

"No, ma'am."

"Flooding?"

"Wrong again."

"Well, then, I guess I'm going to have to step in it and say ‘trouble in paradise with the beautiful wife.’"

Vanessa yelled, "Your floor! It's your floor, Nana. Press the damn button and let's get out."

"Stay, stay, sweetie. I'm not so old and useless that you need to tuck me into bed. And I kept my heels on all night, at least."

Cici stuck her tongue out as she stepped out of the elevator, before winking. "Night, Nessie dear. Will I see you in the morning?"

"Yes, I'll be at the park for brunch," she replied.

There was silence at first once the door closed.

"Sorry about Cici," Vanessa finally said.

"No apology necessary. She's a firecracker."

"And then some."

The doors opened on his floor. He stepped out, and turned to say good night, but Vanessa was coming out too.

"Ah. Federal suite," he guessed. He pointed to his door. "I'm the Presidential."

"Of course you are," she replied, smiling. "Good night, Charles."

"Good night, Vanessa," he said, watching her step away. "She was right, you know."

Vanessa tilted her head. "Hm?"

"Your grandma. She was right about Izzy and me. We're getting a divorce." His fingers went through his hair, and he leaned against the wall.

Vanessa had stopped walking away.

"Are you?" she questioned.

Fair.

"Hopefully. She's suggested it, this time. She's...recovered from last year's issue. We're discussing details tomorrow evening."

Vanessa blinked. She started turning toward him, but she stopped herself and sighed. "I'm exhausted," she said. He wasn't sure she was talking about a lack of sleep. "We can chat in the morning if you want. My brother is holding a brunch at the West Potomac Park, around 11. It's mostly a photo op but I figured I'd show my face."

"I thought you didn't do politics?"

She shrugged. "I was at a Republican party last night, so I'm attending a Democratic one tomorrow. They cancel each other out. Anyway, feel free to come by. We can chat then."

He nodded. “Tomorrow.”

It was a promise.

16

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