Page 140 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“We’ll all be there for you. Everyone in your life will be there.”

“You have enough going on without worrying about me.”

“I will worry about you, and you can’t stop me.”

“If you insist,” Roni said, laughing. “I’ll keep you posted on Scotty and Skippy.”

“I do insist and thank you for taking that on. You’re the best.”

“Glad to do it. I think it’ll be fun. Talk soon.”

“Skippy’s Instagram account is the highlight of my day,” Freddie said after Sam slapped her phone closed.

“I’ve only heard about it and how it’s getting out of hand, but I’ve never seen it. Show me.”

“For crying out loud, Sam.” He called up the account on his phone and handed it to her. “Do you need me to show you how to navigate?”

“I think I can manage.” She scrolled through the photos and videos of the adorable dog who’d stolen all their hearts. “Does that say that Skippy has two-point-two million followers?”

“It does, and that’s why you had to get your staff involved.”

“I’ve heard him say it’s gotten big, but Jesus Christ above.”

“Sam!”

“What? That was a prayer, Freddie. Duh.”

“Sure, it was.”

“But really… Two-point-two million followers for a dog?”

“She’s not just any dog. She’s the first dog.”

“People are crazy.”

“Yes, they are. They’re crazy about you, your husband, your kids, your dog. Did you see how there’s been more than thirty-two million views of the SNL skit on YouTube?”

“Dear God. That was mortifying.”

“But so, so funny. I’ve never laughed so hard in my entire life.”

“It was not funny.”

“Yes, it was. Ask Vernon and Jimmy. Was it funny?”

“We’re not allowed to comment on that,” Vernon said diplomatically, “but if we were, I’d have to say it was indeed amusing.”

“You’re supposed to be on my side, Vernon.”

“Always, ma’am, but that skit was funny.”

“Ha!” Freddie said. “I told you.”

“I hate everyone.”

“Even Nick?”

“Especially him. None of this would be happening if he hadn’t become the damned president.” As she said that, she realized she’d come to trust Vernon and Jimmy enough to speak freely in front of them. “Except I can’t hate him when I love him so much.”

---