Page 189 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“I guess we’ll have to prove ourselves to them the old-fashioned way, by getting the job done.” Nick put an arm around Scotty’s shoulders. “Come with me to say hello to Mrs. Nelson.”

The crowd parted to let them through to Gloria Nelson and her daughter Camille.

Gloria hugged him. “It’s so nice to see you again, Mr. President.”

“You as well, and please, call me Nick.”

“Thank you, Nick, for the kind invitation to be here tonight.”

“We’re delighted to have you. Scotty, you remember Mrs. Nelson and her daughter Mrs. Rothschild.”

Scotty shook hands with them. “It’s good to see you again. I hope you and your family are doing all right.”

“Thank you, Scotty,” Gloria said. “It’s nice to see you, too. And we’re doing as well as can be expected. Good days and bad days.”

“I know how hard it is. I just lost my grandpa.” He quickly added, “Not that it’s the same thing as losing your husband.”

“Grief is grief, my boy, and it stinks no matter who’s been lost.”

Scotty smiled up at her. “Yes, it sure does.”

“It’s very kind of you to think of us.”

“It’s kind of hard not to think of you guys every day, living where we are now.”

Gloria tossed her head back and laughed hard. “Oh my goodness. How cute are you?”

“I don’t mean any disrespect.”

“None taken. The facts are what they are, and you’re a very sweet young man.” To Nick, she said, “This boy’s going places.”

“We agree,” Nick said, giving his son a warm smile.

“If I pass eighth-grade algebra, that is.”

“I hated algebra and all things math,” Camille said. “What is the point of it all?”

“Thank you,” Scotty said, offering her a fist bump in solidarity that she eagerly returned.

“Have you found the secret passageways in the residence yet?” Camille asked him.

Scotty’s eyes lit up. “There’re secret passageways?”

“Buy me a drink, and I’ll tell you all about them.”

“Later, Dad.”

“What an impressive young man,” Gloria said after they had headed for the bar. “That’s the hardest I’ve laughed since David passed.”

“We love him. He’s everything to us and makes us laugh every day.”

“I can see why you adore him. How’s Sam doing? I couldn’t believe when I heard about her broken hip.”

“It’s been an ordeal, but she’s this close to back to normal and should be here any minute. They had a huge bust this afternoon, a guy they’ve been after for weeks.”

“What an impressive family you have, Mr. President.”

“Thank you. You’ll hear me talk tonight about how I finally have it all now that I have them.”

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