Page 86 of Powerless

I look to Alison who smiles widely. Being the First Lady certainly takes some getting used to. I have everything available to me at any time I want it, and that’s a bit weird. But, I guess, this is what Bennett and I have signed up for. “Then I’d love a tour, Celeste. Thank you.”

“It would be our honor.”

Celeste turns to walk away, and I follow behind her. Grayson is only steps away at my side. He’s stealthy, and sometimes I forget he’s near. “I don’t know if you’re aware, but the White House has three kitchens. There’s this one, and down toward the back there is a pastry kitchen. And, there’s also the kitchen in the residence. We can accommodate up to one hundred and four dinners, and over a thousand hors d’oeuvres.” She shows me around the kitchen, and I can’t help but notice how efficiently the kitchen is running with so many chefs in here. “This is Chef Louise, she’s the head chef of the kitchen.”

“Ma’am, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Louise says as she extends her hand.

“The pleasure is mine, Chef Louise.” The kitchen is flowing and humming. Chefs are calling out to one another, and it seems to be absolutely flawless.

“Is there anything I can help you with?”

“Actually, yes, would it be too much to ask for you to prepare a picnic basket for me?”

“Of course. When do you require it?”

I smile sweetly, knowing I’m going to ask something that’ll put her behind. “Now?”

“Absolutely,” she says without missing a beat. “I have yet to receive your and the president’s food preferences.”

“Anything that’s in season, Bennett does like his steaks, but I try to give him extra vegetables,” I add with a smile.

“Of course. What would you like in your picnic basket? Perhaps a selection of grazing cheeses, cold meats, some freshly baked bread?”

“Could you add some seasonal fruit, too please?”

“I can. It’ll take me about ten minutes to put something together for you, is that acceptable?”

I can only imagine the amount of pressure I’ve put her under. “I’m grateful you can do this for me. And, I promise, I won’t ever ask for you to do something on such short notice again.”

“Please, it’s my honor.”

“Would you like me to wait outside?”

“Where ever you’re more comfortable.”

I look around the bustling kitchen, and I don’t want to be in the way of anyone so I head out and stand to the side. So many people are saying hello to me as they pass by. My voice dips as I acknowledge each and every person who speaks to me, because I’m finding the excessive attention somewhat intimidating. I’m not waiting long before Louise walks out holding a picnic basket for me. “You found a picnic basket?” I ask as I take it from her hands.

“Ma’am, we’re well stocked here for anything.” She smiles. “I hope this is what you want.”

“It’s wonderful. Thank you so much for putting this together with no notice.”

Louise beams with happiness. Her wide smile warms my heart. Although, I’ll be sure to give her more notice next time. “I’ll return the basket once we’re done.”

“If you leave it with Esther or Jamie, they can return it.”

Jamie’s been here all of a few hours, and everyone already knows his name and what he does for Bennett. “Thank you.” I offer Louise one more smile before leaving the kitchens and heading back to the Oval Office. I look over my shoulder to see Grayson is behind me. This will certainly take some time to get used to. Jamie looks up from his computer and stands when he sees me walk in with the picnic basket. “Is there anyone in there with him?” I rest the basket on Jamie’s desk.

“No, ma’am, he’s all yours.”

Taking the picnic basket, I open the door to the office and walk in. Bennett lifts his head from the work he’s doing and peers over his glasses at me. He sits back in his chair, takes his glasses off, links his fingers, and rests his hands in his lap. “What’s this?”

“We’re having a picnic,” I say as I walk over to his desk.

“We are?”

“Yep. I’ve cleared your schedule for the next half an hour, so you and I are going out there and having a picnic.”

“I have a lot of work to do, darling.”

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