the campaign. But anything involving sexual orientation tended to be a sore spot for Christine, so Caroline decided to let it alone. “Don’t dismiss my interpretations.”
“He’s a member of a minority group,” Christine pointed out. “What would he have to gain from bringing down fellow minorities?”
Caroline rolled her eyes. “Chrissy, I don’t mean to malign the Republican Party, but you’ve got some strange bedfellows in there. You really think he wouldn’t put his own ambitions and goals above those of other Senators, particularly those of different races or religions? Come on. You’re not that naïve.”
Ellen stared down at the floor. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Christine gripped the armrest on the chair, barely able to conceal her discomfort. “I just – I wasn’t – we’re not that close, Ellen. I wasn’t sure if you’d believe me, and it felt weird to even say it to you, and I-”
“That’s such bullshit, Chrissy,” Caroline interrupted.
Christine whirled on her. “It’s so easy for you, isn’t it? I don’t think the two of you realize how well-liked you are. People want to believe you. They hang on your every word because they trust you. I don’t have the same reputation.”
“We’re not talking about taking this to the press,” Caroline said. “You should have told Ellie.”
“I didn’t want to hurt her feelings.”
Ellen gave Christine a small smile. “It’s okay.” She turned to Caroline. “Don’t get mad at her.”
“I’m not mad. I just wish she would have said something earlier.”
“What did he say?” Ellen asked.
“I can’t remember for certain.” Christine shifted in her chair again. “But I’m pretty sure the ‘k’ word was used.”
“That’s it?” Ellen could barely contain her amusement.
“It’s not an appropriate word to use,” Christine said. “Ever. I’ve never said it.”
“I’ve heard worse, Christine. Really. If that’s the worst thing he said, he wasn’t trying very hard to insult me.”
“It wasn’t just that. It was the way he said it. He must not have known I was within earshot. I can’t remember the specific words beyond that but…it was more than just unfriendly.”
“Who was he speaking with?”
Christine looked down at her drink.
Ellen’s frustration broke through. “Oh for pity’s sake, Christine. Just say it.”
“Senator Gunderson.”
Caroline had to steady herself before she spoke. “You mean, the man he just nominated to be his Vice President?”
“Yes.”
Senator Howard Gunderson was one of the most liberal members of Congress. Although he caucused with the Democrats, he identified as an independent and often endorsed economic policies that were far left of center. Two days after Hendricks died, President Santos announced his nomination of Senator Gunderson as his new vice president, hoping that Congress would act swiftly on the matter. He threw a lot of flowery words into his speech, mentioning that the time for reconciliation and healing was at hand. It was an unprecedented move, which meant it was gaining traction with the press. The public had responded well, giving Santos a healthy bump in his approval ratings. Gunderson seemed an unusual choice for such a starkly partisan man.
“Are they friends?” Caroline asked.
Ellen spoke up. “I’ve seen them together quite a bit over the years. I don’t know if they’re close, but they have a good enough rapport.”
Caroline felt like she’d been out of the loop. How had she missed that? She wasn’t hugely into following Beltway gossip, never had been, but still sometimes indulged. “An interesting relationship, don’t you think?”
Christine picked up her empty glass and rolled it between her palms. “Caroline, there are still people in Washington who get along with members of the opposition.”
Lorenzo Santos was incapable of genial behavior under any circumstance. “I don’t trust him,” Caroline said bluntly.
“We figured that much out, thanks.”
“I’m serious.”
“Bully for you,” Christine said. “What are you going to do with that opinion?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“Caroline-”
“Ellen was supposed to be with the president that night,” Caroline said.
Christine almost dropped the glass. She spun to face Ellen, surprised. “Is that true?”
“Yes.” Ellen rubbed her eyes. “Never thought I’d be so grateful for my grandson’s much too early arrival.”
“Are you…dealing with that okay?” Christine asked.
Ellen waved her hand. “It’s fine. It wasn’t my time.”
“Maybe Santos wanted it to be,” Caroline said quietly.
Both women stared at her. Shit. She’d meant to say someone, not Santos. Even though Santos was the someone she was thinking of.
“Caroline, are you insane?” Christine asked.
May as well go with it. “I’m dead serious,” she said. “Awful pun completely unintentional.”
Ellen scooted closer to her on the couch. “No, really. You can’t be serious.”