Madame President - Tara Sue Me Page 0,45
return from the hospital. Not unexpected, but I’ll admit, I’d hoped I’d been wrong. The thing is, I miss her. I miss seeing her fire boiling just underneath the surface. The fire I want to stoke until it spirals out of control.
I shouldn’t be thinking such things about the POTUS, but I’ve realized since moving to Washington the only other option would be to walk away. Maybe a stronger man could do it, but I did that very thing twelve years ago and I refuse to do so again.
The agent shifts slightly and at the same time a nearby door opens and Anna walks out followed by her Cabinet members.
She stops steps before getting to me and speaks to a few of those around her. Within a minute, only the two of us and the agents guarding the door are left.
“Mr. Hazar,” she says. “Would you like to come in for a minute? I believe I have a few spare ones before Nicole shuffles me off to another meeting.”
The mask is firmly in place. No emotion present at all. Today she is one hundred percent President Fitzpatrick. I can’t help but wonder if she’s ever without the mask or if it’s been in place for so long, she’s not able to take it off.
Except when someone gives her flowers or she’s holding a sick child.
“I promise not to take too much of your time today, Madame President,” I say as we enter the Oval Office and the door closes behind us. I turn to face her. “I really only wanted to come by and thank you face-to-face for asking me to speak at the benefit you’re planning.”
“You’re welcome,” she says. “But to be honest, I can’t imagine anyone else is better suited to give it.”
“I appreciate it. It’ll be the first time I’ve spoken on childhood cancer.”
“Really?” She tilts her head. “I would have thought you’d have done so many times.”
“No, I never have.” I’m not sure why it’s never occurred to me to do so. Of course, I’ll have to make sure Sunshine is okay with me talking about her. I’m sure she won’t mind, though.
“I know what,” Anna says, eyes growing large, but then she stops and doesn’t continue with what she knows.
“Tell me.”
“I should invite her and your parents, too. It’ll be lovely.” Her eyes are sparkling now, excitement evident. “Nicole and I were discussing where to hold it earlier, and I think we’ll host it here.”
“The White House? Elevate the status a bit?” I tease, knowing my parents and Sunshine will be beside themselves with an invitation.
“Something like that.”
“Whatever you decide, my family will be tickled to be included.”
“Then that settles it.” She steps to her desk and jots something down on a sticky note. “As soon as we confirm the date, I’ll make sure they’re invited.”
I’m not sure how long I’ve been inside her office, but I’m sure it’s probably time for her next meeting. “I won’t keep you, Madame President, I know you’re busy. But again, thank you.”
I turn to leave, and she stops me with one word.
“Navin.”
I turn back to her. “Yes?”
“Why is Roger credited with the picture of Emma and me? You are the one who took it, aren’t you?”
I wink at her and nod my head. “No, Madame President. That was all Roger.”
She laughs as was my hope, seeming to understand at least part of why the credit is listed as it is.
“Very well,” she says, but she’s wearing a little smirk I’ve never seen before and I wonder if it’s because now there’s a secret only the two of us know. Or three of us. I guess I have to include Roger in the count. “Just so you know, my Chief of Staff as well as my personal secretary both questioned my sanity when I asked about that picture. Next time, give me a warning?”
“Of course, Madame President.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Her
White House
Washington DC
As usual by the time I make it to my private room in the Residence, I’m exhausted, but too tired to sleep. I used to hear that expression and think it was the stupidest thing I’d ever heard. Then I experienced it for myself.
I’m not sure lack of sleep is anything you ever get used to, not completely. Rather, after weeks of staring at your bedroom ceiling in the dark, streaming way too many of the television series you watched as a child, you accept it and learn how to live and function with the little sleep you are able