Domestic Policy (By Design #13) by JA Armstrong

Author:JA Armstrong [Armstrong, JA]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Politics
Goodreads: 54556913
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 2020-07-15T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

ONE WEEK LATER

One question seemed to be on repeat in Marianne’s home. When can we see Nana? Spencer asked every day. Maddie would stand next to him, pout, and then roll her eyes when Marianne explained that they could call Nana. They could use the computer to see Nana, but they wouldn’t be able to visit Nana for a while. Spencer had just stormed out of the room after telling his mother, “you don’t understand.” If you only knew. Marianne would give almost anything to sit on the couch with her mother. What can it hurt to try? Marianne dialed a familiar number.

***

“I heard you the first ten-thousand times,” Candace said. “Why do you constantly remind me who is oppositional?”

“It’s my job,” Don said.

“Well, stop doing it so well,” Candace told him. “I need a cup of coffee. Let’s take a break,” she suggested.

“That’s the best excuse you have to get rid of me?” he joked.

“It’s not an excuse. It’s a necessity.”

“All right, I think I get it. Half an hour?”

“Thank you,” Candace said. She breathed a sigh of relief when the room cleared. On second thought, maybe she should go in search of a good bottle of scotch. She laughed and answered her cell phone. “President Reid’s Speak Easy, Drink Heavy Saloon. How can I help you?”

“Oh, God, don’t tell me someone wants you to bring back Prohibition,” Marianne said.

“You’d be surprised.”

“I am surprised. I didn’t expect you to answer.”

“Thought you’d leave me a cryptic message?” Candace guessed.

“Maybe. Am I interrupting something?”

“Only another inner debate.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s nothing pressing. I was contemplating coffee or scotch. It is before noon.”

“Have a Bloody Mary. That’s acceptable before lunch.”

Candace laughed. “How much time are you spending with your sister?”

“Not much recently.”

“Mm. I guess we’re all in that same boat.”

“I’m sure you’re busy.”

“Actually, I’m not. Not for an entire thirty minutes.”

“Wow. That must be a record.”

“Might be. Now, as much as I love it when you call, you never call me in the morning. Want to talk about it?”

“The kids miss you and JD,” Marianne said. “So do I.”

“We miss you too. I get the feeling there is more to this call,” Candace surmised.

Marianne sighed.

“Everything okay?”

“It is,” Marianne said. “I just—Oh, Mom.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m pregnant.” There, it’s out.

“That’s wonderful.”

Another sigh.

“Marianne?”

“I don’t know how to tell JD.”

“Jameson will be thrilled for you and Scott.”

“Will she?”

“You know she will be,” Candace replied.

“I do, but I also know it’ll be a reminder.”

“Marianne, you can’t walk on eggshells with Jameson. You’re her best friend.”

“I don’t want to hurt her.”

“If you want me to tell you that she won’t feel a twinge, I can’t. She’s still dealing with her reality. But she will confront those feelings for the rest of her life on some level. She loves you and Scott. You know that.”

“I also know she’s having a hard time lately. I don’t want to add to that.”

Candace considered her reply. Jameson confided many of her feelings to Marianne. Year by year their bond grew stronger. In many ways, Candace thought they’d become like sisters.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.