Page 14 of Revisions

“It’s a factor.”

“Or an excuse.”

“Not an excuse. Maybe an opening. Dee’s terrific, JD. And Laura was great. Neither understands the gravity of the presidency,” Dana offers.

She’s right. Dee is young and eager. She’s intelligent, and I’m confident she’ll be successful no matter what she chooses. Laura was the perfect fit for my office when we arrived at the White House. A new presidency differs from one that has had time in office. And the upcoming elections will require more from us all than the last. Dana can ask me for the things Candace needs but won’t request.

“I’ll do whatever she needs, Dana.”

“I won’t ask you to?—"

“You’ll ask me to agree to things I’d rather avoid. But I know you will only ask if it’s what you think is best for Candace. Thanks, Dana.”

“Why are you thanking me?”

Candace has a giant circle of friends. Although, she’d tell you most are “acquaintances.” Many of her relationships go far beyond casual conversation. She has a small circle of trust but an enormous sphere of influence. And that’s because she cultivates real relationships with people that endure. Most of my close friendships are within my family. It’s always been that way forme. When I was a kid, Craig and Scott were my best friends. Sure, I attended a few parties with classmates and occasional sleepovers. I spent weekends and free time with my brothers and cousins or, if I could, with my dad.

I met Dana’s husband, Steve, at Cornell, and we became fast friends. Dana entered my life when they started dating. I spent most of my college time withtheirfriends. This isn’t because I’m shy or closed off. I’ve always been focused on my work and my family. Maybe that’s because I always felt like the rainbow sheep of my family, and their approval meant so much to me. And if I’m honest, I felt I had something to prove.

Building my business took time. The firm didn’t hit its stride until the year I hired Melanie. I tried to create an environment where the team felt more like family than coworkers, but I didn’t getcloseto anyone until Mel arrived. And then I met Candace.

I’ve learned a lot about myself since I met Candace. Being part of her family only increased my timewithfamily. The thing about Candace and me is once you are in the circle of trust, you become family. Sometimes, that complicates things. Everyone needs someone to confide in who isn’t close to their spouse or partner. Dana and I walk a fine line. She considers Candace a mentor and a mother figure, but she’s been part of my life longer. I don’t need to confide in Dana. She knows me better than almost anyone. Having her on my team isn’t only an asset for me as First Lady, but it’s also a relief for me as just JD.

“It helps,” I explain. “Having you here—not needing to explain what I’m uncomfortable with.”

“Good,” Dana says. “I needed this change, too.”

I tilt my head curiously.

“I love Candy. I love working for her. Watching the toll this job takes on her, JD, has become more difficult. Being here, I can help you both, and I have my best friend close. This breakup with Steve has been hard.”

“I’m sorry, Dana.”

“So am I. It’s for the best. I think it’s the right time to make changes.”

I point to the pint of ice cream in front of Dana. “Eat your ice cream,” I tell her.

“JD?”

“Yeah?”

“You always say how lucky the country is to have Candy. I agree. They’re lucky to have you, too. We all are.”

Chapter Two

Candace

Being apart from Jameson and Cooper isn’t my preference. I’ve also lived long enough to know that all healthy relationships require balance. While some might like to deny it, a bit of distance occasionally helps. I’m not sure I subscribe to the saying, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” It can. Too many prolonged absences often create rifts that become insurmountable valleys. Balance is key. Jameson and I have worked to find the middle ground in our chaotic existence. Life in a big family is always hurried, and while I wouldn’t trade our life for anyone’s, it’s further complicated by my position.

Striking anything akin tobalancewhile serving as the president requires a Herculean effort, not only on my part. It’s one reason I asked Cassidy to serve on my communications team. With Dana moving to Jameson’s office, I need someone who understands me. Cassidy’s presence differs from Dana’s or Shell’s. Cassidy is my equal. She respects me but also knows I don’t have all the answers to the problems our country faces—or my family confronts. We both have big families composed of even bigger personalities. Navigating the competing priorities of children and spouses whose ideas and personalities often clashisn’t unlike traversing the political landscape. We’ve known each other since I was a senator. Our friendship is one of mutual respect and admiration. Having Cassidy close grounds me because I know she sees me clearly. It’s different from the relationships I share with Dana and Shell. They’re both incredibly talented and devoted to me, but I also play a parental role in their lives. That can sometimes make it difficult for them to see me clearly.

Dana started working for me a couple of years after she graduated from college. She was as starry-eyed and exuberant as she was intelligent and driven. I adore Dana. I’ve spent more time with her over the years than almost anyone. She is just as much a daughter to me as the two I gave birth to. She also has me on a pedestal, much like Shell.

Having my daughter close is an asset in more ways than I can count. And I love that Shell is a part of my administration. She’s as enthusiastic as she is intelligent. She’s passionate about the political world and remains hopeful about the future. Her youth and vibrance help me navigate a world that often feels like a dystopian novel. And her presence reminds me why I got into this business.

Itisa new world—one where face-to-face discussion, handshaking, baby kissing, and town halls have been eclipsed by TikToking, Tweeting, Facebook Live, and Instagram. I see the advantages, but I also see the pitfalls. The constant flow of words and images flying by on screens makes shaping narratives that serve a divide-and-conquer mentality easier. It’s too much to process. That leads people to carve out small corners where they find comfort—places that reinforce their beliefs rather than challenge them.

If you listen to me, you might think I oppose technology. I don’t. My concern is how technology is used. Like everything else, the government walks a fine line between oversight andinterference. This reality keeps me up many nights. No one can divorce governing from politics; the two work together. That reality has always created problems, but the alternative is a country led by a monarchy or a dictator, which I find unacceptable.

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